18 Cover-Ups to Take You From Beach to Cocktails

Courtesy (2)

Andrea Cheng

Jul 03, 2013 @ 2:10 pm

If a swimsuit is the star in beachwear, then a cover-up plays the sartorial equivalent of a supporting role—an accoutrement, but just as important. It serves as a figure-flattering sun guard by day and a transitional piece come dusk. Lightweight, flowy fabrics easily skim (not cling) over shy areas. Opaque ones to ensure more coverage. Got a suit you want to show off? Switch to sheer. And when you’re done with the sun, pair shorter lengths with crisp white jeans or shorts. For longer versions, cinch a belt at the waist and throw on espadrilles to turn your look from beach-going goddess to dinner-ready chic. From traditional kaftans to modern styles, we’ve got you covered—literally. Click through to see our roundup of 18 winning styles.

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1 of 18 Brian Henn

Lemlem

Burn easily? Look for longer sleeves.

Cotton blend, $248; lemlem.com.

2 of 18 Brian Henn

Old Navy

This darker hue can do double-duty as a cover-up at the beach and as a sexy mini at night.

$25; oldnavy.com.

3 of 18 Brian Henn

Roberta Freymann

Pair a bright coral (the color’s hot right now) belt for added flair.

$145; robertafreymann.com.

4 of 18 Brian Henn

Figue

The intricately embroidery is based on a traditional West African dashiki.

$495; figue.com.

5 of 18 Brian Henn

Comptoir des Cotonniers

Roll up your sleeves for some fun with this playful print.

$140; comptoirdescotonniers.co.uk.

6 of 18 Brian Henn

Surf Bazaar

This cover-up would look sharp with a lemon-colored suit peeking through.

$150; thebazaarshops.com.

7 of 18 Brian Henn

Vix

The LBD for the beach! Catch a glimpse of your suit through the intricate cut-out detailing.

$210; vixpaulahermanny.com.

8 of 18 Courtesy

River Island

Speak to your bohemian side in this blue tie-dye strapless maxi.

$30; riverisland.com.

9 of 18 Courtesy

Mara Hoffman

The Aztec-inspired print will add a jolt of spice to your shore side wardrobe.

$275; net-a-porter.com.

10 of 18 Courtesy

Ted Baker London

A sweet scenic print and crisscross straps make this sheer cover-up a far cry from boring.

$50; tedbaker-london.com.

11 of 18 Courtesy

Matthew Williamson

Who needs a belt? Use the drawstring to accentuate your waist.

$534; matchesfashion.com.

12 of 18 Courtesy

Missoni Mare

This topper mixes two of the brand’s iconic prints.

$440; thecorner.com.

13 of 18 Courtesy

Like Mynded

Breezy in nature, this floral number fits and flatters every body shape.

$36; nordstrom.com.

14 of 18 Courtesy

Topshop

Add subtle bling with this two-tone dip-dyed maxi that boasts embellished straps.

$72; topshop.com.

15 of 18 Courtesy

Zara

A block of canary yellow keeps things interesting by breaking up the tasseled print.

$50; zara.com.

16 of 18 Courtesy

H&M

It’s safe to say that you won’t get lost in this electric lime kimono. Team it with a thick leather belt to fashion an instant dress.

$25; hm.com.

17 of 18 Courtesy

Vix

Bright yellow and bold florals make for the perfect sunny kaftan.

$154; net-a-porter.com.

18 of 18 Courtesy

Melissa Odabash

Upgrade your white cover-up for one with neon-blue embroidery and sequin detailing.

$210; net-a-porter.com.

18 Cover-Ups to Take You From Beach to Cocktails

Lemlem

Old Navy

Roberta Freymann

Figue

Comptoir des Cotonniers

Surf Bazaar

Vix

River Island

Mara Hoffman

Ted Baker London

Matthew Williamson

Missoni Mare

Like Mynded

Topshop

Zara

H&M

Vix

Melissa Odabash

You May Like

Read More

18 Cover-Ups to Take You From Beach to Cocktails

Lemlem

Old Navy

Roberta Freymann

Figue

Comptoir des Cotonniers

Surf Bazaar

Vix

River Island

Mara Hoffman

Ted Baker London

Matthew Williamson

Missoni Mare

Like Mynded

Topshop

Zara

H&M

Vix

Melissa Odabash

You May Like

Read More

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