The Core Formula
The celebrity beach look that keeps returning season after season centers on a few consistent elements: a flowy, oversized cover-up or linen shirt thrown over a swimsuit, minimal but statement-making gold jewelry, oversized sunglasses, and a wide-brim hat or simple slicked-back hairstyle. The overall effect reads as undone in the most curated way possible, which is exactly the tension that makes it so photogenic and endlessly repeatable across different celebrities and different summers.
Neutral and warm tones dominate this look consistently, think white, cream, tan, and soft earth tones, occasionally punctuated by a single bold accessory or a vibrant swimsuit underneath the more muted cover-up. This color restraint is part of why the look photographs so well and translates so easily across different skin tones and personal styles, which is likely part of why it keeps getting adopted season after season rather than fading out.
Why This Look Keeps Coming Back
Part of the staying power here comes down to practicality matched with photogenic appeal. Linen and lightweight cotton cover-ups are genuinely comfortable and breathable for actual beach weather, which means the style isn't purely performative for photos, it holds up in real heat and humidity too. That practicality, combined with how well the relaxed silhouette photographs in natural beach lighting, makes it a look that both looks effortless and actually is relatively low-effort to wear.
There's also a broader fashion trend cycle at play, where "quiet luxury" and understated, high-quality basics have remained culturally dominant in recent style coverage, favoring simple silhouettes and visible quality over loud logos or flashy prints. Beach style has followed that same broader shift, favoring elevated basics over statement swimwear as the centerpiece of the look.
How to Get the Look Yourself
Start with a well-fitting linen or lightweight cotton shirt or kaftan in a neutral tone, sized to hang loosely rather than fitted, since the relaxed drape is a core part of what makes this look work. Layer this over a simple swimsuit in either a matching neutral tone for a monochromatic effect, or a bolder color if you want a pop of contrast peeking through underneath.
Add oversized sunglasses in a classic shape, like a rounded or cat-eye frame, and keep jewelry minimal but intentional: a few simple gold bangles, a pendant necklace, or small hoop earrings tend to hit the right note without overwhelming the look's relaxed simplicity. A wide-brim straw hat completes the look for both style and practical sun protection, though a simple slicked-back or loosely tied hairstyle works just as well if a hat isn't your preference.
Where to Shop for These Pieces
You don't need designer pieces to recreate this look effectively, since its appeal comes from silhouette and color coordination rather than logos or brand names. Look for linen or cotton-blend cover-ups at mid-range retailers, where the relaxed, breathable fabric quality that makes this look work is widely available without a luxury price tag attached.
Secondhand and resale platforms can also be a smart source for oversized sunglasses and simple gold-toned jewelry, since these accessory categories tend to hold their style relevance well across seasons, making a secondhand find just as functional as something bought new for this particular look.
What to Avoid
Avoid sizing your cover-up too small or fitted, since the relaxed, oversized drape is central to what makes this look read as effortless rather than simply "beachwear." Also be cautious about over-accessorizing; the appeal of this look lies specifically in its restraint, and piling on multiple statement pieces at once can push it from effortlessly chic into visually cluttered.
Skip anything overly structured or formal in fabric choice, since stiff or heavy materials undercut the relaxed, breathable quality that makes this style both photogenic and practical for actual beach or poolside wear.
FAQ
Does this look work for any body type? Yes, since the silhouette is intentionally loose and relaxed rather than fitted, it tends to be genuinely flattering and comfortable across a wide range of body types, which is part of its broad, lasting appeal.
Is this look expensive to recreate? Not necessarily. The formula relies more on silhouette, color coordination, and a few well-chosen accessories than on specific designer pieces, making it accessible at a wide range of price points.
How do I keep this look from feeling like a costume? Keep the color palette restrained to neutrals and warm tones, and limit yourself to one or two statement accessories rather than trying to include every element from the formula at once.
This effortless beach formula has outlasted plenty of shorter-lived trends precisely because it balances real comfort with a genuinely photogenic silhouette. Whoever's wearing it best this particular week, the underlying pieces and approach are worth having in your own summer rotation regardless.
📚 Sources
Vogue – Summer Style Trends – https://www.vogue.com/fashion/trends
Harper's Bazaar – Celebrity Style Coverage – https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/
