Summertime draws us to the nearest waterfront for vacation or weekend getaways. For many, that body of water is a lake. While it might seem like the obvious thing to pack for a weekend at the lake is your bathing suit and a beach cover up or shorts and not much else, you should give a little more consideration to what to wear to the lake.
What to Wear To the Lake
The first thing to consider is what activities you will be participating in. Is this a social trip for relaxing and eating at a cabin? Or are you planning some die-hard nature activities?
While you will find many camping and hiking enthusiasts at the lake, most are there for the water activities only and/or to relax. A trip for relaxation calls for comfortable clothing but you can still be stylish while you are there.
Swimsuit + Cover Up
Since most lake activities do involve the water- boating, fishing, skiing, kayaking, or swimming- it’s a given that you will want to take a bathing suit and cover up. Some pull on shorts in lightweight linen or cotton or denim shorts are also a good idea.
A one piece swimsuit can serve as a bodysuit and make an outfit in a pinch with shorts or pull-on linen pants. This button front shirt cover up makes it easy to take your cover up on and off.
Don’t forget your sunglasses and a hat to protect you from the sun.
You might spend your time enjoying a picnic or lakeside games like horseshoes or bean bag toss. Practical and comfortable are key criteria for these activites.
Shorts with a tee or tank and cute sneakers make a good choice for a daytime outfit at the lake.
A floral tee with a flattering vneck and olive sneakers give a nod to the nature around you. Lightwash denim shorts keep the vibes cool.
Pull on shorts, a cute top and slides are another great choice for what to wear to the lake.
Keep the materials lightweight because it gets hot at the lake.
You might find yourself dining at a nearby restaurant or dockside at the lake so an easy dress would be a good choice as well.
A few more dresses to consider for the lake:
The last thing you might consider when planning what to wear to the lake is a pair of jeans, but don’t discount them.
It might get chilly at night when sitting around a campfire or gazing at the moon and stars from the dock, and you will want to protect your legs from bug bites. Jeans with a cute top and sandals can still be a cute summer outfit.
Opt for looser fit straight leg jeans or boyfriend jeans. Skinny jeans will stick to you and be hot.
Athletic wear
We’ve already talked about a hat and sunglasses, but you might also want to include:
- flip flops or waterproof sandals,
- a straw bag or tote
- minimal jewelry – a pair of stud earrings and a pair of hoops or statement earrings for dining out will complete the list.
Other pieces to consider packing for the lake:
- Joggers- for lounging in your cabin or fireside
- Hoodie or Sweatshirt in case of dropping temps at nighi
- Rain Gear
- Waterproof phone case
Enjoy your weekend or week at the lake and don’t stress over what to wear to the lake with these ideas!
Pin these for your next lake trip.
