Keep coverage for your skimpy bikini in mind when looking for additions to your summer wardrobe, and you’ll soon recognize stylish pieces that can serve double duty as beach coverups. Big white shirts and boho tunics, slip sundresses and wide-leg cropped pants are all candidates that can take you directly from the shore to a beach-side restaurant. Whether you’re looking for protection from the sun or an outfit you can wear on the street après swim, think light-weight summer fabrics such as cotton and linen for total comfort. Here are a few suggestions for swimsuit coverage:
Embroidered Tunic
A cotton tunic that’s accented with hand-stitched embroidery and tie details can take you straight from the beach to a dockside for oysters and beer. Check out this one from a Tel Aviv brand that specializes in caftans and tunics. Yellow and blue embroidery lends a cheery note to the white tunic, while yellow ties and tassels add dash.
Gallabia Embroidered Tunic, $250, J. Crew
T-Shirt Dress
A T-shirt dress is a summer style you can dress up or down for maximum effect. Seek cover from the sun’s rays while you lounge by the pool, or throw it on for a run out to the local farmer’s market. Belt it to draw attention to your waist, or leave it loose for major comfort.
Slip Dress
A slip dress won’t provide maximum sun protection for bare shoulders, but the tradeoff is a look that’s more modest than your bikini but still smoking hot. Try Lisa Marie Fernandez’s linen maxi dress in linen with delicate straps and tie-fastening waist. Detailing includes a voluminous, flouncy hem and rick rack trim of white, marigold and ecru for a Mexican-inspired vibe.
Lisa Marie Fernandez Slip Dress, $995, Net-A-Porter
Wide-leg Crop Pants
Scramble over the dunes with ease, and then take a bicycle for a spin down the boardwalk in this style of maximum practicality. Wide-leg jeans and culottes are cutting edge fashionable and oh-so-comfortable in light-weight summer fabrics.
Big Linen Blouse
Stow an oversized linen blouse away in your carry-all before you sail away on a dinghy or yacht for a mid-day cruise. Nothing says nautical more than white linen, and nothing provides more sun protection than long sleeves and a long, asymmetric hem. A classic Zara offering comes with long sleeves, buttoned cuffs, lapel collar and V-neck.
Oversized Linen Blouse, $50, Zara
Crocheted Top
Combine cute with function and opt for a short, crocheted, off-the-shoulder top in soft cotton. Look for one that accented with ruffled sleeves and drawstring at top.
Crocheted Top, $25, H&M
Off the Shoulder Playsuit
Show off your tan with a trending, shoulder-baring playsuit that celebrates your day in the sun. Consider a black crinkle georgette playsuit that’s perfect for balmy days. This one features a sprinkle of polka dots, a frilled Bardot neckline, and a stretch waist for a flattering fit.
Dot Print Bardot Playsuit, $80, Topshop
Read More: 12 Pieces of Clothing that Double as Swimsuit Coverups
