Sun’s out, bathing suit + cover-up on.

Summer days have thrown themselves into our crazy weather mix here on the East Coast, so it seems a good time to address bathing suits, beachwear and poolside attire. If you don’t know me too long - my friends will tell you two things about this post before even seeing it. One, I will not be posting pictures of myself in a variety of bathing suits and two, I have a cover up that “works with” each and every suit. My photo shoot yesterday (torturously conducted by my husband) gave me tons of ideas to mention on the art of a great bathing suit cover-up. I laughed to myself at the end of the photo shoot as I put everything back in its place that I had made sure each suit matched its cover up in color and style and yet only one picture really showed the suit at all. 

Let’s get the practical stuff out of the way - your number one accessory for being out in the sun needs to be protective sun lotion. Do as I say not as I do on this one… I am really bad at remembering this and usually end up with an annual sunburn. A hat is also important if you will be spending a lot of time in the sun - but this can be a great thing for controlling your beachy mane and adding some flair to your summer style. Part of my mandatory packing list includes two hats when going anywhere warm and sunny. (see below for some of my favorite accessory brands) 

Back to bathing suits and cover-ups. I love a great looking cover-up. There are definitely some guidelines that I think can be helpful.  The most important in my opinion is to start with choosing your bathing suit before you purchase the cover-up. Also - while I do often buy more expensive bathing suits because finding a great fit is KEY… I also consider them an investment, always hand wash them carefully and find that they last a lifetime if you do this.  For cover-ups, however, I have some that were 20 dollars and others that were quite expensive. Unlike suits, I think you can really find great cover-ups at any price.  

Why start with bathing suits? Even if you are not planning to take off your cover up in public…. the shape of your suit is important to establish before you pair it.  You will notice in my picture that the far majority of my coverups are V neck. This is because the far majority of my bathing suits are triangle tops. I look better in these tops because while there are so many adorable suits that go straight across (bandeau style), they don't allow for a lift. The neck-tie on triangle or halter tops work better for my not so perky chest. So the key here is - if you prefer triangle shaped tops, choose cover-ups that match that shape and if you wear bandeau tops - you can pair with cover-ups that go straight across. I think it is more flattering when the shape of your cover-up follows the same basic lines as the top of your bathing suit.  

Another consideration is where you are wearing your suit and topper. This will determine how much coverage you need, how sheer it can be, and also how you accessorize. If you are in your yard or at a friends and super casual, then you might just grab a cover in case you are chilly or feeling shy. If you are going beach to bar, beach to restaurant, or beach to store, you would probably want to find a cover which takes your bathing suit from swim to something appropriate to wear out and about. There are dozens of styles, but I always check how it looks with my bathing suit and ask myself the following questions. Does it offer good coverage? Would I wear it to a beachy lunch or drinks? Is it flattering to my shape?

Bathing suit shopping can be unforgiving and disheartening, which is why I focus on getting the best suit for my body and then finishing it with a great complimentary cover up.

Below are some of my favorites.. I have other button-down tunics, mid-length dresses, and beach jogger pants, but my photographer ran out of film (patience). You need a great beach bag as well (I prefer one that can be used at the pool and also get sandy and even might work as my airplane tote if I’m traveling). I wear sunglasses every sunny day (hot or cold) and like wearing hats as well so these are fun to pair with suits and covers.  I travel with lots of costume jewelry and while I often intend to wear some with my daytime beach and pool looks - practicality often prevents me from adding any until I’m dressed for the evening (and I’m the least practical person ever!). I threw on some in these pics for ideas but aside from a great ankle bracelet, and maybe a thin chain with a small charm…I often eliminate the sexy long necklace I intended to wear when I was packing.

Sunshine for me is essential for my mental health. Bathing suits and summer clothes can be hard to wrap your head around especially as we emerge from a true hibernation this year. I found that organizing my suits WITH a great coverup made me feel better even with no eyelash extensions, grey hair, extra COVID-19 pounds and nowhere to go. 

Start with a suit, follow the lines for your cover up, and go grab some vitamin D.

#surfsunsand

#flipflopgirllivinginabootworld

#fortheloveoffunandfashion