A true couture snob would never undervalue the significance of a good beach or poolside cover-up. While dedicated surfer girls and sun-worshiping beach bums (again, sunscreen!) are fine with frolicking – and eating lunch – in their bikinis, I prefer to be semi-dressed by the beach and especially by the pool. I don’t go in the water that often (I’m happy on dry land) and who wants to sit around looking frumpy in a T-shirt and shorts? Most importantly, with so many pictures taken of my kids in vacation settings, I’ve been burned many times looking so horrid that I had to delete the photos! No more!
You can take so many directions in the way of cover-ups (see this sheer and sexy selection), but these four varying looks make you appropriate for cocktails by the pool, lunch in a café, or simply fab and stylish as you lounge. Throw on a hat and sunglasses and you’ll be photo shoot ready – I know I’ll be this time!
1) Romper: The strapless romper is easy to pull on – and off – and super-cute if you have a strapless bikini on (halter straps and contrasting stripes will get visually confusing.) With big, colorful stripes and a reversible belt, this one is particularly playful.
Marc by Marc Jacobs “Simone” Stripe Bandeau Cover-Up at Saks Fifth Avenue for $173.
2) Dress: This silk habotal J. Crew dress is so chic you can practically go shopping in it – it is bum-skimming, so an under-layer of equally sleek shorts is advised.
J. Crew Silk “Tide”Tunic at J. Crew for $88.
3) Kaftan: The cut of this crochet kaftan is of an adorable hippie-esque mini, which I love, but with its allover peek-a-boo effect, it’s only appropriate if you stay near water.
Anna Kosturova Swim “Marissa” Crocheted Cover-Up at Saks Fifth Avenue for $271.
4) Maxi Dress: Clearly, the full-body style is the most conservative of the cover-ups, but the right one will make you look super-chic, instead of super-schleppy. Espadrille wedges will complete the glamorous attitude.
Diane von Furstenberg “Tanya” Scribble-Print Cover-Up at Saks Fifth Avenue for $295.
