What To Wear OVER That Bikini

After my post last week, I realized that equally as important as the swimsuit is the cover-up.  After all, you can’t walk to the beach in just your suit.  You can’t hit up the local shops in town, stroll along the boardwalk, or take a breather for lunch or coffee in just your bikini.  And those days when you stay at the beach long enough to watch the sun set and the temperature cool?  Yep, you’re gonna need that cover-up.  For every post in every fashion blog that’s devoted to the one-piece, the two-piece, the red-piece and the blue-piece, there should be one devoted to the cover-up.  And so here it is.

The great thing about the cover-up is that no matter what you’re sporting beneath, you can make a fashion statement with just one easy-to-pull-on item.  The simplest shirt, dress, or pair of shorts can say so much about you as an individual, as a beach-goer, and as a fashionista.  The best part?  Gone are the days of oversized t-shirts and gym shorts, as are the days of beaded fringe tops and mesh overload.  Walk into any store and you’ll find an abundance of options, no matter your shape or size (and it’s a cover-up, so your size really doesn’t matter – these babies come in sizes roomy and roomier).

So weather you’re prim and preppy, surfer chic, boho babe or sporty chick, we’ve got you covered, literally.  Click through for a few options and a bit of inspiration, and tell me, what’s your go-to cover-up?

After graduating from college in ’09, Allyson Barkan flew off to Greece to teach English Literature at a private high school and explore Greek and European culture for a year.  Since returning stateside, she now works in Entertainment Public Relations in New York City.  For travel advice, stray observations as a 20-something in the big city, and the occasional hilarious misadventure, follow Allyson atwww.allysonbarkan.com and on twitter at @aebarkan.