Most girls relish summer’s arrival because as the temperature skyrockets, so does the amount of skin we can expose. But if you’re anything like me, I can’t sashay all day with just three triangle patches covering my body. Even supermodels have to cover up when going more than 20 meters from the water! As a mere mortal, I like having my cover ups and beach dresses in my beach bag. For one, I can only rely so much on the power of sunblock, I do need to get under the protection of clothes to keep from burning too much. And secondly, hey, cover ups and beach dresses are something else to show off.
I love the loose, flowy materials that you can just slip on after your skin has dried off from swimming. It goes so perfectly with the tousled hair that the beach (or the pool) gives you and the lovely olive glow you get. With the right print and cut, you could be ready for a night out, all you need is just some lip gloss and mascara.
I’m really into the bohemian inspired cover ups and dresses that just spell c-h-i-c especially when paired with strappy flat sandals (or espadrille wedges if you want a bit of height) and delicate gold hoop earrings. Here are some of the best finds when it comes to beach cover ups:
Diane von Furstenberg is famous for eye catching geometric prints and this one is no exception. The Leurette swimsuit cover up dress (Style #:DIAVF40196) is made of 100% silk chiffon for the perfect casual hug to your frame. It’s sheer but the geometric prints are distracting enough visually that you can wear this over a swimsuit to a casual beach restaurant or to a smart dinner out provided that you have a slip underneath. It has shoulder length dolman sleeves, smocking in the front plus drawstrings (that are best left undone) and some ruching at the back. Come in sizes P and S. Quite pricey at $295, so if your birthday is coming up you should just probably put this in your wish list!
This next one is so pretty, it hurts the eyes. It’s a Shoshanna strapless cover up (Style #:SHOSH30014) in a white eyelet fabric that is so flirty yet innocent at the same time. It has an elastic band at the top and waist which gives it its shape, plus scalloped hemming that just looks so elegant on any dress. 100 percent cotton, it’s sure to make your skin breathe even under the hot sun. I actually bought this for myself cos it’s too cute to pass up on, and fortunately I got it for 30% off the original price and only came down to $129.50. I have used it for the beach since, and a straw hats compliments it well. One confession: I have also used it on a night out: paired with high heels and a loose beige blazer, stun-ning.
Here’s one that appeals to the 70’s child in me. All you need is a middle hair part and a pretty daisy behind you ear and you’re ready for a retro photo shoot. I saw this being worn by a friend of my cousin and I couldn’t help but ask her for the details. This is a Diane Von Furstenberg Isidore white tunic (Style #:DIAVF40085), featuring a deep V at the neck which is held together by an elegant rope tie. It is semi sheer (if you’re wearing colored bathing suit, it will definitely show) with long bell sleeves, and comes right down to the middle of the thighs. The material is 79% polyamide and 21% elastane, which doesn’t sound super breathable but it is loose enough to let air in through the sleeves and the hem. Currently a bargain at 50% off, it retails at $192.50.