Apparently, We're Only Wearing Pants With Bikinis to the Beach Now (Sorry, Shorts, You're Out)

Here's how to style them like an It girl in Sicily.

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Courtney Grow and Alexa Chung wearing bikini tops with beach pants.
(Image credit: @alexachung; @courtneygrow)
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When packing for a day at the beach, be it on vacation or just a nearby strip of sand, one would traditionally pair their swimsuit with one of two things: a pair of shorts or a cover-up. It's basically always been this way, and in some ways, I agree that what's not broken doesn't need to be fixed. But then I saw a few cool dressers ditching both of the above options for a slightly more unconventional beach layer. Suddenly, beach pants are a thing, and while your legs might get warm, they certainly look chic, especially when you go the unsubtle route, opting for playful bottoms as opposed to simple white or ecru linen. Plus, they offer increased sun protection, which is something I'll always back.

This is just one of those trends that pops up, then pops up again, and before long, every seaside person you follow has tossed out their long sheer dresses and denim cutoffs in favor of something a bit more interesting—like, say, a pair of sheer genie pants or some intricately patterned High Sport kick-flare pants. It's fun to change things up, and honestly, the beachwear space was in need of a shake-up.

Before you head on vacation this summer or even just on the A train to Jacob Riis Park, consider swapping out your shorts or traditional cover-up for the resort trend of the year. Tip: Don't pick the boring pair of beach pants. Take a risk. I promise it'll pay off.

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How to Style Beach Pants With Swimwear

Courtney Grow wearing a bikini with black-and-red patterned pants.

(Image credit: @courtneygrow)

Get the look: Underwire bikini top + Patterned black pants

@sandrashehab wearing a black bikini top with genie pants.

(Image credit: @sandrashehab)

Get the look: Halter bikini top + Genie pants + Straw hat

Alexa Chung wearing a red bikini with blue striped beach pants.

(Image credit: @alexachung)

Get the look: Red triangle bikini + Striped pajama pants

Eliza Huber wearing a bikini top and jeans.

(Image credit: @elizagracehuber)

Get the look: Underwire bikini top + Folded-over vintage jeans

Ilana Torbiner wearing a red one-piece swimsuit with white beach pants.

(Image credit: @ilanatorbiner)

Get the look: Red one-piece swimsuit + White linen pants + Woven tote bag

Coco Schiffer and a friend wearing a one-piece swimsuit with white beach pants.

(Image credit: @cocoschiffer)

Get the look: Patterned one-piece swimsuit + Straw bag + Wide-leg linen pants

Courtney Grow wearing a purple bikini with patterned beach pants.

(Image credit: @courtneygrow)

Get the look: Purple bikini top + Patterned pants + Beaded sandals

Pia Mance wearing a strapless tan bikini with black pants and flip-flops.

(Image credit: @piamance)

Get the look: Neutral bandeau bikini top + Low-rise black trousers + Leather flip-flops

Alexa Chung wearing a green cardigan, a black bikini, and purple patterned pants.

(Image credit: @alexachung)

Get the look: Black triangle bikini top + Green cardigan + Patterned purple pants

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Eliza Huber
Eliza Huber
Associate Editorial Director

Eliza Huber is currently the Associate Editorial Director at Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2021 as a fashion editor after starting her career as a writer at Refinery29, where she worked for four years. During her time at WWW, she launched Go Sports, the publication's sports vertical, and published four (and counting) quarterly issues tied to the WNBA, Formula One, and more. She also created two franchises, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, Gracie Abrams, and Sabrina Carpenter for WWW's monthly cover features; and reported on new seasonal trends, up-and-coming designers, and celebrity style.