The Best Cover-Up for Swimwear
When it comes to piecing together super cute beach attire to create a show-stopping beach outfit, a bathing suit is only half the fun. Big floppy hats, oversized beach bags, colorful towels, sunglasses—the list goes on and on. You can never have too many beach clothes and accessories to mix and match. If you will be spending any portion of time on the beach this year—whether you live in a warm climate and have easy access to the ocean or you are going on a luxurious tropical vacation in the near future—these examples of beach attire become wardrobe must-haves. One essential that you simply cannot be without when you are out in the sun is a beach cover-up.
What makes a beach cover-up so essential? For one, it’s easy to throw on to make you instantly look stylish without much thought or effort. When you’re done working on your tan or going for a dip in the water, you can sport a cover-up that enhances or entirely transforms your overall beach look. Instead of changing back into your regular clothes, you can wear a cover-up when you decide to walk the boardwalk, grab an ice cream cone, or go to dinner at a casual seaside restaurant. So whether you need a few new cover-ups this season or you are investing in a bathing suit cover-up for the first time, here are some chic styles to choose from.
The Sarong
Ah, the sarong. A timeless beachwear classic. It will never go out of style because it is such a simple garment that can be worn in a variety of styles. With a bit of creativity, it can be turned into about a dozen different beach outfits. One day you can wear it around your waist like a long skirt, the next you can wear it as a halter dress, and the next as a one-shouldered toga. In addition to being used as a cover-up or a beach dress, a sarong can double as a beach towel if you accidentally left your actual towel behind. And even when you aren’t at the beach, you can use the sarong as a scarf when it gets chilly.
Another fabulous feature of the sarong is that it is often is designed in colorful, vibrant prints. You can go with something quite tropical, like a sea blue sarong with a floral print. But if you want something a little more low-key, there are more casual sarong options that come in neutral, solid colors.
A Waterfall Cardigan
Cardigans for the beach or pool? Yes, you read that right! A cardigan isn’t just a sweater designed to be worn around the house on a chilly autumn day—there are cardigans designed specifically as beachwear, too! Some even offer sun protection so you never have to worry about getting burned while you lounge around on the sand or by the pool.
The long, flowy sleeves give the waterfall cardigan a dressier feel, making it a great option to throw over your bathing suit before going to for a bite at a waterfront cafe. If the temperature drops at night by the water, all you have to do is throw on a waterfall cardigan on over your swimsuit to keep you snug and fashionable as you hang out with friends and family on a gorgeous moonlit beach.
The Kaftan
Another cover-up that gives off a chic and elegant appearance with zero effort is the embroidered kaftan cover-up. It’s easy to slip on after you splash around in the ocean and then dry off in the sun. Because a kaftan is so similar to a sundress, you won’t even need to change into your regular clothing when you decide to grab a bite to eat. Nothing goes quite as nicely with big, wavy beach hair as a long, flowy kaftan. Finish up your fashionable look with a pair of big black sunglasses, a floppy hat, and a cute pair of sandals.
When it comes to finding a beach cover-up that goes over a tankini swimsuit, bikini, or one-piece, you don't have to limit yourself to one style. Your beachwear items are just like any other piece in your wardrobe. You likely don't have just one pair of jeans and a blouse, so no need to limit yourself to one bathing suit with one cover-up. Invest in a few different options to make your days at the beach even more colorful. The beach is the perfect place to experiment with various summery outfits, so feel free to debut more than one look this season!