As someone who lives only 15 minutes away from beautiful ocean beaches, I spend a good portion of my summers in a swimsuit and a cute cover-up. Growing up, I always threw on denim shorts and an oversized tee to hit the beach, but in the last few years, I’ve been gravitating towards more stylish cover-ups that make me look and feel put together (even when covered in sand).
My favorite swimsuit cover-ups are cute enough to wear to the beach or pool, and are ideal to keep on while grabbing lunch or ice cream with friends. Just as important, they need to be comfortable — I opt for lightweight, breathable pieces that are easy to throw on after a long day. Read on to find some of my favorite effortlessly chic picks from Nordstrom, J. Crew and more that make even my most worn swimsuit look elevated.
13 Chic Swimsuit Cover-Ups I Wear on Repeat
1. My Favorite: I wear this long-sleeve cover-up at least twice a week, and that’s not an exaggeration. It’s loose and so lightweight, and I love the extra coverage of the high neck and long sleeves. The crochet look keeps it super breathable, and makes it go with everything.
2. Runner-Up: As a recent fave, I find myself grabbing this stylish matching two-piece set on repeat. It has a slouchy, comfortable fit and the cutest striped design. I love that I can wear it in so many different ways.
3. Laid-Back Luxe: Personally, I really like a white button-down shirt dress over a swimsuit, which gives the outfit an effortlessly chic appearance. This makes it look like you just threw on a button-down shirt, but this find has a slightly longer fit for coverage.
4. Worth the Splurge: While I mostly opt for neutral-colored cover-ups that go with more, I think this colorful knit dress is so fun. It’s perfect for a vacation, and can easily take you from the beach to a nice lunch.
5. Crocheted Cutie: This striped crochet skirt is just as easy to pull on as your beat-up denim shorts. They’re arguably more comfortable and looks far more put together. I wear this all day at the beach when I have it on.
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6. Rich Mom Look: With the gold hardware, thigh-high slit and long ankle-skimming style, this maxi dress cover-up feels so glam. I love this for a nice vacation or a pool day with friends.
7. Boho Babe: Add a bright pop of color to your look with this sunshine yellow floral cover-up. It’s sheer to show off your swimsuit, and has a flowy, loose fit that makes it extra comfortable.
8. Go-To Pick: I rarely travel to the beach without these lightweight cotton pants in my bag. The fabric is slightly sheer for a swim-appropriate look and has a lovely lightweight feel that protects you from particularly breezy outings.
9. Vacation Essential: If you want to show off your swimsuit, this maxi cardigan style is the cover-up to wear. It still offers some coverage, but the tie-front and open design makes it an attention-grabbing choice.
10. Under $10: It’s hard to go wrong with this basic tank dress. Not only is it budget-friendly at less than $10, but this pick is so easy to toss on over any swimsuit. It also comes in tons of different colors and prints.
11. Classic Chic: I love this white button-down shirt for chilly evenings at the beach; it’s just comforting enough without being too hot. The sheer color makes it perfect to wear over your swimsuit, and I love how it looks open with nothing else or buttoned up with shorts.
12. Ready to Swim: This sarong cover-up is something I keep in my beach bag to ensure that I’m never without it. Because it’s made of a swimsuit-like material, you can keep it on in the water for extra coverage. It also stays put once you tie it, thanks to the adjustable closure design that should work for anyone.
13. Matching Set: This matching crochet set is a versatile pick. You can wear the skirt with your swimsuit or keep the pieces together for a cute and stylish moment. The shirt is even chic enough to wear when you don’t have a swimsuit on.
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