Great — here are practical, stylish “beach → bar” outfit ideas for an Australian summer, plus tips for fabrics, footwear, accessories and quick transitions so you can go from sand to sundowner without changing too much.

Key principles

• Lightweight, quick-dry fabrics (linen, cotton, modal, rayon, technical blends).
• Layer a breathable cover-up you can wear on the sand and keep for the bar (shirt, kaftan, kimono).
• Shoes: sandals that look polished (leather slide, espadrille, platform thong) or easy sneakers.
• Pack minimal accessories that elevate an outfit (hat off for bar, swap sunglasses for jewellery).
• Sunscreen, hat and a small wet/dry bag for damp items.

For women — 10 easy looks

1. Linen slip dress + leather slide sandals + straw tote. Add stacked gold hoops and a lightweight scarf tied as a headband for the bar.
2. High-waist bikini + high-waist midi skirt (wrap or button front) + flat espadrilles. Keep a cropped linen shirt untied for coverage; remove for the bar.
3. Printed mini sarong over one-piece + platform sandals + woven clutch. Swap beach tote for clutch, add an anklet.
4. Cotton tee tucked into denim cutoffs + low block-heel sandals + statement sunglasses. Throw on a long kimono for bar ambience.
5. Tailored linen shorts + bandeau or crop top + mules. Add a sleek belt and layered necklaces.
6. Lightweight jumpsuit (wide leg) worn over bikini + slide sandals. Roll sleeves, add a belt and switch to wedge sandals for evening.
7. Maxi skirt + bikini top + oversized shirt (buttoned halfway) + flat sandals. Belt the shirt for a polished bar look.
8. Sporty bikini top + high-rise palazzo pants + chunky slides — swap slides for espadrille wedges for bars.
9. Off-shoulder cotton blouse + tapered linen pants + strappy sandals. Keep hair in a low bun; add delicate drop earrings.
10. Shirt dress (linen/cotton) + thong sandals + straw bag — button up more for upscale bars, add a cuff bracelet.

For men — 10 easy looks

1. Lightweight short-sleeve linen shirt + swim shorts that double as casual shorts + leather slides. Roll shirt sleeves for the bar, add a watch.
2. Plain white tee + chino shorts + canvas sneakers. Throw on an open short-sleeve shirt as a cover-up.
3. Short-sleeve printed shirt (botanical) + tailored swim trunks + loafers or espadrilles. Tuck in for a neater bar look.
4. Tank top + linen drawstring pants + slide sandals. Add a casual blazer or long-sleeve linen shirt for evening drinks.
5. Polo shirt + light cotton shorts + boat shoes. Swap to a leather belt and watch for the bar.
6. Lightweight button-up (linen/viscose) + tapered chinos + low-profile sneakers or desert boots.
7. Rash vest over swim shorts + open shirt + slides — remove rash vest, leave open shirt for bar.
8. Monochrome tee + patterned shorts + minimalist sandals; add sunglasses and a cap for daytime, remove cap inside.
9. Short sleeve henley + lightweight cargo shorts + leather sandals.
10. Silk-collar short-sleeve shirt + linen trousers + loafers for a smarter beach-club or cocktail bar.

Footwear notes

• Choose sandals with a cleaner silhouette (thin leather straps, espadrilles, slides) — they’re beach-friendly and bar-appropriate.
• Keep a pair of compact shoes in your bag if you’ll hit an upscale venue (low block heel or loafers).
• Avoid filthy flip-flops for bars; opt for a nicer thong sandal if you want casual ease.

Accessories & grooming

• Sunglasses, straw hat or cap for daytime; remove indoors.
• Lightweight jewellery (gold hoops, thin chains) instantly smarten a beach look.
• Quick grooming: dry shampoo or hair tie, tinted SPF moisturizer, lip balm with SPF.
• Carry a small deodorant, face wipes and a travel perfume/cologne sample.

Practical kit to carry

• Lightweight cover-up (shirt/kaftan/kimonos) — doubles as a bar layer.
• Wet/dry pouch for swimsuit.
• Mini sunscreen SPF 30–50, lip balm, deodorant.
• Small crossbody or clutch (folds down) and a compact spare pair of sandals/shoes if heading somewhere dressier.

Outfit-capsule (mix & match)

• 1 linen button shirt (neutral), 1 printed short-sleeve shirt, 1 slip dress or jumpsuit, 1 pair tailored shorts, 1 midi skirt, 1 pair espadrilles, 1 pair leather slides, sunglasses, straw hat, 1 minimal clutch. This covers most beach → bar scenarios with minimal packing.

Examples by venue

• Casual beach bar: swimsuit + linen shirt + swim shorts + leather slides + sunglasses.
• Trendy rooftop/harbour bar: slip dress or linen trousers + strappy sandals + layered jewellery (women); silk-collar shirt + chinos + loafers (men).
• Beach club/night bar: jumpsuit or belted shirt dress + wedges + clutch; for men, short-sleeve shirt tucked into chinos + clean sneakers or loafers.

Climate tips for Australia

• Expect heat and humidity in summer — opt for breathable fabrics, light colours, and sun protection.
• If you’re near southern coastal cities (Melbourne, Adelaide) nights can cool — bring a light layer.

If you want, tell me: are you shopping for men’s, women’s, or mixed looks — and do you prefer casual, chic, or upscale — and I’ll give 6 tailored outfit combos with exact item suggestions and colours.