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(We Got To Have It)

These Are The Most Multifunctional Beach Cover-Ups Out There Right Now

Cost per wear, baby.

by Kelsey Stewart

Updated: Feb. 20, 2024

Originally Published: July 23, 2023

@simonmillerusa

Beach cover-ups

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Well, it’s official: We’ve entered peak summer. In other words? The steamiest days of the year are here, making the thought of submerging your body in brisk water so appealing. For those not fortunate enough to have a pool in their backyard or apartment complex, the nearby lake or shore is likely where you’ll be every weekend until Labor Day rolls around. If that’s the case, having all the essentials — like a sand-friendly tote, cans of LaCroix (a personal necessity of mine), and a trusty beach cover-up — ensures you’ll have a grand time by the water.

But if the word cover-up conjures up images of sarongs and kaftans (that you only wear once or twice a year, let’s be real), wipe those thoughts out of your mind. As TZR editors prove below, this warm-weather essential can go far beyond a lightweight, thigh-grazing number. Take the chic Dodo Bar Or crochet flared-leg trousers our Editor-in-Chief, Kathy Lee, wears on and off the beach all summer long. And if you’re on board with 2023’s no-pants look, take notes from TZR’s Senior Social Media Strategist, Maggie Haddad, who throws a Simon Miller x Mango crochet polo over her bathing suit for a beach to drinks outfit. The styles we all love work well beyond a day on the shore.

Ahead, dive into our editors’ favorite picks in this category, from one-and-done rompers to breezy shorts.

Karel Crocheted Flared-Leg Trousers

Karel Crocheted Flared-Leg Trousers

“Ever since last summer, I've been on the hunt for crochet pants to wear to and from the beach. My preference has shifted from mini caftans towards pieces with more coverage with breathable and light fabrics to protect my skin from the sun. I also love that I can wear the knit bottoms back in the city late August through September paired with an oversized button down or a long peasant blouse. This turquoise shade would look great in the high summer paired with optic white and bold colors; in late summer, I’d style it with light gray and navy.” — Kathy Lee, editor in chief, TZR

Ophelia Overall

Ophelia Overall

"While I typically reach for floaty, breezy linen dresses to throw over my bathing suit, I'm switching things up this summer — mainly thanks to this adorable linen romper. The oversized, boxy silhouette and lightweight fabric make it perfect for beachside (or poolside) hangs and it complements any and all swimwear in my arsenal. I'll be living in this little number for the next couple months, mark my words.” — Angela Melero, executive editor, TZR

The Shorts

The Pop-Over Shirt

“Honestly I kind of think cover-ups are a bogus category in the market — do we need to buy an entirely separate thing for vacation lounging when a great linen shirt or dress with do? This sweet striped top, for instance, is lightweight and beach-y enough to throw over a bikini but works for everyday with the matching shorts.” — Alison Syrett, deputy fashion editor, TZR

Carmen Shorts Distorted Liquid

Carmen Shorts Distorted Liquid

“If I'm adding a beach cover-up into my already overflowing, tiny closet then the piece should at least be multifunctional. I'm looking for styles I can work into my daily outfits, whether I'm at the office, which is most days, or for a weekend at the park. These Stine Goya bottoms fit the bill, as they look like 'regular' shorts, but are certainly fit for a day in sand and water. When styled with the matching swimsuit, which doubles as a bodysuit IMO, the set can take you well beyond just a day at the beach.” — Marina Liao, senior fashion news editor, TZR

Paula Pullover

Show Me Your Mumu

“I usually avoid beach-to-bar versatility in cover-ups (why miss an excuse to overpack?) but an exception must be made for this wildly cheerful crochet top. By the sea or pool, it’s so breezy, happy, and summery over a bathing suit, but is long enough to feel appropriate-ish for a quick cocktail. Of course, there’s also wearing it day-to-day at home with cutoffs — it’ll always earn a compliment out on the street.” — Amanda Ross, beauty editor, TZR

Crochet Dress

“As much as I wish I were that person who could relax on the beach all day long, I’m just not. After about an hour or two lounging on my towel, I get the urge to throw on my cover-up and hit the boardwalk for an iced coffee or sweet treat. For my next trip to the shore, I’m particularly excited to sport this crochet dress from Zara around town. And when I’m exploring the town at night, this see-through number will look fun worn atop my black bike short romper.” — Kelsey Stewart, associate fashion editor, TZR

Isaac Open Knit Mini Dress

Isaac Open Knit Mini Dress

“When shopping for beachwear, I'm always on the hunt for multifunctional pieces that can be worn beyond my vacations. This on-trend crochet dress fits the bill. The light beige color will look great with every color swimsuit and can be worn with a slip underneath or with denim shorts.” — Erin Lukas, deputy beauty editor, TZR

Cindy Short Cover Up

ViX Paula Hermanny

Cindy Short Cover Up

“When on vacation, I opt for cover-ups that can transition seamlessly from the beach or pool to lunch and city-exploring. This timeless black mini dress from Vix does just that. It's simple but elevated, and will look amazing accessorized with bold jewelry or a colorful sunhat. Plus, it will match just about any swimsuit in my wardrobe.” — Rebecca Iloulian, director of newsletter revenue and marketing, BDG

Bicolor Openwork Polo Shirt

Simon Miller x Mango

Bicolor Openwork Polo Shirt

“I love a multipurpose wardrobe piece. Not only would this multicolor knit polo top look super cute as a cover-up, but it would also look great paired with a miniskirt and sandals for drinks and dinner after a beach day. The openwork knit is breezy and cool, while the mid-length sleeves provide you with some extra sun coverage.” — Maggie Haddad, senior social media strategist, TZR

This article was originally published on July 23, 2023