Chic Cover-Up Styles

My kids only have one month of school left, so it’s got me thinking ahead to our plans for the summer.  One of our favorite ways to spend the weekends is going to the lakefront so the kids can play in the water & we can relax in the sand.  Thanks to a sudden heat wave, we got the chance to pack up our bags and head out for an afternoon at the beach (in May!).  So, of course, I took full advantage of this opportunity & thought it would be a great time to share a few affordable cover-up options that I’ve gotten recently to help get you ready for summer.

Whether you’re heading on a beach vacation or just plan on frequenting your local pool, it’s important to have a cover-up that is both practical & versatile.  I personally take a fairly liberal approach when it comes to beachwear and opt for styles that are more covered-up so I can easily transition to walking around town or grabbing a bite without having to find a bathroom to change in.  Here are 3 easy & chic styles that are perfect for doing just that (all on sale now!):

GAUZE DRESS

I love the embroidered details on this dress (which can also be worn up on the shoulder).  The adjustable waist creates a flattering silhouette and I was thrilled that it also has pockets!  This is ideal for those times when you know you’ll be going straight from the beach/pool to lunch or window shopping in town.  Even though it’s a gauze fabric, it really isn’t all that sheer – I’m wearing a black bikini underneath it here and you can barely see the darker fabric through it.  More beach dresses I love include this embroidered style, this eyelet tunic & this striped dress.

What I’m wearing:
c/o Talbots Embroidered Cover-Up (40% off w/ code FRIENDS40),
Splendid Sandals (similar here or here), Similar Hat

PRINTED CAFTAN

The tassels give this printed caftan such a fun, beachy feel & I love that it has a drawstring waist, which makes it much more flattering than most styles I’ve seen.  You could also wear denim shorts under this if it’s a breezy day & you’re worried about over-exposure.  Other styles to try: this crochet cover-up, this scalloped tunic & this bell sleeve dress.

What I’m wearing:
LOFT Tasseled Caftan (40% off w/ code SUNNY),
c/o Talbots Slide Sandals (40% off w/ code FRIENDS40), Similar Bag

BEACH PANTS

I loved the pom pom trim on these lightweight pants and the fit is loose without being too baggy.  Because these are neutral, they look great with a classic black suit.  I chose to wear them with a loose knit tank, but you don’t need to throw on a top at all – these would also pair well with a gauzy button-down (tied in a knot at the waist).  More beach pants to shop: these linen joggers, this striped pair & these printed pants.

What I’m wearing:
Aerie Sweater Tank (similar here or here), J. Crew Factory Beach Pants,
J. Crew Sandals (similar here or here), Similar Tote

MORE AFFORDABLE COVER-UPS