How to Choose Your Beach Dress? The Summer 2026 Style Guide

A beach dress is much more than just a cover-up. It's the piece that transitions between the seaside and the restaurant terrace, between the warm sand and the colorful streets of a coastal village. But with a multitude of styles available, how do you choose the one that truly suits you? Bootiky guides you.

1. Different Styles of Beach Dresses

The Classic Cover-Up Dress

Light, flowing, it slips on in seconds over your swimsuit. Ideal for effortlessly going from the beach to the bar. Opt for a style with a V-neck and ruffles for a feminine and romantic effect, or a backless with a drawstring tie for a more assertive silhouette.

The Bohemian Fringe Dress

An essential summer item, the bohemian dress in openwork knit with fringes adds a touch of freedom and movement. It can be worn on the beach as well as in the evening with gold sandals. It's the perfect choice for those who love a casual yet chic style.

The Backless Dress

Sensual and elegant, the white backless beach dress is a timeless classic. White reflects light and enhances a tan – a winning combo for summer.

The Dress with Crochet Details

Crochet is this summer's strong trend. Crochet details and ruffled hems give a handcrafted and premium dimension to the beach dress, perfect for travelers looking for originality.

2. Choosing According to Your Body Shape

  • A-shape (wider hips) → Favor flowing dresses with a prominent neckline or a structured top to balance the silhouette. The ruffled V-neck dress is ideal.
  • V-shape (wider shoulders) → Opt for dresses with details at the bottom (fringes, ruffles) to create volume on the hips.
  • Straight shape → All cuts suit you! Go for dresses with a belt or drawstring to create a waist.
  • Hourglass shape → You can wear anything. The backless dress or openwork knit will naturally highlight your curves.

3. Materials to Favor

For a comfortable and stylish beach dress, favor:

  • Openwork knit: lightweight, it allows air to pass through and dries quickly
  • Cotton: soft and breathable, perfect for long days in the sun
  • Viscose: fluid and light, it drapes perfectly on the silhouette
  • Crochet: trendy and original, it provides a unique texture

Avoid thick synthetic materials that retain heat.

4. Trend Colors Summer 2026

This season, the dominant colors are:

  • Immaculate white — timeless and luminous
  • Natural tones (sand, ecru, beige) — for an authentic bohemian look
  • Graphic prints — for assertive personalities
  • Black — elegant even at the beach, especially in openwork knit

5. How to Style It?

A beautiful beach dress is almost enough on its own. A few accessories to complete the look:

  • Gold jewelry: a multi-layered gold-plated bracelet adds a touch of effortless luxury
  • Flat sandals: in natural leather or raffia to stay in the bohemian theme
  • A straw hat: sun protection and style guaranteed
  • A wicker bag: the ultimate beach accessory

Conclusion

Choosing your beach dress is above all choosing how you want to feel this summer: free, elegant, bohemian, or sophisticated. At Bootiky, every dress is designed to accompany you from morning to night, from the beach to the terrace.

Discover our collection of beach dresses and find the one that suits you.