cover ups beach star

I’ve been spending a lot of time at the pool this week because my daughter is taking swimming lessons (she fancies herself a little mermaid–only she doesn’t particularly like getting her eyes wet). All that time in a bathing suit has me thinking an awful lot about cover ups.

Generally we think of cover ups as something to hide our bodies behind. I mean, they’re called cover ups, right? We use them to cover our bodies.

But seeing all these women of various shapes, sizes and age ranges in different stages of undress has led me to say TO HELL WITH IT! My daughters do not need to grow up watching mommy desperately try to cover her body in shame (hey, I had a baby just under four months ago. I’m not exactly feeling svelte at the moment).

Instead, let’s think of cover-ups as what they actually are:  a fashionable way to get from the pool/beach to wherever else your day might be taking you without looking like a hooker at the grocery store. They’re also a great way to shield your skin from the sun if, for instance, your shoulders suddenly feel like they’re on fire.

Here’s a collection of super cute ones…

cover ups beach star

I love stripes. I love cardigans. Why not combine them in one nautically-inspired bathing suit-covering masterpiece? This Beach Star cover up is great for the lady who wants to inject her look with some glamour!

cover ups: w swimwear

If you love stripes, but want something a bit more bohemian, W Swimwear makes this gorgeous sheer tunic. It’s light and flowy and the colors are like the sunset. Love it!

cover ups: milly

Speaking of tunics, how cute is this one from Milly? Love it! The jute embroidering is so pretty and if you’re looking for a darker color, it’s just as cute in coconut brown.

cover ups: nanette lepore

Going for something sexy? This Nanette Lepore piece totally fits the bill. The crochet let’s you see through it just enough, while leaving a little to the imagination–way sexier than letting it all hang out!

cover ups: garnet hill

If versatility is the most important bit for you, you’ll love this Garnet Hill convertible cover up. Wear it as a skirt while you traipse down the beach in search of seashells and pull it up into a strapless dress when you’re ready to go into town for some lunch!

cover ups: lands end

Another piece that can easily double as a dress to walk around town in is this pretty cotton voile one from Lands’ End. Love this color!

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Written by Jennifer Garry
Jen is a freelance writer and girl mom from New York. When she's not knee-deep in glittery crafts and girl talk, you can probably find her sprawled across her couch in the middle of a Netflix marathon with dark chocolate smeared on her face. The struggle is real.