Black Textured Dress // Floral Swimsuit Top + Bottom // Wrap Sandals // Flat Straw Beach Bag // Circle Sunnies // Straw Hat

Something I’ve been not so great at in the past is picking out swimsuits and coverups that GO together. Like when the colors of the suit ACTUALLY match or at least look decent with the coverup you pick out. For some reason, I usually shop for swimwear and coverups differently and so I typically end up with a bunch of mismatched pieces. But for this trip, I wanted to make sure I had beach “outfits” if that makes sense.  And instead of winging it like I usually do, I’m committed to picking out ALL my accessories and literally putting together at least four outfits. Also, this will help me with not overpacking for the trip!

After spending probably 6+ hours shopping (not even kidding  – I wish I was), I gotta tell you, it’s NOT easy to find pieces that look good together. Or at least it’s not easy to find it all online at the same time and imagine what it will look like in real life, you know? So I went to Nordstrom and found a bunch of these items in store. Then once I had my key pieces I went to Nordstrom online & picked out the finishing touches! I guess if I was doing this over a period of a few months or years it would be a lot easier! That’s why I love buying classic pieces that will go with a lot of options and that will stand the test of time style and quality-wise!

Striped Jumpsuit // Tan Wedges // Circle Sunnies // Wooden Handled Bag

Bikini + Jumpsuit/Romper

Like for instance, I love this simple black bikini (by one of my fave swimwear brands) but I just realized after putting this collage together that it actually wouldn’t look  *best* with that adorable jumpsuit (which I got! so excited about) because the romper is sleeveless – totally didn’t think that one through. So I think a strapless swimsuit would probably look best under it – or maybe the straps won’t look too bad – thoughts?

But regardless of whether or not I actually wear this jumpsuit with this bikini, I got both pieces and LOVE!

I want to call out the UNSEEN Sunscreen I included above. Y’all…IT IS AMAZING. I’ve been wearing it under my makeup (even makeup with SPF in it) EVERY single day because it’s the BEST. It doesn’t smell like sunscreen (PRAISE) and it goes on more like a primer, which is perfect! I highly recommend it!

One Piece + Sarong

Okay but moving onto this look above, I LOVE it. I’m all about the one-piece game because it makes me feel more feminine and classy. I used to be 100% only bikinis, but  I feel like the older I get, the more I’m appreciating a cute and well-made one-piece.  I’ve always been a big fan of palm print, so I LOVE this sarong! It would also look cute with a white or even green (if it’s the right shade) swimsuit! And  I thought the white earrings would be a fun pop and tie in the palm print too!

I love the simplicity of this black one-piece I featured in the collage above. And how tiny the straps are – plus the look like they’d be easy to slide over your shoulder if you wanted to avoid a tan line.

One Piece + Shorts + Kimono

As seen previously on BTD, I love a good pair of denim shorts! I have so many looks where I style them – they are just so EASY to throw on and get out the door. Also, the right pair will last you a lifetime and be super comfortable. This pair of black paper bag waist shorts are one of my favorites, too! I love the idea of throwing on a pair of casual shorts over a one-piece swimsuit, layering a kimono (pick printed if you have a solid suit and vice versa) and styling an easy sandal to complete my beach look. You can take this look from beach (or poolside) to lunch or shopping so easily with the right accessories like this structured straw hat and chic sunnies, making the whole outfit more polished.

I’ve been wearing these sunnies nonstop lately, love the mix of black, brown and gold. I have also been living in these wrap sandals that are so easy to throw on with many different looks! The suit I have featured is high cut on the sides, just FYI if you like that look. I am also linking a few white kimono options that give different vibes depending on the details.

If you are looking to make the most out of your beach/pool outfits – the key is to add accessories and stick with a theme for the look. For instance, the sarong look is classicly stylish and the kimono is more of a bohemian vibe – the accessories MAKE OR BREAK the outfit so pay attention to what aesthetic you think each piece gives and pair like items with each other. Also adding a simple hoop or gold stud earring to most swim looks will pull things together if you really don’t want to have to do much planning when it comes to beach looks. I know I love an easy beach outfit so I hope this guide helps you for seasons to come!

Thank you Nordstrom for sponsoring this post! As always, all opinions and content are my own.