Sun, sand, sea and a good tan — what more could you ask for? Except maybe for some tips on avoiding certain mistakes with your swimwear and cover-ups that will stop you from cringing every time you look back at your pictures.
Yes, there is such a thing as a bad beach style. Swimsuits that don’t fit right, bikinis gone wrong, makeup that starts to melt in the sun and cover-ups that look like they should have been left at home where they belong. The problem with swimwear faux pas is that they could potentially be disastrous. You’re wearing very little to begin with — one little slip-up is all it takes to go from an “Oops” to an “Oh no!” moment. Absolutely not the look you want to go for when you’re at the beach.
Luckily, there is one item of clothing for the beach that you can count on, as long as you steer clear of mistakes too. Enter beach cover-ups to the rescue. Versatile, comfortable and flattering on almost every figure, cover-ups are the perfect solution to wear to the beach, even on a hot, sweltering day.
Cover-ups for the beach are a thin breathable, comfortable layer worn over your bathing suit when you’re done with your swim or tan session. Cover-ups today come in several lengths, patterns, styles and colors. You can find something to suit everyone’s taste. Since cover-ups are such an easy and versatile piece to work with, they have quickly become a popular must-have item when you’re planning to hit the beach.
However, there are several ways this comfortable cover-up can go wrong too. Here are some mistakes to stay away from that will ensure you always hit the beach looking your best:
- Don’t Go Overboard – Since a lot of cover-ups and beachwear these days are vibrant and colorful on their own, be careful not to go overboard with the rest of your outfit. If you’re opting for a cover-up that comes in loud colors, then this should be the only statement piece you wear. This means your bathing suit and any accessories you choose to bring with you (shoes or bag) should be neutral and plain colors. The rule of thumb with any swimwear should be to only have one statement piece that makes you stand out and leave it at that.
- Your Cover-Up Should Cover Up – A cover-up is only considered a cover-up if it does the job. Wear something too short and, well, it’s not much of a cover-up then. A cover-up should be something that will satisfy the dress code of the places you might decide to hit next once you’re done with your day by the beach. If you happen to get the munchies or plan to do a spot of shopping, it’s better to own a cover-up that looks like a presentable summer dress.
- Don’t Pick Something Too Baggy – A cover-up is meant to be loose, but wearing something too loose will be unflattering. Any type of baggy clothing can make you look like you’re five to ten pounds heavier than you actually are. Yes, even if it is something as lightweight as a cover-up. Cover-ups are meant to be loose and flowing, but they shouldn’t be too big on your frame either. You should pick something that hugs your silhouette in just the right way for the most flattering look.
- Don’t Pick Something That Doesn’t Flatter Your Height – Your height is something to take into account when shopping for swimwear. Your cover-up is like a dress, and as you would with all your dresses, think about your height when deciding what length to go for. Since you will likely be wearing sandals or flip-flops to the beach, your height will be even more of a deciding factor. Those who fall on the shorter side might pull off a mini or mid-length cover-up more so than a long or maxi-length one. The mid-length or mini-length cover-up would also flatter someone taller because they could show off their legs, which would no doubt have been nice and tanned from a day in the sun.
- Don’t Go Overboard with Your Accessories – Anything you wear to the beach should be simple, relaxed and easygoing. This is not the time to show off all the accessories you’ve been wanting to wear but haven’t had the opportunity to just yet. In fact, the only accessory necessary at the beach is a beach bag that can carry everything you need. Save your accessories for a night or day out instead. If you still feel the need to have an accessory or two, go for smaller pieces that are simple yet classic. Stud earrings, for example, are much more practical and suitable than larger hoop earrings for a day at the beach. Remember — your cover-up is your biggest and loudest statement piece in this ensemble.
- Don’t Pick Colors That Don’t Flatter Your Skin Tone – Not all loud and vibrant colors go with every skin tone. Certain colors work best with only certain types of skin tones. You might find that some colors, no matter how much you like them, might not be the best fit for your skin tone. Like all your other clothing, give your cover-ups the same treatment. Pick colors that flatter your skin tone, otherwise, it’s not going to work.
Finally, avoid buying cover-ups that you’re not entirely comfortable or confident wearing in the first place. If you’re comfortable with what you’re wearing, you’re automatically going to feel a lot more confident in your own skin. When you’re confident, everything else falls into place, and you don’t have to try as hard to look good.