This post will show you seven outfit ideas for the lake, with fashion and packing tips.
What’s not to love about lake days?
Wake surfing, tanning, paddle boarding, sitting around a fire, and, of course, hanging out on a boat. It’s one of the greatest summer activities, next to the beach and pool.
If you’re lucky enough to have lake day plans in your future, you’ll want to bring the right outfits that will be both functional and cute. Going to the lake is all about having fun, unplugging, and relaxing, so you’ll want to wear whatever lets you do both things.
And even though most of the time I’m just throwing on any random cover-up on top of my bikini and heading out, there are some days when you might want to look a bit more put-together or get some #lakelife content for your socials, in which case this fashion guide will come in handy.
Whether this is your first time at the lake or you’ve been going there your whole life, we could all do with some lake day fashion inspiration, so read on for lake outfit ideas and packing tips.
Table of Contents
Tips for Creating the Perfect Lake Day Outfit:
- Practical accessories: If you’re on a boat or hanging by the pier, you’ll likely be engaged in a lot of activity, so you don’t want to risk losing your jewelry. If you are going to wear any, make sure it’s not anything precious. And, of course, be sure to bring hats and sunglasses to shade you from the sun.
- Flowy: When you’re constantly getting wet and running around, you don’t want clothes that will feel tight or stick to you too much, so opt for loose and oversized clothing.
- Swimwear: Swimwear is the starting point of almost all of your lake day looks, so if it’s going to show, keep it in mind. And if you’ll be doing activities other than laying out, consider wearing swimwear that is a bit sportier, with secure straps and closures (you don’t want anything accidentally flying off!).
- Slide sandals: You’ll want comfy, uncomplicated sandals that you can slide on and off easily as you hang out lakeside or when you’re hopping on a boat. Try to opt for water-friendly sandals that can get wet without getting ruined.
- Don’t forget a hoodie, sweatshirt, and/or sweater! Nights and early mornings lakeside can get chilly, even in the middle of summer. Make sure you bring at least one warm layer with you.
Lake Day Outfit Ideas
Now that we have the basics down, here is some outfit inspiration to step it up at the lake this year.
Loose White Button-Down + Swimsuit
Products: Button-Down Cover-Up, Bikini Top, Bikini Bottom, Disposable Camera, Sunglasses, Sandals
A loose, oversized white button-down shirt makes for a great cover-up: it looks chic and is a timeless piece that won’t go out of style. The oversized fit makes it easy to throw on over your swimsuit, either alone or over shorts.
This smocked pink bikini set will give you a girly look and keep you secure with its underwire design, but of course, any swimsuit will do.
If there is only one pair of summer sandals I could recommend to you, it would be Birkenstock’s Arizona waterproof slide sandals. They are affordable, super comfy, ultra-lightweight, can get wet, and come in a ton of different colors, giving you plenty of options to find your favorite (this pink pair is especially adorable and matches the bikini perfectly).
Pro tip: bring a disposable camera along with you to capture your memories at the lake that you can get printed later on. It will give your photos a vintage vibe and help you *disconnect* from your cell phone while you’re out in nature. This one-time-use camera features a fun neon smiley print that even glows in the dark!
Terrycloth Cover-Up Set + Swimsuit + Bucket Hat
Products: Cover-Up Set, Bikini Set, Bucket Hat, Sunglasses, Sandals
Terrycloth pieces are perfect for the lake because they’ll help you dry off without the need for a towel.
This shirt and shorts set with a comfortable, relaxed fit is going to make getting dressed a breeze (no need to find matching pieces when the work has already been done for you) and is made from a soft, absorbent toweling material.
The bright orange hue adds to the set’s trendy vibe — consider pairing it with an equally bright, printed bikini or swimsuit for an eye-catching look.
Functional accessories can still be stylish, like a pair of cool aviator sunglasses and a frayed canvas bucket hat, both of which will help shield you from the sun while making you look on-trend.
Complete this lake look with some water-friendly platform slide sandals, another functional yet trendy item.
One-Piece Swimsuit + Flowy Pants (Or Shorts)
One-piece swimsuits are such versatile pieces because they can be worn like bodysuits paired with shorts, skirts, and pants.
This strapless brown scrunch one-piece is a perfect example, being an item that will look just as great outside of the water and worn with some flowy white pants or shorts. These pants feature an elastic waist with a drawcord (meaning, they’re comfortable) and are made from a lightweight, natural fabric that’s ideal for summer lake weather.
Bring along a cute, roomy straw tote bag to carry your towel and other belongings down to the dock, and wear some water-friendly slide sandals, like this pillowy pair.
Jewelry at the lake is definitely not necessary (or recommended, TBH), but this beaded necklace matches the ensemble perfectly, and since it’s under $10, it won’t be the end of the world if you happen to lose it during water activities.
Flowy Maxi Skirt + Swimsuit
Products: Bikini Top, Bikini Bottom, Skirt, Sunglasses, Head Scarf, Sandals, Wireless Speaker
This look is giving Lana Del Rey Americana vibes, and I am so here for it. Red and white gingham is so fitting for the lake, and this gingham bikini with white bow details couldn’t be cuter.
While it would look great with denim shorts, try a tiered white maxi skirt instead. These flowy skirts are a major trend this summer, and their light, airy design makes them a surprisingly effortless option.
Style the outfit with vintage-inspired accessories like some slim cat-eye sunglasses and a headband scarf, plus some flat slide sandals.
You can play your tunes (LDR or otherwise) with this fun, retro-inspired wireless speaker that pairs with your smartphone and is sand and water-resistant, making it a dockside must-have.
Romper Cover-Up + Swimsuit
Products: Romper, Bikini Top, Bikini Bottom, Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Sandals
Rompers also make great cover-ups, so long as they are loose-fitting and easy to take on and off!
Look for a romper that has a relaxed fit with wide legs, like this one that comes in a bunch of different colors. It is lightweight and stretchy, with adjustable straps that allow you to customize its length.
Wear your romper over the swimsuit of your choice — this printed bikini with embroidered stitching is such a cute option with a beachy, boho vibe.
No accessories are needed here, other than some sunglasses and sunscreen (the #1 lake day must-have), of course!
Denim Shorts + Sweatshirt + Trucker Hat
Products: Sweatshirt, Tank Top, Denim Shorts, Hat, Clogs
One thing about me? I’m not leaving the lake without making (and devouring) some s’mores. There’s no better place to sit around a fire and roast marshmallows!
When you’re not in a swimsuit or bikini, you’ll want chill, comfy clothes that are easy to throw on, like a basic white tank top and denim shorts (an unbeatable combo). I’d suggest opting for a pair of loose-fitting denim shorts like this pair rather than a tight-fitting, ultra-short pair that you won’t be comfortable sitting in.
It’s crucial to bring at least one warm layer for nighttime, and this USA flag sweatshirt is a super cute choice. Wear it with a red, vintage-inspired trucker hat and some comfortable footbed clogs for a trendy yet laid-back look that’s ideal for hanging out and making s’mores fireside at night.
Flowy Maxi Dress + Denim Jacket
While at first thought a dress might seem too *fancy* for the lake, think again.
Dresses can be surprisingly effortless and easily worn over a bikini or on their own around the house, for a BBQ, when traveling, etc. So long as you pick a dress that’s made with a lightweight fabric and has a flowy design, you’ll be glad to have packed one (or a few).
If you’ve got lakeside BBQ plans, go for a flowy maxi dress, like this adorable gingham print maxi dress paired with some sandals.
As I mentioned before, you’ll want a lightweight outer layer for chilly mornings or evenings, and a denim jacket is a classic choice that would look great with almost any casual dress.
You don’t need to go overboard with accessories, but a cute cherry necklace and a red hair clip for a subtle pop of color will take this outfit to the next level.
Which lake day outfit is your favorite?
Would you wear these lake looks? Which one is your favorite? Leave a comment and let us know!