These Beach Looks Will Have You Dreaming of Your Next Holiday

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(Image credit: @emmahoareau)

Although sunning in a swimsuit has its appeal, the swimsuit cover-up is a humble holiday staple with immense value. It may not evoke the same excitement, but it's a practical, stylish option that completes a holiday capsule. The kaftan has long been a firm favourite for holiday goers. Now, swimsuit cover-ups are increasing in demand, and the styles are becoming more varied year on year.

Maxi-length crochet knits are the prime contender right now. They've firmly settled into the beachwear category as open weaves are better suited to the tropics. These styles in sweeping lengths have shaken up beachwear as we once knew it.

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(Image credit: @lucywilliams)

Whether you need protection from sweltering rays, a transitional beach-to-dinner piece, or a free-flowing frock, you'll be pleased with the extensive cover-up offerings this year. Swimsuit cover-ups come in a host of designs and fabrications. This summer, aside from the crochet knit, the most predominant style is a silk sarong, which can work as a halterneck dress, a bandeau or, of course, a traditional wrap-around skirt.

Cotton-gauze dresses are my favourite type of cover-up, and I tend to squeeze the most wear out of them. They're suitable for hot temperatures and loose-flowing for maximum comfort. Caravana is an expert at this dress style. It produces organic-looking relaxed pieces crafted with an ancient Mayan technique. Alexandra Miro is another brand to watch. It uses viscose to achieve free-flowing styles that sway in the breeze. If you have a holiday or beach day on the horizon, keep reading for my edit of swimsuit cover-ups.

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(Image credit: @abimarvel)

Shop My Edit of Chic Swimsuit Cover-Ups

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(Image credit: @monikh)

1. Shirt Dress

2. Kaftan

3. Tunic

4. Pareos and Sarongs

5. Crochet Dress

6. Maxi Dress

Up Next: 5 Swim Trends You'll See All Over the French Riviera Every Single Summer

Freelance Fashion Editor

Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities. She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications, Who What Wear UK and Stylist. Avalon also provides copywriting services, creative consultancy, and visual media for independent businesses, including travel guides, interviews, press releases and blog posts. Her work has been featured on Lush, Contiki, Youswim and Ohne. She spends her days writing to her heart’s content for business and pleasure, shooting on film and dreaming of residing a stone’s throw away from the ocean with her love and a pup (clad in a sweeping frock, of course). She’s currently penning ideas for a book of personal essays and free verse poetry on love, life and the stages in between.