Karina's LookBook 06/13/24

The Best Beach Cover-Ups for Your Next Getaway or Pool Day

Tis the season for dips in the pool and beachside naps (there’s nothing better, right?) With summer officially in full swing, I know many of you are on the hunt for some chic swim cover-ups. Even if you’re just heading to your neighborhood pool, it’s nice to have a little something to wear to and from your destination. Plus, if you’re lucky enough to be jetting off on a beach vacation, there’s no better getaway uniform than a quality swimsuit, a cute cover-up, and some sandals.

There’s no denying that there are tons of cover-up options on the market, however, it can be hard to know which style will suit you best. I always reach for the most versatile pieces, that way I can rewear them for years to come. But with that being said, if there’s a time and a place for a more vibrant and colorful piece of clothing, a beach setting is it!

To help you find your perfect match, I’ve rounded up a handful of the best beach cover-ups. This list includes some of my top favorites of the season, as well as different fits and styles. From flirty sarongs to more modest shirt dresses, these picks will carry you from your lounge chair to the beachside bar with ease.

Best Beach Cover-Ups

My Top Picks:

– Best Cover-Up from Amazon: Sleeveless Crochet Cover-Up Dress

– Best Romper Cover-Up: Revolve Mekia Romper

– Best Shirt Cover-Up: Summersalt The Perfect Boyfriend Shirt

– Best Sarong Cover-Up: Gigi C Willa Sarong

– Best Pant Cover-Up: Amazon High-Waist Linen Palazzo Pants

– Best Short Cover-Up: Nordstrom Gauze Shorts Cover-Up Set

– Best Dress Cover-Up: Abercrombie Long Sleeve Mesh Maxi Dress Cover-Up

Cover-Ups by Style

Sarong Cover-Ups

An obvious cover-up choice is a simple sarong. These skirts come in a variety of lengths, patterns, and colors, and generally are made with lightweight and breathable materials. Choose a sheer and short sarong if you want to show more skin, or opt for something long and linen if you prefer a more modest look.

Sarongs pair perfectly with one-piece swimsuits and bikinis, and they are easy to wear with sandals of any kind. Add a straw sun hat and some dainty jewelry and you’ll have a pretty beach day look!

Dress Cover-Ups

When in doubt, go with a dress cover-up. Honestly, any sun dress will do, but it’s nice to have one or two pieces that are dedicated for pool and beach wear. Breezy fabrics like cotton and linen are best for the warm weather, but mesh designs and crochet style dresses are also practical choices.

Speaking of, I’ve really been loving the crochet trend and I keep seeing it everywhere this season. It’s timeless, shows just the right amount of skin, and offers a majorly beachy feel. I’m currently eyeing this black dress, and I also love this affordable Amazon find.

Pant Cover-Ups

If you’re heading to the shore but need to wear something you can keep on after your time in the sun, consider some cover-up pants. I tend to reach for linen pants since they’re a year-round closet staple (you can never have too many pairs in my opinion!) They’re also easy to dress up or down, and they look just as appropriate on the sand as they do at a lunch. Crochet varieties are another tried-and-true favorite.

Shirt Cover-Ups

It doesn’t get any easier than slipping into an oversized shirt—and it just so happens to make for an incredibly polished pool or beach look. A classic blue and white button-down would be adorable to wear in a cabana (as you sip an ice cold margarita), but you also can’t beat the look of a white boyfriend shirt.

Add some denim shorts on the bottom and you can easily go from the beach to happy hour if needed!

Cover-Ups By Brand

I always look forward to browsing my go-to retailers during this time of year because they always have the cutest swimwear finds, including cover-ups. If you prefer to shop by brand, I’ve selected a few favorites from Abercrombie, Nordstrom, and Amazon. All of these come in a wide range of fits and styles, and they also can be found at various price points.