We’ve all built that bridge over the process of choosing and buying a swimsuit, haven’t we?
Just quietly, if the bridge building is a work in progress, that’s OK. Just keep on building.
Maybe, just maybe, today’s piece of the summer beach and pool wardrobe puzzle might help you to make that building a little easier.
Let’s talk swimsuit cover ups, shall we?
Now, in my summer resort-style dream I’m swanning around poolside with a cocktail in hand but the reality is I’m up early on a steamy Sunday morning following seven-year-old kids around the beach for nippers.
Glamorous it is not – but comfortable I want to be.
My togs are underneath ready for a post-Nippers swim, I don’t want to feel hot and sweaty and I want to be sunsafe.
Not asking much, am I?
Discovering cotton and bamboo beach dresses as well as kaftans a few years ago actually makes it do-able.
Now, my summer wardrobe is filled with them. Some are more dressy than others but each are super-easy to wear and just need a pair of sunnies and a pair of Havaianas as accessories.
Should I need to dress them up for a drinks or a barbecue with friends it’s as easy as adding sandals or wedges.
How to choose swimsuit cover ups
1. Look for easy-care, breathable fabrics. Honestly, would you be bothered ironing a dress you were going through over your cosie? Or pack in a suitcase?
2. Think about the length. If you’re legs are your best assets then go as short as you like. If you appreciate a bit of modesty, just on knee-length is flattering but non-mumsie. Some cover ups will look more tunic or shirt-like; some more dress-like. Both styles can work for you. Oh, and if you need a little more length to a tunic dress, it might also work with a slip dress underneath (remember that building block?).
3. Don’t be afraid of volume. But be cautious. If the fabric is lovely and flowy and sheer and we can still see your shape and your cosie underneath … or a slip covering that cosie, then the volume is your hot weather friend. If the fabric isn’t sheer, however, it will be too tent-like and it’s likely that your mum will call asking for you to send back her 1970s muumuu.
4. Sleeves are a must if it’s SPF you’re after. They’re not a must if your cover up is only going on for dusk cocktails.
5. Don’t rule out the maxi. As long as you stick to tip 3 re fabrics and volume, then this can be a super sexy post-beach or poolside look. And you know how I LOVE a maxi.
Shopping suggestions
Here are 15 of my favourite swimsuit cover ups available right now. I’ve included options to suit all shapes and sizes. Click on the caption below each image for a link to buy.
Do you have a need for swimsuit cover ups this summer? Seen any here that you like? What style suits you best?
Comments 24
I live in these in Summer. Ready to leap in the pool at a moments notice and comfy with it! x
Exactly Maxabella x
Very timely post thankyou Nikki – I built that bridge, ordered a one-piece online yesterday, and it arrived today…so thankyou for that little gem of a tip (I was so stressed last year trying on togs at a chainstore that I bought a white and red striped number that is see-through when wet-arrrgghh! What was I thinking?!). Anyway…onto coverups – I’ve seen a nice Lazybones dress which looks light and breezy but may swamp 160cm me. You’ve got me thinking about bamboo though – the bamboo pj’s I had were so comfy! And I’ll check out what other colours your Country Road dress above comes in – thanks again xx
Oh Julie, I’m glad you had success with the swimsuit! And do think about the bamboo – gorgeous fabric!
I haven’t even thought of bikini cover ups yet!! Oh no, Summer keeps getting closer and closer! I don’t like my thighs so I’ll probably go for a knee length cover up (and black because my daughter ALWAYS gets my clothes dirty! http://www.jouretnuitonline.com.au
And black always looks chic!
Bought that CR dress in black, I also tried on that Morrison dress in their shop and while I love it, sadly it did not love me!
Oh I feared that may be same for me 🙁
I adore those coverups you have chosen Nikki,in particular the Morrison Kaftan,The Witchery Kaftan and the maxi,I love a maxi too,I bought the Roberto Cavalli maxi online yesterday,I hope it is nice on,I think that will be my Christmas dress and posh hubby’s work do dress
I do have a lovely big pool so on the really hot days I wear my cossie and a kaftan and go for little cooling off dips and when the water reaches a temperature I like,about 28 degrees I will start walking in the water,,great exercise and I am allowed to do that,where walking on land is too hard on my knee.I must admit I own a few ,whom am I kidding,a bit more than a few maybe 5 short kaftans that double as dresses with a slip under,and I have a lovely maxi one and a long sleeved Sussan one,I tend to go for ones that are nipped in at the waist that I don’t have so they don’t swamp me.I think in my mind I live in a resort,but that’s ok,reality steps in ,in the form of house work,washing .cooking etc.
Thank you Nikki for doing research for us again x.
You did well to pick up the Roberto Cavalli maxi – is now sold out! And I think it’s ok to think that you live in a resort!!!
Oh is it, I bought it yesterday afternoon! I didn’t hurry or anything,and thanks yes I can dream right?
I bought the Country Road dress earlier this week as part of their Spend and Save promotion. While I love that Coral pink it was quite sheer and the black was a bit more forgiving in the tummy.
I will definitely be giving this a run with sandals and beads for casual dinner, as well as a beach cover-up. This is my solution to packing light for holidays.
Oooh tell me more about the Country Road promo please!!
If you’re a Country Road cardholder every so often they have a spend and save promotion – spend $150 and get $50 off.
I bought it too! I used the spend and save promotion and came out well!
It is the perfect little black dress for summer, I will be dressing it up with bling for a casual beach wedding and an up-do plus it will be great for on holiday and going out to dinner.
For the price too the quality is good and it feels easy to wear….
never thought of it though as a beach cover up…but it would work
three-in-one dress
thanks Nikki, thanks Country Road 😉
Three-in-one dress now that sounds like even Mr BC might go for that one Sarah!
Yes I’m always looking for a bathers cover up to wear to and from the beach or just to pop over when I want a bit more coverage on the sand than a rashie. I like the Bella Lido and the Witchery kaftans the most out of these. I find shopping for a nice ladies rashie the worst part because I like to set a good example for my kids too specially on those really really hot hot days when you DO need to cool off by having a swim.
Louise, I’m naughty … except for mid-summer, I don’t do a rashie at the beach. Instead we try and get off the beach by 10am. You are a better example than I am!
I hate shopping for swimsuits. They always seem so uncomfortable to me.
Wrote about that last week – I need swimsuits where I live so I just get on with it and over myself and my issues!
I dread swimwear. I really should invest in a coverup for these moments. It’ll take a lot of the anxiety away. Rachel x
Especially for where you live Rach x
Love, love them Nikki!, but I would be wearing them as work clothes in our upcoming heat! Hahahahaha! just pop a pair of leggings/capris and a tight top underneath and I would be right to go!! I’d like quite a few of these loose tunics/dresses for when it really sets in and I should be out at the pool instead of work!! perhaps I can have the look that I am on the way there after work!
Yes! Totally all for buying clothes that have more than one use. Many of mine become day dresses for when the heat is on.