What Is Coastal Style?
A practical guide to packing and wearing surf-inspired outfits on your next beach trip
The term “Coastal style” gets thrown around a lot. One thing I’ve noticed is that it usually leads to recommendations for things like linen shirts, light loose pants and a vague promise of ocean air. That’s great for an artboard or vibe book, but it’s not practical for packing for a vacation.
If you’re actually heading somewhere coastal, you need more than a mood board. You need outfits that can handle heat, wind, sand, and the reality of moving from beach to street without changing three times a day.
Listen to this Story on the 1923 Main Street Podcast
This is where considering a bit of surf influence makes coastal style work. Actually work, in a practical way. This keeps things functional and fashionable, while making it all wearable.
The goal is the same for any beach vacation anywhere: pack light, dress easily and still look like you belong there.
What Coastal Style Actually Means (Without the Fluff)
Forget the mood boards for a minute. Here’s what coastal style is from a practical sense:
Lightweight
Sun-faded, not brand new
Functional enough for beach conditions
Clean enough for restaurants, patios, and walking around town
Surf culture influences this naturally it by removing anything unnecessary. That means it’s less “styled,” more “worn often and works.”
Brands like Billabong and Quiksilver built their identity on that balance. And if you take a minute to watch surfers who live this style everyday (without thinking about it as style), it’s gear that moves from water to everyday life without trying too hard.
That is the mindset to be in when you start packing for your coastal vacation.
The best part of any trip isn’t always the landmarks—it’s the spontaneous detours, hidden gems and unplanned moments uncovered along the way. Our Get a Little Lost, Roam Freely tee is made for those who believe that the journey off the map is where the real stories begin.
Crafted with inspiration by 1923 Main Street, this lightweight, ultra-comfy travel tee is perfect for wherever your curiosity leads you—whether you're strolling cobblestone streets, hiking forest trails, or meandering through markets in a faraway town.
Because when you let go of the schedule, that's when travel truly comes alive. So skip the strict itinerary. Wear boldly. Roam freely. Get a little lost.
• Base Item: Bella + Canvas 3001
• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester)
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz./yd.² (142 g/m²)
• Pre-shrunk fabric
• Side-seamed construction
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
• Blank product sourced from Nicaragua, Mexico, Honduras, or the US
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it may take us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions.
Please note: since all orders are custom created, all sales are final and we do not accept returns, refunds or exchanges. Please check sizing carefully using the guide.
How to Pack Coastal (Without Overpacking)
Most people I know (include my own family) always overpack for beach trips because they plan outfits instead of systems.
Here is the better approach to take that will give you both coastal style and lighter luggage:
Build Around a Few Core Pieces:
3–4 t-shirts (washed tones, not only white)
1–2 lightweight button-ups
1 hoodie or crewneck
2–3 pairs of shorts (mix casual + slightly tailored)
1 pair of lightweight pants
1 pair of swim/boardshort hybrids
1–2 pairs of versatile footwear
That’s it.
Everything in there should mix, layer, and repeat without effort. Think coastal style capsule wardrobe.
If something only works in one outfit, it doesn’t make the trip.
Outfit Ideas that Actually Work on a Coastal Trip
These five outfit ideas are built for movement (beach, coffee, walking, dinner), without needing you to head back to the hotel to reset your entire outfit. Yes, resist the urge.
1. The Airport-to-Ocean Fit
When to Wear it: Travel day, arrival day, first walk around town
Relaxed tee
Lightweight pants
Hoodie or zip layer
Clean sneakers
You land ready to move. No outfit change required before grabbing food or heading to the water.
2. The All-Day Beach Outfit
When to wear it: Beach mornings that turn into afternoons
Hybrid shorts (swim + street)
Loose tee or tank
Slides or slip-ons or quality flip flops
This is where surf influence matters most. You can go in the water, dry off, and keep going.
You don’t need to change outfits or overthink it.
3. The Walkable Coastal Look
When to wear it: Exploring towns, shops, and side streets
Short-sleeve button-up (open or closed)
Casual shorts or light pants
Low-profile sneakers or casual shoes
This fit gives you a step up from beachwear without sacrificing comfort. It works anywhere from touristy beach spots to small coastal towns.
4. The Post-Beach Reset
When to wear it: Late afternoon into early evening
Fresh tee or long sleeve
Lightweight shorts or pants
Hoodie if it cools down
This outfit give you a simple reset. You feel put together without fully changing your style. Again, resist the urge (you’ll be fine and look local).
5. The Casual Night-Out Coastal Fit
When to wear it: Dinner, drinks, patios
Clean tee or button-up
Tailored shorts or lightweight pants
Minimal sneakers or clean slip-ons
Coastal places are rarely formal. So this lets you keep things stylish without looking out of place.
Step into every journey with the spirit of sunshine and spontaneity.
Our Unscripted: Guided by Sun, Driven by Wonder travel t-shirt is made for the free-spirited traveler who chases the warmth of the sun and not itineraries. Whether you're sipping something tropical by the coast or wandering cobblestone streets in a golden-hour glow, this tee is your sunny-day uniform.
Featuring a cheerful graphic of a smiling sun and the words Unscripted: Guide by Sun. Driven by Wonder., this travel t-shirt from the 1923 Main Street® Unscripted collection is more than a piece of clothing—it’s a philosophy. It speaks to those believe that the best travel moments are the ones you never planned.
Crafted on a lightweight, ultra-soft fabric with a comfy unisex fit, it’s as effortless and breezy as the destinations you love. Throw it on post-beach, wear it on long road trips, or pack it for your next island escape—this tee goes wherever the sun leads.
For the traveler who’s guided by sunshine and fueled by curiosity, this shirt is your sunny sidekick.
See more from the Unscripted series by 1923 Main Street®.
• Base Item: Bella + Canvas 3001
• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester)
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz./yd.² (142 g/m²)
• Pre-shrunk fabric
• Side-seamed construction
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
• Blank product sourced from Nicaragua, Mexico, Honduras, or the US
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it may take us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions.
Please note: since all orders are custom created, all sales are final and we do not accept returns, refunds or exchanges. Please check sizing carefully using the guide.
Colour and Fabric Tips (These Make a Difference)
In addition to the outfits, there are a few other things to consider. Colour and fabric are important and this is where you add your own unique style.
Go With:
Washed neutrals (sand, off-white, faded black)
Soft blues, olive, sun-faded tones
Natural fabrics or breathable blends
Avoid:
Heavy synthetics (they trap heat)
Loud prints unless you actually wear them confidently
Overly crisp, stiff clothing
The goal is to look like your clothes have been there before—even if they haven’t.
Footwear that Covers Everything
You do not need five options. This is one of those areas that often gets overdone.
All you need is to bring:
1 pair of clean sneakers
1 pair of slides or sandals
1 pair of flip flops
This trio will handle 90% of situations.
If you add anything, make sure it’s not bulky (and also consider whether it replaces something on the list). If what you want to add is just for the “well we might do this, so I’ll bring these.” That’s where bulk thrives.
The Biggest Mistakes People Make When Packing for Coastal Style
To wrap it all up, here are the biggest packing mistakes I see over and over.
Packing outfits instead of versatile pieces
Bringing “vacation clothes” you’d never wear at home
Overdoing surf branding or beach clichés
Ignoring temperature drops at night
And the big one:
Trying to look like a surfer instead of dressing like someone who understands the environment.
Most surf icons actually keep it simple when they’re off their boards. That’s the lesson to keep in mind.
It’s Time to Start Packing
Coastal style isn’t about the ocean: it is about how you dress around it.
Keep things light. Repeat your best pieces. Let the setting and destination do the creative work.
If your outfits can move from sand to street without friction, you’ve done it right.