When did the humble beach coverup get so incredibly boring? For years, the collective consensus seemed to dictate that as soon as we stepped off the sand and onto the nearest boardwalk, our only options were an oversized, slightly damp promotional t-shirt or a bath towel tied around the waist.
YOUR SWIMWEAR’S PLUS ONE
We approach swimwear with the highest level of curation. We hunt for the perfect cuts, obsess over the right shade of blue, and drop an embarrassing amount of money on pieces we plan on wearing only a couple of times. Yet, the second we need to grab a beachside lunch, we throw on whatever’s available.
It’s time to elevate our mindset around our coverups. The ultimate coverup shouldn’t hide your swimwear; it should collaborate with it. Here’s how to reinvent the art of walking away from the beach, using items you probably already own.
THE BUTTON-UP SHIRT
Steal it from a man in your life, buy it three sizes too large from the men’s section, or unearth a breathable white linen option from your own closet. The classic button-up is the undisputed queen of effortless beach dressing. Leave it completely unbuttoned to let your swimsuit do the talking, roll up the sleeves, and pull the collar back just a touch. It feels laid back and perfectly undone.
THE SILK SCARF
There’s something undeniably chic about a colorful scarf tied effortlessly around the hips, sarong-style. It offers just enough coverage to make you feel comfortable walking into a nice lunch spot, while still letting the swimsuit take center stage. Opt for a patterned version to add a bit of texture to a solid-color swimsuit. Just knot it at the hip and go on about your merry way.
CROCHET PANTS
For the days when you want full leg coverage without suffocating in heavy fabrics, crochet pants are the answer. They provide a beautiful, tactile contrast to the seamless fabric of swimwear. We strongly recommend going for a pop of color rather than a neutral tone. It’ll look like you didn’t even try while still being fun and chic.
THE SKIRT
If you’re aiming for an ensemble that feels like actual fashion rather than just beachwear, pack a wrap skirt or an airy cotton maxi. Sliding a breezy skirt over a swimsuit instantly transforms your swimwear into an outfit for a beach club or seaside lunch.
THE RELAXED SHORTS
Forget tight denim cut-offs that are impossible to pull on over damp skin. Instead, reach for softer cotton shorts or fluid linen shorts with an elastic waist. They feel casual and youthful, offering a laid-back, tomboyish charm that contrasts beautifully with a feminine bikini.
THE MAXI DRESS
Perhaps the most popular option for a cover-up, maxi dresses conceal your swimwear and make you seem as though you put in the effort to get properly dressed. Look for semi-sheer cotton voiles or backless silhouettes that have a lot of movement. It’ll give you that look that translates flawlessly from a sun lounger to a sunset cocktail party.
The next time you pack your beach bag, remember that the journey from the sunbed to the restaurant shouldn’t be sloppy nor require a total wardrobe crisis. It just requires a little bit of forethought and curation. After all, life is too short to wear a towel around your waist to lunch.
