How to Be a Beach Babe

Co-authored by Lynda Jean

Last Updated: March 4, 2023 References

Being a beach babe is all about having a low-maintenance, laid-back style and attitude while having fun on the beach. Whether you’re on vacation at the shore or heading down to your local beach, you can achieve the beach babe look and personality with just a few simple changes to your wardrobe and attitude.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Looking Like a Beach Babe

1
Pick out a fun bathing suit. Wear a bikini or a pretty one-piece that makes you feel comfortable and cute. Try a bathing suit in a bright color or pattern you wouldn’t normally wear. Slip into a wetsuit or rash guard, too, if you’re going surfing.
- Try a white or neon bathing suit to bring out the tan in your skin. Or go with bright red for that classic Baywatch-inspired beach babe look!^{[1]
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- Choose a one-piece or a tankini if you want to cover up your tummy. If you have a larger chest, a structured suit with underwire is a great choice; if you have a smaller chest, go for ruffles or embellishment on the top.^{[2]
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2
Wear beachy clothes. Slip on a light swimsuit coverup, a flowing patterned dress, or a bright t-shirt, tank, or crop top with shorts. Remember to coordinate colors or patterns with your bathing suit if you can! Top your look with a big sun hat, straw cowboy hat, or cap.
- If you're not really comfortable in a bathing suit, wear a dark one piece bathing suit under a beautiful cover up in colors so that you can't see through the cover up.
- Bring along a warm layer, like a light blanket, a hoodie, or a cute knit poncho, if you’re headed to the beach at night.
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3
Get the hairstyle. Wear your hair in a loose bun or ponytail, or down and tousled. Get beachy waves if you have straight hair by keeping it in braids before letting it down, or putting wet hair into four small buns before bed and letting your hair loose in the morning. If you have curly hair or an afro, let it loose or try tiny braids.
- Try a salt spray product, or make your own by combining sea salt and water in a spray bottle. You can also add coconut oil and leave-in conditioner to the mix to keep hair moisturized.^{[3]
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- For natural sun-kissed blonde highlights, combine fresh lemon juice or chamomile tea with water in a spray bottle and spray from the middle to ends of your hair before going out in the sun. Do this regularly to start seeing a difference in your hair color.^{[4]
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4
Take it easy on makeup. Don’t wear any makeup at all, or stick to a light lip gloss or chapstick. You can wear mascara, but make sure it’s the waterproof variety.
- Try a chapstick that has built-in SPF for a soft shine that will also keep your lips from getting sunburned or dried and chapped from the wind.
- Use a tinted moisturizer with SPF, which will provide your face with moisture, sun protection, and foundation all in one.
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Wear minimal accessories. Choose some simple sunglasses and straw cowboy hat or other sun hat, and go barefoot or in flip-flops or other sandals. Opt for simple, beach-inspired jewelry like a braided necklace, bracelet, or ankle bracelet with a few shells or beads. Bring along a cute and colorful beach bag to carry your towel, sunscreen, and water bottle.
6
Get a tan. You will naturally get a glowing tan by spending lots of time on the beach, but do it well by applying plenty of sunscreen, being in the sun for short periods of time, and moisturizing your skin before and after. Use a tinted lotion as well for an extra boost of bronze and shine.
- Use a sunscreen that's SPF 15 or higher, apply it 30 minutes before you go outside, and reapply it after every two hours and after every time you get wet or sweaty.^{[5]
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- Bring along an umbrella and chair as well, so that you can get a break from the sun every once in awhile.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Acting Like a Beach Babe

1
Act fun and flirty. Whether you’re naturally outgoing or a quieter type, bring out your best flirty side and down-for-anything attitude. Go to the beach with good friends so you’re more comfortable. Try flirting with a surfer by talking to them about how long they’ve been surfing (and ask if they can teach you!), or chat with a lifeguard about the surf.
- If you have a more reserved personality, just chill out solo by laying out to tan on a towel or chair while listening to music or reading a book or magazine. Quiet and mysterious can make for a beach babe attitude too!
- Be easy and go with the flow! Just walk away from friends who are engaged in an argument or other drama, and easily accept when there’s a change of plans or new idea in your group. Beach babe attitude is all about being laid back and carefree!
2
Participate in beach activities. Play beach volleyball, toss a frisbee, or skateboard on the boardwalk. Learn to surf, boogie board, or swim in the ocean. You can also try out sailing, jet skiing, or water skiing to adventure further offshore. Check out the boardwalk or nearby rental places to ask how you can get a lesson on boogie boarding, surfing, or boating, and where to rent or buy all the necessary equipment.
- If you’re vacationing or new in town, talk to locals about beach parties or other fun things to participate in on the shore.
3
Learn the lingo. Incorporate some classic surfer speak into your conversations, like “totally,” “radical,” “dude,” and “far out!” You can also pick up some terms related to the surf like “gnarly” or “da kine” when the waves are great for surfing, or “ankle biters” when they’re too small.^{[6]
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4
Make beach friends. Head down to the beach and strike up a conversation! Join in with a group of beachgoers and ask them what they do for fun around the shore. Jump into a beach volleyball game, or join a group that regularly plays a beach sport to get active and meet new people.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Living Like a Beach Babe

1
Get to the beach as often as possible. If you live near the beach, make an effort to be there every day or every weekend if you can. Or, if you’re taking a vacation to a beach locale, do some research and pick a spot where there are popular beaches for sunbathing, surfing, or other water sports, depending on what you’re looking to do.
- Make sure you know what the water temperature is if you’re planning on swimming or surfing! The Atlantic Ocean is generally a lot warmer than the Pacific, for example. Be prepared with a wetsuit if necessary.
- If you’re vacationing, try heading to a warmer location in the winter months, like Mexico, Bali, or the Caribbean, to maximize beach time.
2
Get a job near the beach. If you live in a beach town, get paid to spend more time on the beach and support your lifestyle by getting a job as a surf instructor, a lifeguard, or a salesperson or server at beachside shops and restaurants.
3
Head to the beach early to catch the surf. Get out to the beach in the early morning to catch the best waves (or just to chat up some surfers!). Check out local tide charts, buoy reports, and information about the breaks at a given beach to find the best times and conditions for great surf.
4
Check out beach parties at night. Though you’ll probably spend most of your time on the beach during the day, head down on weekend nights to see if there’s a bonfire, party, or other event going on and join in the fun.

Community Q&A

Question

Do you wear flip flops or high heels for going to the beach 🏖?

Astxrism

Community Answer

Wear whatever you feel confident in, but flip flops may be more practical because they're easier to walk around in and do your favorite beach activities!

Warnings

Be safe when swimming, surfing, or any other activities in the ocean, as rough surf and riptides can be dangerous. Pay attention to any warning signs, stay out of the water during high winds and storms, and never go in without a lifeguard present.

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If you have color-treated hair, stay away from hair products that contain salt. They will make your color fade faster.

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