Poolside lounging, beach bummin’ and hangin’ on the dock — let’s just say your summer is shaping up to be the perfect opportunity to show off that new jaw-dropping monokini and ah-mazing lineup of warm-weather essentials — chic sandals, a beach-ready tote bag and colorful sunnies. The only thing missing is a show-stopping cover-up. Because let’s be honest — a flawless beach-to-street transition is just as necessary as a killer seaside ensemble. Here, we’ve curated a list of on-point options that will keep your #OOTD on top of its game, whether you’re hitting the beach or pounding the pavement in the urban jungle.
1. J.Crew Tunic in Mosaic Floral ($78): Beyond beach towels and sunscreen, every stint at the beach needs four things: a sick swimsuit, statement shades, an Insta-ready straw tote and this breezy mosaic tunic. The only thing missing? A can’t-put-it-down read.
2. Akasa Pom Pom Maxi Beach Dress ($36): We want ALL the pom-poms!! Pull out all the stops for beach-day shenanigans by pairing this playful number with pom-pom-flecked gladiators and a bright beach bag. Too much color? Not even a thing.
3. Free People Maui Babe Printed Kimono ($58): Every beach goddess needs a glam kimono in her seaside arsenal, and this tassel-trimmed number is it. Sashay your way onto the sand with metallic slides and a plunge one-piece that’ll make jaws drop.
4. Parker Antigua Coverup ($198): This flirty eyelet frock makes a serious argument for covering up. Take it beyond the beach with embellished slides and tassel ear jackets for a late afternoon apéro overlooking the water.
5. Zara Striped Mini Dress ($50): What’s a day at the beach without a bit of crochet action? Channel your inner ‘70s style goddess with a knitted cover-up any It girl would love. Round sunnies and lace-up one-piece (unfortunately) not included.
6. Urban Outfitters Only Natural Hooded Kimono ($79): And swoon. This hooded kimono must have been designed with lazy girls in mind — it’s downright snuggly with just the right amount of cool factor, so you can kick back and relax while still bringing your A game, whether you’re lounging by the pool or hanging on the shoreline.
7. PilyQ Romance Tie Dye Cover Up ($154): A cover-up this standout was meant to be shown off, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself searching for any excuse to whip it out. Counter the bold neon hues with a bright white two-piece and Birkenstocks, then throw in a pair of gilded cat-eye shades for a bit of extra glam factor.
8. J.Crew Cropped Cotton Tunic ($78): Whether you’re sailing around Cinque Terre or heading to the family lake house, this is the cover-up you need on standby. After drying off on deck, pop it on as you cruise the coastline and sip on chilled Chardonnay like the girl boss you are.
9. Subtle Luxury Suncatcher Kimono ($98): When you have a scene-stealing topper like this one, quarantining it to the closet on non-beach days is a straight-up sartorial crime. Make it do a little double duty by styling it alongside distressed white denim, a silk cami and a layered necklace for brunch dates or laid-back backyard bashes.
10. Loft Beach Striped Off the Shoulder Dress ($80): Whether by land or by sea, don’t leave the house without this flirty off-the-shoulder number by your side. For a look that will take you from the pool to drinks on the patio, toss it on with lace-up sandals, a statement ear crawler and a swipe of tinted lip balm.
11. ASOS V Neck Corded Lace Button Front Smock Beach Dress ($46): Send the good vibes into overdrive with a flouncy yellow frock that would straight-up slay with espadrille wedges and a statement summer tote. Be it at the beach or on the boardwalk, the easy-breezy silhouette and flirtatious bell sleeves pack major #OOTD factor.
12. Free People Spellbound Tie Dye Kimono ($58): Psychedelic festival accessory or poolside essential — you get to decide. Go all-out hippie chic for a date on the shoreline with prism shades and a crocheted swimsuit, or take the groovy topper down a more minimalist route for a rooftop soiree, tossing it over a ribbed midi dress, flatform sandals and a modern cuff and clutch.
13. Mara Hoffman Embroidered Caftan ($247): Cue the wide-brim hats and stunner shades — this anything-but-average caftan is ready to turn heads left and right. Between the off-the-shoulder silhouette and high neckline — two of this season’s biggest trends — it’ll keep your style on lock all summer long.
14. Topshop Patched Lace Caftan ($60): Let your style sensibilities fall by the wayside? Not a chance! This ladylike lace caftan keeps it classy as you kick back with your toes in the sand. Who doesn’t love floral lace and instant throwback appeal? For extra style cred, take along a structured beach tote and wood-sole slides.
15. Melissa McCarthy Seven7 Plus Floral Fringe Kimono ($118): The icing on an already ah-mazing waterfront ensemble? This floral fringe kimono right here. Bust it out with a red hot bikini and glitzy body chain for a show-stopping look that will send the double taps through the roof.
16. Topshop Coverup Romper ($52): Unleash your wild side this summer with zebra-inspired stripes on a throw-on-and-go romper, complete with a jaw-dropping plunge neckline. For a streamlined look, layer it over a halter one-piece with an open back, or team it with a vibrant bandeau bikini for a pop of unexpected color.
17. Out from Under High Neck Fringe Cover-Up ($59): Boho babes, eat your hearts out! Swingy fringe and a dramatic open back make this halter dress one you’ll want to add to your off-duty lineup stat. The perfect partner to windswept tresses and slingback sandals, it’s an effortless piece that never disappoints.
18. H&M Patterned Kaftan ($35): Weekends in the Hamptons and glamorous seaside escapades call for a sophisticated cover-up with a touch of bohemian flair. This flowy maxi number checks all the boxes and then some. Take it there with strappy gilded sandals and a metallic belt.
19. Milly Honeycomb Mesh Mauritius Cover Up ($255): You can’t mesh with killer style (see what we did there?). Play off this honeycomb coverup’s athleisure vibes with a sporty suit (the brighter, the better), slides and a sassy baseball cap for an aquatic ensemble that straight-up slays.
20. Mango Printed Dress ($50): When you’re not sidling up to the main stage, you can be found chillaxin’ like a boss on the beach — floppy straw hat, SPF and all. Keep those festival vibes alive even when you’re not swaying to the beat with this tie-front frock that was practically made for crochet bikinis and metallic Birkenstocks.
21. Lepel Riviera Tie Dye Beach Caftan ($52): Pass up the chance to step out in tie-dye? Never! Usher in lazy summer days with a free-wheelin’ caftan that would do any cool-girl-in-training proud. Fedoras and minimalist ankle bracelets strongly encouraged.
22. Nasty Gal x Lee + Lani The Sway Cutout Cover-Up ($240): Cut. It. Out. Earn best-dressed status the second you set foot on the sand in this ethereal outer layer and a dramatic floppy hat. Bonus points for a Jane Birkin-approved basket and huarache sandals.
23. Topshop Wrap Halter Cover-Up Dress ($58): A beach day look that slays is as easy as tossing on this sassy halter dress. From soaking up the sun to sippin’ on fruity umbrella drinks, it has you covered in every sense of the word.
24. Mikoh Biarritz Maxi Dress ($142): A stint in the south of France may not be in the cards, but this effortless maxi will have you dreaming of lavender fields, chilled rosé and sandy Mediterranean beaches dotted with picturesque buildings. Swoon.
25. Lemlem Hali Flutter Cover-Up ($210): Who doesn’t love a piece with a backstory? This bright cover-up was handwoven by artisans in Ethiopia, and a portion of the proceeds goes to the Liya Kebede Foundation to provide better healthcare to women in Africa.
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