This "Grandpa" Staple Is Actually Summer's Biggest Beach Trend—Hear Me Out
Floral beach shirts are probably a piece you’ll find in your grandpa’s or dad’s closet. Often called a "Hawaiian shirt,” the tops are well-known for their tourist vacation vibes. This summer, though, the grandpa staple is carving itself out as one of the biggest trends for summer. Fashion insiders have already been wearing printed beach shirts on repeat, so if you’re still on the fence, I have plenty of proof of how chic they can actually be.
Looking to the fashion set, the styling options are seemingly endless. Whether worn as a bikini coverup, styled with slouchy, tailored trousers, or worn as a matching set, beach shirts are a key style to own for summer. It’s no accident that the trend is arriving at a time when vacations and travel are finally coming back onto our calendars, and it’s one of the first pieces you should pack into your suitcase. Ahead, see six cool ways to style the beach shirt trend this summer.
With a Bikini
This summer, everyone is styling their swimsuits with a myriad of cool coverups. Beach shirts are just one more option to consider.
Shop the look:
Shop the matching Eva Bottoms ($88).
With Matching Shorts
The fashion set loves a good matching set and shorts sets are taking off as one of the top buys for summer. The printed versions take the dad-style beach shirt to the next level.
Shop the look:
With Athletic Shorts
Who knew that athletic shorts could be such a fashion statement? Choose a nylon pair in a bold shade to really make your look pop.
Shop the look:
With Slouchy Trousers
Slouchy trousers seem to be the piece to own in 2021, and fashion people are showing endless ways to style them. That includes this stunning look that incorporates a bikini top and a printed beach shirt.
Shop the look:
With Jeans
A similar outfit to the one above, this look swaps in jeans instead of slouchy trousers. I have a feeling this exact outfit formula is about to be everywhere.
Shop the look:
With Mixed Prints
Clashing prints are having a moment, and this is a really cool way to pull them off. I wouldn’t have thought to pair an ocean print with an animal print, but it just works.
Shop the look:
Shop More Beach Shirts
Next, read the Who What Wear guide to all things summer fashion.
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear where she oversees luxury, runway content, and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, and Tiffany & Co., and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.
-
I'm a Fashion Editor—I Reach For This Effortless Wardrobe Essential When I Don't Know What to Wear
Here are nine easy ways to style the piece.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
The Shirts Londoners Are Willing to Line Up and Down the Street For
The perfect button-down shirt does exist.
By Emma Spedding
-
Jennifer Lopez Wore the Pretty Shirt Trend That Makes Even Y2K Jeans Look Elegant
We love an elevated J.Lo outfit.
By Allyson Payer
-
The "Ultra-High Net Worth" Top That Chic People Are Wearing in NYC and Copenhagen
High neckline, high net-worth.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
I'm a Professional Shopper—30 Elegant Picks I'm Eyeing From Mango, COS, and Nordstrom
These Cyber Monday deals are too chic to pass up.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
I'm an Accessory Designer and Fashion Creative—30 Chic Fall Items I Have My Eye On
Bring on the elevated outfits.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Katie Holmes Wore the Trendy Basic People Are Choosing Over White Button-Downs
Your fall wardrobe needs one.
By Allyson Payer
-
I'm From Miami—4 Affordable Swimwear Brands I Reach For Every Summer
Let bikini season begin.
By Ana Escalante