Breezy beach co-ords for holidays and heatwaves
It’s no secret that we love a beach co-ord here at Red, and with holiday season nearly here, it’s a great time to add an easy, breezy two-piece to your capsule wardrobe.
The best beach co-ords offer a cooler take on traditional holiday cover-ups: think a more casual take on the kaftan that's less faff than a sarong. Normally consisting of a button-down shirt and elasticated short or trouser, a beach co-ord strikes the perfect balance between elevated and louche, smart and comfortable. So thankfully, long gone are the days of struggling into damp denim shorts that are bound to rub in all the wrong places.
Read more: Chic co-ords for every summer occasion
But the best thing about a beach co-ord is that it’s not only perfect for holidays, but it's also a truly versatile piece for living in all summer long. Like any co-ord, you get two pieces in one to either throw together for an effortless outfit or style separately. Team the bottoms with a strappy vest or T-shirt for a casual weekend look, or wear the shirt with straight-leg jeans and cigarette trousers to polish it up. For the evening, simply switch up your accessories – swap trainers or flip flops for a strappy heel and add lashings of jewellery or a red lip.
Suitably convinced? Luckily, there’s a huge range of beach co-ords to choose from, whether you’re into cosy towelling, airy linens or fancy leaning into this season’s ‘70s fashion revival with some crochet. There's a matching set to suit all styles and occasions, so keep scrolling for the best beach coords to shop now.
Hush Elodie Crinkle Beach Shirt & Trousers
New-in at high street hero Hush, this co-ord is too good to be confined to the pool-side or beach. We'll we wearing this tie-up shirt and wide-leg trouser set out for alfresco dinners with heeled mules and chunky gold jewellery.
Beach shirt, £59, and trousers, £65, hush-uk.com
H&M Jersey Top & Shorts
Crafted from cotton terry towelling in chic Breton stripes, this H&M beach co-ord is perfect for throwing over a wet swimsuit. We love the boxy fit, collared shirt and elasticated waist on the matching shorts. It’s also available in a versatile beige if that’s more your style.
Top, £15.99, and shorts, £14.99, hm.com
ME+EM Cotton Stripe Top & Shorts
You can always rely on ME+EM to offer a smarter take on staple holiday pieces. We like how the shorts on this beach co-ord are tailored but still feature an elasticated waistband to keep things comfy. Style yours for work post-vacation with a crisp white T-shirt and boxy blazer.
Shirt, £95, and shorts, £65, meandem.com
Mango Cotton Stripe Shirt & Shorts
Mango has just dropped a new collection, aptly named ‘By The Seaside’, full of nautical stripes, knitted beach dresses and the perfect beach co-ord. We love the versatility of both the pieces in this set – style the shirt with white jeans and loafers and the shorts with oversized jumpers.
Shirt, £29.99, and shorts, £25.99, mango.com
Arket Linen Resort Shirt & Trousers
Nothing says summer quite like a white linen set, are we right? Arket’s pure linen pieces are some of the best and (surprisingly) most affordable options out there. Elevate yours with gold hoops and a red lip.
Shirt, £47, and trousers, £67, arket.com
H&M Linen-Blend Shirt & Shorts
If you're after a beach co-ord on a budget, H&M's selection of holiday pieces are just the ticket. This linen set comes in an array of bold colours from peachy pink to this cornflower blue. Grab it quick, as at this price, it's bound to sell out.
Shirt, £18.99, and shorts, £12.99, hm.com
COS Floral Print Silk Shirt & Shorts
A refreshing change from pinstripe beach co-ords, COS’ mulberry silk set features an abstract floral print in a timeless cream and brown. Style yours with a straw basket bag and chunky sandals for real French Riviera vibes.
Silk shirt, £95, and shorts, £65, cos.com
ME+EM Cotton Knitted Cami & Shorts
If you're not into bright colours and bold patterns, ME+EM's co-ord – made from crocheted cotton – will do nicely. We love how the shirt is cut in a wearable camisole shape, which will look just as chic with the matching knitted shorts as it will with your favourite straight-leg jeans.
Cami top, £95, and shorts, £125, meandem.com
Whistles Stripe Beach Shirt & Trousers
For an effortlessly cool summer look, opt for Whistles' beach co-ord – the vibrant green and white stripes feel especially appropriate for the season ahead. Take yours beyond the holiday by styling the relaxed shirt with white jeans and trainers.
Shirt, £55.20, trousers, £55.20, whistles.com
Reiss Winona Linen Shirt & Cleo Linen Shorts
We love the voluminous shape of Reiss’ gorgeous peachy pink linen shirt; the grandad collar and three-quarter-length sleeves are just the cherry on top. Style yours with the matching mini shorts or simply pair it with denim.
Shirt, £118, and shorts, £78, reiss.com
Mint Velvet Cotton Shirt & Short Set
Already stocked up on striped sets? Why not invest in a bright fuchsia beach co-ord and inject some colour into your holiday capsule wardrobe. Keep styling simple (think a straw bag or white trainers) to let the bold shade sing.
Matching set, £109, mintvelvet.com
Hush Lana Linen-Blend Beach Shirt & Shorts
Crafted from a breezy linen blend, this Hush set is perfect for staying cool in a heatwave. We’ll be taking a leaf out of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s book and styling ours with tortoiseshell sunnies and slip-on sandals.
Shirt, £65, and shorts £49, hush-uk.com
Whistles Painted Stripe Oversized Shirt & Shorts
Whistles’ striped shirt has a longer hemline for extra versatility: buy a size up and style it as a shirt dress, wear yours open over swimsuits or pair it with the matching shorts. We’re just in love with those contrasting, nautical stripes.
Shirt, £71.20, and shorts, £63.20, whistles.com
Albaray Ticking Stripe Shirt & Shorts
Albaray has introduced new summery prints this season – including gorgeous florals and this ticking stripe. The best part? There are loads of co-ordinating items to choose from – from shorts to skirts and cropped tops – so you can mix and match.
Shirt, £75, and shorts, £69, albaray.co.uk
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