Coastal Chic
Sun, surf and style: This season’s coastal fashion trends, straight from the pros
By Allison McCrory / Photos by Kate Treick Photography
The salt, sand and surf are beckoning. Answer the call in style with some tips from the beachwear gurus at Innerlight Surf & Skate located in Gulf Breeze proper.
In swimwear, a retro duo of an underwire top and boy-short bottoms is trending, as are reversible swim prints.
“Always a two-for-one winner,” said Cherie Krohn of Innerlight, adding that triangle tops and side-tie bottoms remain the store’s top-selling swimwear.
Athleisure is a favorite for multipurpose dressing, with shoppers prioritizing comfy, natural fabrics. Easy, breezy beach pants and maxi dresses are cool coastal fashion choices, with lightweight denim a great summer alternative to heavier options.
For the younger set, early 2000s vibes of tube tops, babydoll tops and micro-minis are having a moment. Yet, if your micro-mini days are long gone, no problem!
“Micro-mini to maxi — all the skirts are in,” noted Krohn.
Coastal-inspired colors are perfect beach hues. Think buttery yellow, shades of blue and sea glass when dressing for seaside adventures this summer. Day-to-night beach chic adds simplicity and versatility.
“We are seeing a lot of big, bold florals, polka dots and nautical stripes,” said Krohn.
Feeling something extra?
“Waterproof jewelry is our current fave!” noted Krohn.
Straw sun hats, baseball caps and visors are timeless options. Flat slides and flip-flops are 2026’s favorite summer beach shoes.
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Madison Kinard
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Panama City resident Madison Kinard relishes the renewal and surprises beach escapes offer.
“It’s such a blessing to live close to such a beautiful coast, and I always enjoy seeing new wildlife every time I go and adding to my shell collection. I also enjoy reading in the sun, listening to the waves,” said Kinard, who loves sealing her beach days by taking in a sunset.
Playing volleyball, doing Pilates, reading, baking sourdough bread, crocheting, sewing and horseback riding are among a long list of hobbies for Kinard, who holds a bachelor’s degree in animal science with an emphasis in equine studies from Auburn University. One of her proudest accomplishments was the publication of her undergraduate research paper on techniques for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions of grazing livestock.
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About the location Hilton Pensacola Beach
12 Via De Luna Dr., Pensacola Beach
850-916-2999;
hiltonpensacolabeach.com
Clothes compliments of Innerlight Surf & Skate
203 Gulf Breeze Pkwy., Gulf Breeze
850-932-5134; innerlightsurf.com
Hair and Makeup compliments of Blue Magnolia Salon & Beauty Bar
2878 Gulf Breeze Pkwy., Gulf Breeze
850-733-9774; bluemagnoliasalon.com
Hair by Alison Sardiña
Makeup by Sydney Cooper
Model compliments of Izon Models & Talent LLC
301 N. Barcelona St.,
Suite E, Pensacola
850-433-2099, izonmodels.com
