How to Wear Your Swimsuit Coverup From Beach to Drinks

We. Love. Summer. ‘Tis the season to be fabulous – for fresh pedicures, glowy bronzed skin, and – ahem – shaving your legs… as in more than once a month. (But we don’t judge!)

Whether your plans are jetsetting the world over, or lying out desperate for a tan in your backyard, slaying the summer game takes serious effort! And for a queen like you, looking fabulous is key to feeling fabulous. 

So to save time and still look breathtaking, we recommend a friendly little summertime lifesaver: a great bathing suit cover-up. We’re all about quick and easy-to-throw-on pieces, whether it works for your beachy day trip…or that sizzling date night. 

Here are ten cover-ups that will help you shift breezily from day to night.

Rockin' Romper

For those of you in sweltering climates unfriendly to longer pants, opt for a strappy romper like this one. Take that playsuit for a spin any time of day or night. Like a summer minidress, these are super easy and breezy to style when it’s time to go out. Throw on a denim or leather jacket for structure and masculine contrast, and you’re ready for happy hour at the beach cabana.

Romantic Rompin'

Conversely, take the playsuit to a more elegant level in a long-sleeved romper. There’s nothing more beautiful than using pretty flowy sleeves to draw the attention to gorgeous bare legs. Why wouldn’t you fuse together the elegance of a chic blouse with the practicality of a pair of shorts? Both polka dots and florals are lovely – embrace your feminine whimsy in either or both.

It's Slit Jumpsuit!

We love a fantastic jumpsuit for the summer! Efficient, flattering, and oh-so-comfortable. This sexy chiffon one creates a new twist to the classic LBD. High slits in wide-leg pants and a plunging V-neckline scream “I earned this bod!!” It cinches in nicely at the waist, accentuating curves if you’ve got ‘em and creating them if ya don’t. Wear heeled sandals for a.m. and black leather booties for p.m.

Regal With A Duster

It really doesn’t take much to elevate an outfit. A floor-length duster is the easiest add to throw over any outfit. Let your outfit say, “I’ve just arrived straight off the yacht,” when in reality you took five minutes to get ready. Rock it with your one-piece bathing suit, or your crop top/cutoffs combo. It’s a brilliant twist on the cover-up: in a one-piece you can pass it for a jumpsuit top; and a two-piece, a crop top. 

Stay With The Flow

Similarly, a flowy skirt pairs beautifully with both one-pieces and bikinis. Balance is key when it comes to style, so a form-fitting bathing suit just works with a billowy skirt beneath it. If you’re going for a softer, more feminine vibe, we recommend anything in which you can twirl the night away. Take it old-school in a retro-style midi or more modern in a floor-length maxi. 

Being Extra Has Never Looked So Good

Stand out and turn heads in a unique-looking kaftan, an ancient-Mesopotamia era piece that’s long and loose, often used as an overdress. Similar to our duster, it’s closed in the front and back, with a flirty pattern of lacey openings running down both sides. With these longer pieces, enjoy the freedom to layer either short or long pieces beneath them. And when you head out later for drinks, why not pair bottoms with a cute bralette to show beneath? 

What A Sexy Beach!

We vote YES!! This light and airy lace minidress beautifully drapes the upper body, while leaving those pretty legs bare. This beige color will beautifully accentuate a fresh tan, especially for your legs and decolletage. And again, with the right shoes and accessories, this is a versatile piece that swings easily from beach to bar. Swap sandals for edgy black booties to take it day-to-night.

Paradise In Palazzos

Miss out on the festival scene this year? Two words: palazzo pants. We promise you won’t regret ‘em. Step into these babies and you’ll channel that carefree inner boho babe. Take your creativity to the next level by styling them for beachwear. For beach: style with your bathing suit as the top, with bare feet in true boho fashion. For bar: Do it! Wear your suit again! And pair with heels (stylist tip: be sure the length of the pants works with the size of the heel.)

Gotta Show Some Leg...

Queeeeeeeeen! *clinks glass.* Get creative, lighten your suitcase, and look for items that can double as two pieces: how about a maxi skirt AND a strapless dress? This one is super lightweight, with a sexy side slit as a skirt and a split front as a cover-up. With an elastic waistband, you’ll have no trouble sliding it up or down from one way or the other. Have at it!

Wrap It Up...

Let’s top off the list with another multi-purpose gem: the wrap dress. Halter, V-neck, backless, strapless – you name it, it does it. Enjoy that blissful comfy-sexy combo in a dress like this one, with a rayon-spandex blend. Obviously, all occasions you can style this for is never ending, so go for the tried-and-true day/night tip: sandals for beach, heels for bar. (This pair of heeled sandals are super comfy!) Be sure to practice which wrap you like to avoid wardrobe malfunctions in public. Yikes!