Tips for Looking Stylish at the Beach

And just like that, it’s Wednesday! Ahhh, short weeks…the next best thing to long weekends! It’s amazing what just one extra day does for the soul! I put my phone/computer down for an entire 24-hours over the weekend…and although I felt a little panicky at times (I had no idea how reliant I’d become on being constantly connected!), it felt so good to be ultimately connected where it matters most…at home.

I started these no-phone breaks for myself earlier in the Summer after my kids made a few flippant comments about always seeing the top of my head (not because they’re taller than me, but because I was always bent over my phone). I realized if I want our kids to stay engaged while we’re together, I needed to lead by example.

I used to think I was a really good multi-tasker, using the phone to stay on top of work, emails, and social media. But never fully separating myself from those responsibilities was causing me resentments and stress, and at the same time, diluting my time with the family! My inbox might be a little scarier on Monday mornings now, but I’m a lot more sane and content to tackle it!

Wow…hello, side rant! How about we get to the business of today’s post…looking effortlessly stylish on beach vacations!

Hi Sugarplum | Island Style

We spent our last full week of Summer on Anna Maria Island (read the {Trip Report} here), and like my no-phone rule, the point of beach vacations is no stress! So I packed very little (everything for the week fit in my favorite new Weekender Bag), and left the hair dryer and most of my makeup at home.

I chose only pieces that could be worn everywhere from the beach and cafes, to boat excursions and evening cocktails. And with a few statement accessories, the outfits transitioned seamlessly, and still looked chic.

Hi Sugarplum | Island Style
Racerback Dress in ‘Blue Spectrum’ | Straw Hat | Sunglasses | Earrings

Hi Sugarplum | Island Style

Hi Sugarplum | Island Style
Racerback Dress in ‘Blue Spectrum’ | Straw Hat | Sunglasses | Earrings
Hi Sugarplum | Island Style

These beaded tassel bracelets have been my go-to accessory lately…they add such a fun dash of color, and pair with virtually every outfit. The response to them has been so overwhelming, they’ve decided to extend the special price one last week, for Hi Sugarplum readers only! Use code SUGARPLUM at checkout, and the trio set is only $20! Hello, great Christmas gifts, too!

Hi Sugarplum | Island Style

Hi Sugarplum | Island Style
Hi Sugarplum | Island Style
Palm Print Romper (similar on sale!) | Flip-FlopsSunglasses
Hi Sugarplum | Island Style

Hi Sugarplum | Island Style

Hi Sugarplum | Island Style
Palm Print Romper (similar on sale!Flip-Flops | Sunglasses
Hi Sugarplum | Island Style
Spotted Dress (size up one) | Straw Hat | Earrings in ‘Chalcendony’
Hi Sugarplum | Island Style

Hi Sugarplum | Island Style
I typically go bra-less in this dress #smallboobperks #seewhatIdidthere  
But if you need more support, try these pasties or this backless bra strap thingie.
Hi Sugarplum | Island Style
Spotted Dress (size up one) | Straw Hat | Earrings in ‘Chalcendony’


{Tips for Staying Stylish on Beach Vacations}
*Don’t fight your natural hair texture…just go with it, or use hats to tame the beast.
*Lightweight dresses & rompers make chic swimsuit cover-ups, & use minimal suitcase space.
*Bright lipstick & a few key accessories will transition you from beach to dinner.
*Colorful totes or straw bags double as beach bag and purse.
*Save the heels for home & bring flip-flops & sandals that are beach-easy and street-chic.

Hi Sugarplum | Island Style

And don’t forget to smile, relax & have fun….that’s the most stylish look of all!

Sidenote: Mr. SP told me to jump in the air, and he snapped this in one take! Looks like this girl’s got hops! #notreally But remember this one?

Hi Sugarplum | Island Style

What are your tips for staying stylish and chic while traveling to beach locations? Do you have no-phone days at home or on vacation?

See more Packing Tips here, and more Beach Style here.


And P.S…just because we’re now past Labor Day, that doesn’t mean you have to pack up your whites…see my {5 Ways} White Jeans After Labor Day post here!

Leave a Comment

26 Comments

  1. You look WAY TOO GOOD hopping in the air. I would have 23 chins. Gorgeous pic today and great tips!

    Posted 9.9.15 Reply
    • I think the camera caught me coming down, so I had the momentum of gravity working in my favor! šŸ˜‰ xo

      Posted 9.9.15 Reply
  2. Love your beachy looks! Not only do you look great with those adorable outfits, but the backgrounds are gorgeous as well! I took a lot of breaks from technology over the summer and now I am excited to get back to indulging in blogs again now that the kids are back to school.
    Shelley

    Posted 9.9.15 Reply
    • Anna Maria Island is such a gorgeous, special place! I can't wait to get back! Hope you had a wonderful Summer, Shelley!

      Posted 9.9.15 Reply
  3. Zanjiieh wrote:

    very nice shot. i like it. very nice timing

    Have you viewed Seattle State Farm Agency

    Posted 9.9.15 Reply
  4. Always adorable! I love that pom pom top! So cute! You (and Mr. Sugarplum) take the best pics of you and your kiddos. Do you have a photo post coming up in the future? I'd love to know some tips! šŸ™‚

    Posted 9.9.15 Reply
    • Thanks, friend! I do not have any tips when it comes to the camera…other than get a good DSLR, and the 50mm lens! I swear that thing does all the work for you!!

      Posted 9.9.15 Reply
  5. Momma wrote:

    I know what you mean about technology interfering with quality family time. I work from home and it became increasingly difficult to shut down the computer and spend time with my kids. I finally implemented technology free Sundays and its been great. My boss knows I do no work on Sundays and it is a day of church, rest, and family. It was a little strange at first, but now I wake up Sunday mornings so excited to have a full day off with my family.

    Posted 9.9.15 Reply
    • Love the idea of a dedicated no-phone day!!

      Posted 9.9.15 Reply
  6. I completely agree with all of these beach style secrets! The biggest one for me is embracing my natural hair–it's super curly and tends to get frizzy, but at the beach–I just go with it and wear lots of top knots and hats šŸ™‚

    Posted 9.9.15 Reply
    • Yes ma'am…there's a reason why I'm wearing a hat most all Summer! šŸ˜‰ xo

      Posted 9.9.15 Reply
  7. I so need to implement some technology free days!

    Posted 9.9.15 Reply
  8. I love your less phone rule for the weekend :). You are exactly right about all of it! And that blue dress…you should wear it 24/7. #smokinhot

    Posted 9.9.15 Reply
    • Looks like I'll be wearing it night and day now…thanks, girlie!

      Posted 9.9.15 Reply
  9. I love the palm print romper and the spotted dress. I think you look great in that fedora. I definitely can not pull off a hat. So props to you for rocking that look.
    Jenn

    Posted 9.9.15 Reply
    • I'm challenging that statement…I bet you'd look great in hats! It's just a matter of finding the right scale for your face and head, and just going for it!! xo

      Posted 9.9.15 Reply
  10. Liz Jo wrote:

    I love all of your picks! Such versatile and colorful ones. That dress is so perfect.

    liz jo @ sundays with sophie

    Posted 9.9.15 Reply
  11. diana wrote:

    LOVE the ignoring your phone for 24 hours. Luckily, we've been close on our data on many of our lake trips this summer which seems crappy but is actually wonderful. I'll check the weather and texts but mostly ignore my phone besides that and it's WONDERFUL. Need to remember that in normal life at home too!

    Posted 9.9.15 Reply
    • Yes! I been on a few flights lately that didn't have wifi, and I was almost livid! Then I realized the forced break was actually a treat!! xoxo

      Posted 9.9.15 Reply
  12. Cheryl Ann wrote:

    This is nice to see…enjoying your children. I love that you take them on vacations & spend time with them. Our children are grown and we know that spending time with them taught them that they were important to us. Now we have adults that we love being with…and they are good parents to our grandchildren. It's a gift that truly keeps on giving.

    Posted 9.10.15 Reply
  13. Jill wrote:

    Thanks for resharing your 5 ways for white jeans after Labor Day! You've convinced me and gave great ideas we can still wear these beauties

    Posted 9.10.15 Reply
  14. Jillian wrote:

    so many cute outfits! i love the racerback dress šŸ™‚ xo jillian – cornflake dreams

    Posted 9.10.15 Reply
  15. Curious what size you went with in the racerback dress? Is it true to size or did you size up? I should ask as well what size you typically wear to give me a better idea of what would work best for me. šŸ™‚

    Posted 9.13.15 Reply
    • Hi Stacy…you mean the dress I know have in three colors? šŸ˜‰ #houstonwehaveaproblem
      I wear an XS in it…and that's my usual size. I've tried a Small, just for comparison, but it's kind of potato-sacky and drapes too low in the front and armholes. Hope this helps!!

      Posted 9.14.15 Reply
  16. mrspacman wrote:

    How does your hat not fly off at the beach? I have this gorgeous beach hat but any little bit of wind and its off. By the way you have a rocking body!! Have u done a post on what u do to stay fit? Would love to see one

    Posted 9.15.15 Reply
    • Ha! I guess it flies off from time to time, but my big head usually keeps it in place! šŸ™‚ Thank you for the sweet compliment…I've never done a fitness or health post, probably bc I don't know/do much! A lot of dog walking!! x

      Posted 9.15.15 Reply