The Beach Cover-Ups Fashion People Will Wear On Vacation This Summer

Beach cover up outfits

It’s that time of the year when you may be booking a plane ticket, securing a hotel reservation, and researching the best spots to go on an upcoming vacation. If you’re getting ready to take your suitcase out of the closet and plan out what to pack, I have some recommendations to shop. With some upcoming beach vacations this summer, I’ve been thinking about the swimwear that I’ll be investing in, whether it is one of the big trends of the season or a classic one-piece

In that realm, I’ve also been researching the best swimsuit cover-ups. Right now, we are seeing them play out in a number of ways. Tried-and-true options like linen shirts, knit dresses, and sarongs continue to be popular and versatile styling options. On the other side of the spectrum, we’re seeing the emergence of colorful crochet polos which are guaranteed to be one of the most in-demand buys for summer. Ahead, the best beach cover-ups to add to your summer wardrobe.

Sarongs

Also known as a pareo, these fuss-free cover-ups are actually traditional in many cultures but have also gained much traction within the fashion crowd in recent years. One great thing about them is that if you're on a budget, you can use a scarf you already own to emulate the look. Of course, if you want to buy a new one, we have our favorites, too.

Sarong outfit

(Image credit: @cassdimicco)

Knit Dresses

Knit dresses are a versatile choice that work both at the beach and beyond for a dinner or daytime outing. If you want a piece that can work for a range of options, opt for one that's not see-through, or simply layer something under.

Beach cover up outfit

(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

Linen Shirts

Breathable linen shirts are already one of the most-shopped pieces on Who What Wear this season and we are expecting to see them pick up even more momentum as we head into summer. While we are seeing them styled now in day-to-day looks with jeans and tailored shorts, they also function as a great swimsuit cover-up.

Beach cover-up outfit

(Image credit: @kelseymerritt)

Knit Polo

Brands including Staud and All That Remains have helped put a spotlight on colorful crochet polo tops. They are quickly becoming a seasonal favorite among the fashion set who are styling them with everything from matching shorts to linen pants, as well as layered over swimwear.

Knit polo

(Image credit: @threadsstyling)
Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.