Heading to the beach is one of the best ways to unwind during the summer. Here, you can take a walk along the shoreline, go for a swim, and play some watersports. You could also simply spread a towel down on the sand and sit back to read a book, bask in the sun, or watch the other beachgoers go by.
For women, a beach trip is an opportunity to put their fashion sense on display — and why wouldn't they? It takes time to find a bathing suit that fits them perfectly, complements their complexion, and flatters their body with its specific cut and style. So when you find that gorgeous swimsuit (or two, or more), you'll definitely want to be seen at the beach in it.
In addition to your swimsuit, there's another piece of clothing that is sure to take your beach outfit to the next level: a beach cover-up.
What are beach cover-ups?
Women’s beach cover-ups are any piece of clothing that you wear over a swimsuit. While you'll be wearing just your bathing suit while you swim, you may need to put something over it the rest of the time, and a swimsuit cover-up is something you can easily slip on.
Why do you need a beach cover-up?
For sun protection
After you've had your fill of swimming and working on your tan, give your skin a welcome break from sun exposure by putting on a cover-up. Pair this with a hat for extra protection while walking around the beach or just resting on your lounge chair or beach towel.
For passing through non-beach areas
Throughout your day at the beach, you will need to use the restroom, head back to your suite, or order refreshments at the bar. You won't want to be in just your swimsuit as you go to and from these areas, but you won't want to change into your street clothes, either, especially if you're still heading back to the beach for some fun.
A cover-up is a perfect solution because it provides sufficient coverage and allows you to switch from appropriately dressed to beach-ready in an instant.
For completing your beach outfit/ensemble
As much as the beach is a place to unwind and have fun, it is also where people go to see and be seen. So to complete your summer experience, you'll want a truly stunning, head-turning outfit.
To accentuate your chosen swimsuit, you need a stylish hat, a pair of sandals or flip flops, sunglasses, and perhaps some jewelry. And don't forget that last piece of clothing that is sure to catch everyone's eye: your cover-up.
Finding the perfect cover-up
There's more than one beach cover-up style, which means you can put together a different look for each of your beach or resort trips for the summer. Planning the different ensembles is sure to be a big part of the fun.
Here are some examples of beach cover-ups that you can choose from:
Tunics and caftans
You're sure to have heard these two terms before, and while they may look alike at first glance, there are subtle differences between them.
A tunic is a kind of loose and oversized top made of light and sheer fabrics such as silk, cotton, chiffon or polyester. Its sleeves can be either short or long, and the whole tunic typically ends a little above the knees. It does not usually come with a belt, and it almost always comes in a V-neckline, so your bathing suit is easily visible underneath.
A caftan is similar to a tunic, except that it more often comes with long sleeves and it comes down to your ankles. This is the ideal cover-up to use if you prefer to get more protection from the sun. And because of the long length and the flowy material, caftans can appear quite elegant enough to be worn to places other than the beach (for example, less sheer caftans would fit in well during dinner at a restaurant).
Cardigan-type cover-ups
A cardigan-type cover-up is made with the same light and sheer fabrics used for tunics and caftans, and like the typical cardigan sweater, it has sleeves (they can be short or long) and is completely open in the front. It's easy to slip on and off and is perfect if you're simply going around the beach.
This cover-up can fall above or below the knee, and because it can expose your swimsuit, the cardigan-type cover-up is easily a sexier option.
Dress-type cover-ups
There's a lot of variety when it comes to beach dresses for women. Basically, they come in any of the different standard dress styles (e.g., spaghetti strap, halter, strapless, maxi, or short). Of course, they are made with the fabrics that are light and sheer enough to show the swimsuit you have on underneath. You can simply pick your preferred dress type which goes best with your bikini.
Sarongs
A sarong is a truly versatile swimsuit cover-up that can provide a number of different beach looks. This long piece of fabric can be worn, tied and wrapped around the body in several ways: slip it on as a strapless dress, a skirt, a dress that goes over one shoulder, or a scarf-like garment that covers both shoulders. Paired with swimsuits that also come in various cuts and shapes, the sarong can yield quite a number of style combinations.
What to keep in mind when shopping
When looking for a beach cover-up to buy, it's important to consider the swimsuit that you'll be wearing it with. The cut and color of your bathing suit can be brilliantly complemented by the right cover-up. You should also be able to get the level of coverage that you need.
You'll want a cover-up that goes well with your personality and personal sense of style. If you go to the beach often, aim to pick up a few different types so you can create new looks in combination with your different swimsuits. If you can splurge, there are cover-ups from high-end brands. If a beach or resort trip is a fairly rare occurrence, on the other hand, then the smart move would be to choose a cover-up in a style that you love the most and at a reasonable price point.
Ready to have fun under the sun?
Dressing up for the beach can be an exciting experience. With gorgeous swimsuit cover-ups, you can be sure to enjoy your next summer getaway in style.
AUTHOR BIO
Andrea Bertinetti is the Marketing Manager at Scarlett Poppies, a vivacious Dubai-based resort and beachwear brand that offers edgy, easy-breezy and effortlessly cool pieces designed by a cultural melting pot of designers. Influenced by tribal trends with a touch of Scandinavian flair, the brand's beachwear styles are always ethereal and minimalistic.
