Fashion

13 Summer Style Tips From The Coolest Surfer Girls

by Katharine McEntee

While I usually look to the runway for some sort of style direction, in the summer I look to my favorite surfer girls on Instagram. Their effortless fashion sense and fondness for prints have taught me a thing or two about that quintessential surfer girl style. So whether you shred the nar on the daily or just want to look like you do, I’ve come up with 13 summer style tips that will have you feeling beach-ready in no time.

I know what you’re thinking: You either live in the city or don’t get to the beach much; but that doesn’t matter. It’s not just about what suit to wear to the beach. It’s about channeling that oh so covetable bohemian look every day. So instead of looking for copies of Chloe and Saint Laurent at Zara, embrace your inner California girl this summer with help from some of the coolest women on the beach.

From saltwater-sprayed tresses to mix and match swimsuits, the surfer girls of Instagram will give you some major vacation style inspiration. So what are you waiting for? Scroll down to see some of the awesome style tips that I learned from women who do summer all year round.

1. Denim On Denim

Take your bikini to the boardwalk with a trendy denim on denim look. Try a pair of ripped jeans and a chambray shirt for a California cool vibe.

2. It's All About The Accessories

It doesn't matter whether you prefer rings or a hat, pile on all of your accessories for a super cool look.

3. Mix And Match Your Bikinis

Instead of buying a new suit, try mixing them up. While mixing suits can be tricky, the women who wear them everyday have it figured out. Do like Alana Blanchard above and mix a solid with a print on your next beach outing.

4. Stripes Are Always A Good Idea

Get the nautical look by the beach with a classic striped tee or dress.

5. Cozy Knits Work Year Round

When the temperatures drop at the end of the day, there is nothing more summery or cute than an oversized knit by the water.

6. Floral On Floral On Floral

As I've said before, these beach babes are awesome at mixing prints. So if you love florals, try mixing three different flowery prints — as you can see above, it doesn't look too girly; it just looks plain cool!

7. Gladiator Sandals

An awesome sandal can make any outfit, so go all-in this summer with a gladiator.

8. Trendy Chokers Are A Must

A choker is a great way to add some style to any outfit on the beach or in the city.

9. When All Else Fails, Go For The Top Knot

The perfect summer waves may look effortlessly chic, but they aren't always that easy to recreate. So try summer's second favorite 'do: the topknot. It is much easier to style and it still reads effortlessly cool.

10. Add An Edge To Florals With Combat Boots

Depending on my mood, florals can sometimes be a bit too girly for my liking, so give them an edge with black accessories and/or a pair of combat boots.

11. Overalls

I love overalls for summer because they are both practical and on-trend. So update your basic bikini or little white tee by throwing on a pair of stylish overalls.

12. You CAN Wear Black In The Summer

I own way too many black clothes, so it's nice to see that you can still make black work in the summer.

13. If You Don't Have One Yet, Invest In A White Button-Down

Because you can go from the office to the beach with a little white button-down.

Images: lauraenever, kassiasurf, elliejeancoffey, sally_fitz, alanarblanchard, sageerickson, alessaquizon, flickpalmateer/Instagram