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Spilling ocean waves, sand-encrusted towels, and rocky cliff backdrops are just part of the appeal of spending time by the water. The other half? Putting together an immaculate vacation outfitwhich goes beyond the requisite swimsuit and sandals. Equally essential to a sea—or poolside—ensemble is a carefully-chosen swimsuit cover-up, be it a billowing Dries Van Noten pant, or a sweet printed sarong reminiscent of Grace Kelly’s iconic beach look in To Catch a Thief.
Vogue’s Guide to the Best Beach Cover-ups:
Beachgoers, of course, know there’s more to cover-ups than just tunics and pareos. With their carefree sensibility, oversized breezy button-ups and pull-on bottoms are two other tried-and-true favorites. Maximalists will appreciate the joyful, getaway-ready prints from Johanna Ortiz, Agua by Agua Bendita, and Faithfull the Brand, while those who take a subtler approach to vacation dressing will likely find themselves drawn to minimalist styles from Matteau, Toteme and SIR. Crafty crochet dresses play nicely with the boho revival we’re seeing—opt for a maxi from The Garment or spaghetti-strap mini from Staud to add a touch of texture to your packing list.
Whether M.O. this summer is to soak up the views from an Adirondack chair while getting lost in the latest Emily Henry novel; lie horizontally underneath a striped umbrella in Liguria until the glittering waters beckon, or have plans to go on an epic scuba-diving adventure—dive into the most stylish swimsuit cover-ups, below.
Chic Caftans and Tunics
Not that into sarongs or mini shorts? A gorgeously-printed caftan or tunic is just what you need to head back to the hotel. Go bold with details that speak for themselves, like Emporio Sirenuse’s prints or Tory Burch’s fringe. For something subtler, try Sara Cristina’s linen kaftan, adorned with a single delicate pearl in the front.
Easy, Breezy Dresses
Perfect for an al fresco meal in Sifnos followed by ceramics shopping in the old town, these airy dresses can go from beach to cliffside restaurant and back again. J.Crew has a gauzy midi that you can easily wear for a stroll by the beach as for a more put-together outfit at night, while Asceno’s printed maxi balances lightweight ease with holiday polish. For a striped option, it doesn’t get much better than Dôen’s mini kaftan.
Crochet All Day
Crochet is to summer what mohair is to winter—cool, textural, and just a downright vibe. The window to wear these crafty pieces is slim, but wide open during the warmer months. Make a subtle statement in Mango’s open-back mini or Staud tank dress, or keep it neutral with long-sleeved maxi’s The Garment and Significant Other.
Poolside Pants
Whether you’re sprawled on a shaded sun lounger in the Provence or finding your zen at a wellness retreat in Ibiza, a pair of lightweight trousers is just right for the occasion. Opt for easygoing silhouettes with comfortable details, like an elastic waist and wide legs. Summery prints (who can resist a little tropical foliage!) and loose linen, like the pairs from Dries Van Noten, Leset, and Donni deliver playful, poolside polish.
Throw-on-and-Go Button-Ups
With deep fashion roots—Lauren Bacall in Key Largo, Audrey Hepburn in Two for the Road, the late Peter Lindbergh’s beach photographs—the oversized button-up has earned its stripes. It can be tied, cuffed, buttoned, or left entirely open to catch a little wind breeze. Best of all, it can remain in rotation long after your vacation has ended. Matteau makes everyone’s current favorite minidress version, while British brand With Nothing Underneath has a lightweight linen option that can be styled alongside a matching short.
The Big Short
Pull-on shorts have the same ease as flowy pants, except they are far more suitable for heatwave temps. Go nautical with Yaitte’s sweet stripes or embrace delicate detailing, courtesy of Calle Del Mar. Or go for the ultimate mini-shorts trend with Posse’s polka dot bloomers.
That’s a Wrap
Lunch by the sea? Tie a sarong around your waist as a skirt or around your neck as a dress—there are no rules here. You can always play it safe with a solid color, but we’re most fond of the patterned styles on the market right now, from Pucci’s psychedelic patterns to Agua by Agua Bendita’s nautical-inspired style.
Toweling Off
Forget to pack your towel? Or did you leave it in the cabana overnight and discover it still damp from your last beach excursion? A solution is nigh: terry cloth separates. Cap d’Antibes’s tassel-trim dress is one-and-done solve when in a pinch, but we’re equally charmed by Suzie Kondi’s striped short and coordinating tee set. Alternatively, pick up Zimmermann’s fringe hooded top—it comes with a matching short.
