The Beach Outfit Every Classy Co-Ed Needs for Summer

For all of you savvy co-eds that plan on heading out to the lake or the beach this summer there are a few key pieces of fashion that you should all have on hand, to make the week or weekend top notch.

When I think of the beach/lake I think of casual, comfy, yet stylish clothes that will make a statement.  Lakes are located in very natural, earthy locations which makes it that much more important to step out and wear bold, colorful clothing.  The beach on the other hand is tropical, full of rich blues and has a relaxing and mesmerizing feel about it.  A few necessities that should be in your suitcase are:

The Perfect Bikini – This is the key piece of the entire trip, solely because most of your time will be spent on or in the water.  Depending on the shape of your body, one should be sure that the suit is flattering on you, and still draws the attention of the fellow water goers.  After all, every stylish co-ed needs a bikini that will make her feel beautiful!

For those of you that are bustier, try this cut swimsuitVictoria’s Secret; victoriassecret.com, Top, $25, Bottom, $25

Very Sexy Triangle Top with Ruched-Waist Scoop Bottom

• Picking a swimsuit with a well-constructed halter, wide bands, and underwire will hold you in and minimize spillage so you can be as classy as possible on the beach.

For those of you that have a curvy figure, try this cut swimsuitVictoria’s Secret; victoriassecret.com, Top, $37, Bottom, $36

Coco Reef ™ Bamboo-trim Halter Top with Scoop Bottom

• Picking a short bikini bottom with tie sides will elongate your legs, and take focus away from bigger hips.  Sticking with a halter or bandeau top will minimize your bust just enough to give you an even, hourglass shape.

For those of you with a small bust, try this cut swimsuitVictoria’s Secret; victoriassecret.com, Top, $20, Bottom, $19

Cheetah Print Triangle top with Double-String bottom w/Ruffle

• Purchasing a swimsuit with floral, print or stripe patterns will increase the illusion of curves, which creates the illusion of a larger bust.  Slightly padded or bandeau tops are the most flattering.

For those who want tummy control, try this cut swimsuitKenneth Cole REACTION; macys.com, $94

Halter Swim dress with Tummy Control

• Flaunt a full figure with a screen-queen silhouette swimsuit in solid colors or retro prints.  This will draw attention to your best features, and will also give you that classy retro look.

Sandals – This item is almost crucial to the entire time you are at the lake/beach.  It is the one thing that everyone around you will see when you arrive, when you leave, and when you go out.  A cute, comfy pair of either flip flops or sandals will make the simplest outfit pop.

Gladiator SandalsBakers Shoes; bakersshoes.com, $29.99

• Gladiator Flats are comfortable, stylish and add a bit of complexity to any outfit.  Try to find a pair that have multiple color tones, or have a metallic look, similar to the ones above.

Jeweled Flip FlopsGAP; gap.com, $40

• T-Strap sandal embellished with jewels will add that little something extra to any simple swimsuit or cover up.

Wedge SandalsFranco Sarto Shoes; macys.com, $62.30

• Wedges are a great way to glam up any outfit, including beach wear.  Try a pair of wedges that are in light metallic this summer.  Whether you are lounging at the pool or walking down to the boardwalk, these will instantly draw in attention… which is never a bad thing.

Wrapped Ankle SandalsBakers Shoes; bakersshoes.com, $29.99

• Heavy prints are the new solids this summer.  Be sure to find a pair of great flats with animal prints, or geometric patterns that will complete and make you swimsuit untouchable.

Flip FlopsReef; zappos.com, Stargazer, $21.95

• Update your plain Jane flip flops for a pair that sparkle in the sun.  These will not only make your pedicure pop, they will also dress up your swimsuit and cover up.

The Cover Up – This is another piece that will draw attention to you.  As I mentioned, the perfect bikini is essential for attention as well as enjoyment and self confidence at the lake, but the cover up is what will be seen first.  Whether you are taking a casual boat ride, or heading to the small beach along the lake, your cover up will be your outfit for that brief moment.  You want it to stand out just as much as your swimsuit.

Tunic Style Cover UpVENUS; venus.com, $19

Halter Cover UpVictoria’s Secret; victoriassecret.com, $29

Sheer Boyfriend Shirt Cover UpDotti; macys.com, $37.50

Strapless Cover UpTarget; target.com, $17.99

No matter what body of water you will be visiting this summer, these 3 savvy clothing pieces are sure to spice up your summer wardrobe.  Just remember to stay classy and enjoy your time in the summer sun.

Staying stylish this summer is easy, and keeping in shape is even easier especially with Emily’s Savvy Fitness Challenges.

Samantha Crotty is an intern with College Lifestyles™.  At Western Carolina University she is majoring in Communications/Print Media and Art.  She lives for making new memories at the beach with her best friends!