The appeal of a day by the water goes beyond ocean waves, sandy towels, and rocky cliffs. The other essential element? A perfect vacation outfit that extends past your swimsuit and sandals. A carefully chosen cover-up is key, whether it’s a flowing Dries Van Noten pant or a printed sarong inspired by Grace Kelly’s iconic beach look.
Vogue’s Guide to the Best Beach Cover-ups:
The Linen Kaftan
Sara Cristina linen kaftan — $550 at NET-A-PORTER
The Cotton-Poplin Dress
Loulou de Saison Vitti midi dress — $425 at NET-A-PORTER
The Crochet Mini
Staud Spritz cover-up — $195 at BLOOMINGDALE’S
Of course, cover-ups aren’t limited to tunics and pareos. Oversized button-ups and easy pull-on bottoms are also timeless favorites. Maximalists will love the vibrant prints from Johanna Ortiz and Dries Van Noten, while those with a minimalist style might prefer designs from Matteau and Toteme. Crochet dresses are perfect for the current boho trend—choose a maxi from Escvdo or a mini from Staud to add texture to your suitcase.
SHOP THE VACATION EDIT
Whether you plan to relax in an Adirondack chair with a book, lounge under a striped umbrella in Liguria, or embark on a scuba-diving adventure, explore the most stylish swimsuit cover-ups below.
Chic Caftans and Tunics
If sarongs or shorts aren’t your style, a beautifully printed caftan or tunic is ideal for heading back to your hotel. Choose bold prints from Johanna Ortiz and Dries Van Noten, or opt for texture with a woven stripe from Lemlem. For a more streamlined look, try Sara Cristina’s linen kaftan, adorned with a single delicate pearl.
* Lemlem Leila midi dress — $425 at NET-A-PORTER
* Sara Cristina linen kaftan — $550 at NET-A-PORTER
* Dries Van Noten printed kaftan — $795 at DRIES VAN NOTEN
* Johanna Ortiz linen tunic — $1,220 at NET-A-PORTER
Easy, Breezy Dresses
Perfect for a meal outdoors in Sifnos or shopping for ceramics, these airy dresses transition effortlessly from beach to restaurant. For stripes, Ciao Lucia’s maxi kaftan is a top choice. Loulou de Saison offers the perfect breezy shirt dress, ideal for a beach stroll or sunset dinner. Meanwhile, Cristiano Marcheli’s lacy, tiered maxi is beautifully sweet, and Faithfull provides a cheerful mini in hot chili red.
* Loulou de Saison Vitti midi dress — $425 at NET-A-PORTER
* Cristiano Marcheli Bella maxi dress — $1,365 at NET-A-PORTER
* Faithfull Perla mini dress — $260 at NET-A-PORTER
* Ciao Lucia Mira Palma caftan — $495 at CIAO LUCIA
Crochet All Day
Crochet is to summer what mohair is to winter—cool, textured, and full of vibe. The window to wear these pieces is short but wide open in warmer months. Make a subtle statement with Staud’s easy wrap, or add color with striped options from Escvdo, Alix of Bohemia, and Prada.
* Alix of Bohemia Romy mini dress — $1,450 at NET-A-PORTER
* ESCVDO Marea maxi dress — $1,300 at NET-A-PORTER
* Staud Spritz cover-up — $195 at BLOOMINGDALE’S
* Prada crochet mini dress — $2,100 at PRADA
Poolside Pants
Whether you’re lounging in Provence or at a wellness retreat in Ibiza, a pair of lightweight trousers is perfect for the occasion. Opt for easygoing silhouettes…With comfortable details like an elastic waist and wide legs, summery graphic prints and breezy linen—such as these pairs from Dries Van Noten, Deiji Studios, and Toteme—offer easy, polished style by the pool.
Toteme
Embroidered silk-twill wide-leg pants
$720 | NET-A-PORTER
Lemlem
Desta pants
$325 | NET-A-PORTER
Deiji Studios
Washed-linen pants
$235 | NET-A-PORTER
Dries Van Noten
Printed pants
$1,150 | NET-A-PORTER
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### Throw-on-and-Go Button-Ups
With deep fashion roots—think Lauren Bacall in Key Largo, Audrey Hepburn in Two for the Road, or Peter Lindbergh’s beach photography—the oversized button-up has earned its stripes. It can be tied, cuffed, buttoned, or left open to catch the breeze. Best of all, it stays stylish long after vacation ends. Matteau and Free People offer timeless linen styles, while Sanderlak’s playful oversized stripe pairs perfectly with matching pants.
Matteau
Collared shirt
$420 | NET-A-PORTER
Sanderlak
Embroidered shirt
$495 | NET-A-PORTER
Mango
Button-up shirt
$70 | NORDSTROM
Free People
Linen shirt
$128 | FREE PEOPLE
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### The Big Short
Pull-on shorts are as easy as flowy pants, but even better for hot weather. You can’t go wrong with a classic white linen look, like Posse’s. Boxer-inspired styles from Faithfull and Matteau define borrowed-from-the-boys chic, while Bode’s printed tap shorts add vintage flair to your poolside vibe.
Bode
Silk shorts
$550 | NET-A-PORTER
Posse
Marchello shorts
$250 | NET-A-PORTER
Faithfull
Lonia shorts
$150 | NET-A-PORTER
Matteau
Cotton-poplin shorts
$315 | NET-A-PORTER
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### That’s a Wrap
Lunch by the sea? Tie a sarong around your waist as a skirt or over your shoulders as a dress—there are no rules. Solid colors are always safe, but we love the patterned styles available now, from Lido’s bright beach stripes to Matteau’s softer maroon version. Texture adds interest too, like Free People’s crochet wrap or Toteme’s towel-like sarong.
Matteau
Printed pareo
$360 | NET-A-PORTER
Toteme
Jacquard sarong
$360 | NORDSTROM
Free People
Capri sarong
$38 | FREE PEOPLE
Lido
Cotton-voile pareo
$170 | NET-A-PORTER
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### Toweling Off
Forgot your towel? Or left it damp overnight? Terry cloth separates are the answer. Lisa Marie Fernandez and OAS nail the terry look in tee and tunic lengths. For something bolder, try La Veste’s scalloped hot shorts or Tomobolo’s Pop Art hooded top.
Lisa Marie Fernandez
Sailor top
$365 | NET-A-PORTER
La Veste
Waves shorts
$175 | LA VESTE
Tomobolo
Beach towel top
$188 | NORDSTROM
OAS
Fosca Miki dress
$220 | SHOPBOP
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs 30 Stylish Swimsuit CoverUps for the Beach and Beyond
Beginner General Questions
Q What exactly is a swimsuit coverup
A Its a lightweight easytowear garment designed to be thrown on over your swimsuit It provides a bit of coverage and style for walking to and from the beach pool or for lounging
Q Why do I need a coverup Cant I just use a tshirt and shorts
A You absolutely can But a dedicated coverup is usually made from quickdry breezy fabrics is more stylish and is designed to be easy to slip on and off over a damp suit without feeling bulky
Q What are the main benefits of wearing a coverup
A They offer sun protection modesty a quick style upgrade and a bit of warmth in breezy conditions They also make transitioning from the water to a beach bar or shop effortless
Q What are the most common types of coverups
A Popular styles include kaftans sarongs dresses tunics shirt dresses crochet knits pareos and lightweight pants or shorts sets
Styling Selection Questions
Q How do I choose a coverup that flatters my body type
A Look for styles that highlight your favorite features For example a belted tunic defines the waist a long kaftan offers elegant vertical lines and a wrap style can be adjusted to suit you
Q Can I wear my coverup as regular clothing
A Many styles are designed for beyond the beach A nice shirt dress a linen tunic or a stylish kimono can easily be worn over shorts jeans or a slip dress for summer outings
Q What fabrics are best for a coverup
A Look for breathable lightweight fabrics that dry quickly like cotton voile linen chiffon gauze terry cloth and certain quickdry synthetics
Q What should I consider for packing and travel
A Choose coverups that are lightweight wrinkleresistant and versatile A solidcolor sarong or a simple dress can be worn multiple ways and takes up very little space