Finding a swimsuit that flatters your figure is only half the battle when it comes to looking and feeling fabulous at the beach.
A pretty beach cover-up also helps boost your confidence and adds sizzle to your look. Here are 6 popular styles trending right now!
1. Festive Ponchos
Festive ponchos make cute swimsuit coverups because of their laid-back, bohemian feel. Most are inspired by global hotspots like Mexico, India, Spain or the tropics. Ethnic prints and boho details like tassels or pom-poms can are popular too and add a touch of fun.
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2. Colorful, Breezy Beach Tunics
Many of the best swimsuit coverups are colorful, light, and breezy for the beach. Choose a tropical print or ethnic print with a v-neck and wide and flowing sleeves for a totally glamorous look. You can get more use out of one of these than you think. Layer a light tunic over a tank top and wear it with white skinny cropped pants. It’s perfect for when you go for drinks on the patio after a day at the beach.
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3. Summer White Cover-Ups
White swimsuit coverups are always so fresh and crisp in summer. They’re also a great way to stay cool because they reflect sunlight. Some of the newest ways to wear a white coverup are draped, off the shoulder, or with a peek-a-boo lace-up front. If you like a tan (real or faux), nothing shows it off better than white!
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4. Sheer, Sexy Beach Cover Ups
Some like their cover-ups sweet, and some like them sexy. If that’s you, then there are some beautiful coverups made from sheer fabric. Choose from a black chiffon style, a glamorous classic, or go for something contemporary like a bright sheer coverup that’s loaded with texture. This sheer lavender coverup made with sheer gauzy fabric is fresh and fabulous.
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5. Maxi Dress Cover Ups
Maxi dresses are another great option for a day at the beach. Choose a maxi in a soft, comfy fabric, so you can roll it up and throw it into a beach bag if you need to. A maxi is one of the best beach cover-ups if you are a gal who craves more coverage. Don’t forget your floppy hat!
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6. Sporty, New and Different
If you are sick of the same old thing, then why not go for something a little different. Swimsuit cover-ups that are more like short dresses are always popular when you want to go from pool to patio.
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Have fun, beach babe!
Beautiful cover ups! I love many options here. I can’t wait for a beach vacation. Wonderful post!
I never thought much about covering things up when I am at the beach. But now ,at 50, I thinking s time to do so. Haha, and these items are stylish!
Are your models over 40? They look great!!!
Hi Jennifer,
The models are under 40 and there is nothing I can do about that. I work with all the chains and department stores and they all used young models. It is frustrating for sure.
At times I crop off the heads of the models and just show the clothes.
I’m taking a poll and would love to know which you prefer..seeing a young model wear the clothes or having me crop off their heads.
Here’s a post with an example: https://www.fabulousafter40.com/5-ways-to-look-slim-in-a-swimsuit/
Cheers, Deborah
There is not much occasion to worry about what to wear to the beach here in Alberta. But when I when at our place in AZ, I like to wear a tunic as a coverup at the pool. I also have a white, men’s shirt that is about 25 years old that is my ‘go-to’ coverup. It comes to mid-thigh and I roll up the sleeves. I love it.
Hi Wanda,
I like that shirt look. Very sexy and flirty, like you borrowed hubby’s shirt. Cheers, Deborah
Deborah,
I’ve always thought the best part of swimwear was the coverup. Well, when I was 20, I didn’t care about the coverup, but now I DO !
Tina
Hi Tina,
I can relate about caring more about cover-ups now at this age!
There are so many great cover-ups these days, it is really when you find the right one. I really like the elegant shorter kaftan style ones with a pattern and that are a little bit sheer. They are so light and flowy. Once I throw on my sunglasses and gold sandals I feel like a movie star. Have fun at the beach. Cheers! Deborah
bikini after 45: yes or no?
Hi Sandy,
I think if you feel comfortable and confident in a bikini you should go for it at any age! See my post on this topic: https://www.fabulousafter40.com/bikini-short-skirt-why-not-at-any-age/
I’m turning 40 this year and NO WAY am I giving up the bikini. I’ve been using wraps for some years now, although I also still use the standard T-shirt & shorts too.
I still go for the two piece. It’s too hot at the beach to be all covered up!
Hi Kelly,
Good for you! You must be in good shape! I’m all for women over 40 and beyond…sporting a two piece, as long as their body is still looking toned!
I really like these looks, and would wear just about all of them, but to me most of these cover ups say yacht, cruise, classy resort. (and maybe even bedtime, as in night gown). There are less dramatic choices for middle-class poolside, state park or beach.
A sportier look serves well in most of my water-side activities like the Fun and Flirty Moroccan – excellent!
Hi Sandra,
Yes, these would be great for cruising, or at a resort… where you want to up the “glam”.
Great options…Love them all.