The Secret to Looking Like "That Girl" in Beachwear—No Matter Your Budget

For as long as I can remember, my mom has told me to always buy the set. That means if a skirt comes with a matching top, buy it. If a jacket comes with matching pants, buy them. And if a swimsuit comes with a matching cover-up, you really better buy it. After years of childishly ignoring her, lost opportunities, and mismatched 'fits, I regret to inform both you and myself that, as always, she was right. Even if you don’t wear the set initially, you’ll always be happier that you have the coordinating items in the long run.

So while we can’t change our purchases of years past, we can be sure to implement her wise words in the future—starting with swimwear. As someone who has spent a lot of time researching chic beach attire, I can attest to the fact that a swimsuit always looks best with the matching cover-up. Don't worry; that doesn't necessarily mean you have to buy something new. You can always, for example, pair any black bikini with a black sarong or a colored one-piece with a closely matching button-down. Of course, if you are in the mood to shop, I've got you covered on that front, too. 

Below, you'll find 24 sets that are sure to have you looking like the coolest person on the sand at a range of styles and price points that will suit anyone's requirements. Plus, I sprinkled in a little outfit inspo along the way because we all know that never hurts. Ready to up your game? Simply keep scrolling to get started. 

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(Image credit: @claire_most)

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(Image credit: @laurenegg)

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(Image credit: @aimeesong)

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(Image credit: @lefevrediary)

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(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

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(Image credit: @nicoleakhtarzad)

Next: The 34 best things my mom, sisters, and I have bought from Nordstrom lately.

Editor-at-Large

Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. It was a less expected route, seeing as she was graduating from business school at USC when this all began, but it has turned out to be the best one for her. Fast-forward to 2024, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was an intern starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to classic pieces and neutral basics but will always make an exception for something colorful, printed, or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a good party is dressing up for one. On weekdays, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious for dinner and trying to force her husband to watch Summer House.