Ocean waves crashing, sandy beach towels, and rugged cliff backgrounds are just part of the allure of spending time by the water. The other half? Assembling an impeccable vacation outfit, which goes beyond the necessary swimsuit and sandals. Equally essential to an ocean- or poolside-ensemble is a well-chosen swimsuit cover-up, whether it’s a flowing Dries Van Noten pant, or a charming printed sarong reminiscent of Grace Kelly’s iconic beach look in To Catch a Thief.
Vogue’s Guide to the Best Beach Cover-ups:
Loulou de Saison Vitti midi dress
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Beachgoers, of course, know there’s more to cover-ups than just tunics and pareos. With their laid-back vibe, oversized breezy button-ups and pull-on bottoms are two other reliable favorites. Maximalists will appreciate the joyful, vacation-ready prints from Johanna Ortiz and Dries Van Noten, while those who prefer a subtler approach to vacation dressing will likely be drawn to minimalist styles from Matteau and Toteme. Skilled crochet dresses complement the boho revival we’re witnessing—choose a maxi from Escvdo or a delicate mini from Staud to add a touch of texture to your packing list.
Whether your plan this summer is to soak up the views from an Adirondack chair while getting lost in the latest Emily Henry novel; lounge horizontally under a striped umbrella in Liguria until the shimmering waters call, or have plans for an epic scuba-diving adventure—dip into the most stylish swimsuit cover-ups, below.
Chic Caftans and Tunics
Not keen on sarongs or mini shorts? A beautifully-printed caftan or tunic is just what you need to head back to the hotel. Go bold with bright prints by Johanna Ortiz and Dries Van Noten, or more textural with a woven stripe by Lemlem. For something more streamlined, try Sara Cristina’s linen kaftan, adorned with a single delicate pearl at the front.
