These Chic Coverups Are Just Begging to Be Worn on the Beach or By the Pool

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Admittedly, dressing for the beach can be tricky. Coverups—while well-meaning—can often feel skimpy or far too restrictive. The right coverup is a true middle-ground: light enough to feel freeing, but with enough coverage to take you to lunch, on a tour, or wherever the day might take you. Accessorize with stylish and protective sunglasses, a must-have straw hat, and, of course, an elegant swimsuit sure to turn heads. Whether you drift towards a breezy linen sundress or a timeless caftan, we’ve got you covered both literally and figuratively with these 30 most fashionable selections.

Getaway Shirt Dress

With an oversized fit, Left on Friday gives beach dwellers the perfect comfortable-yet-stylish dress that you can toss on and give it no further thought to, because you look fabulous.

Sunday Dress

With an oversized fit and soft v-neck, Left on Friday gives beach dwellers the perfect comfortable-yet-stylish dress that you can toss on and give it no further thought to, because you look fabulous.

June Caftan

Sometimes you want a cover-up that you can throw on and go for the days that melt into sunset bonfires at the beach. With this feminine frock, you'll look photo-ready even if you didn't get a chance to change after watching the sun go down.

June Caftan | Resort '23

Sometimes you want a cover-up that you can throw on and go for the days that melt into sunset bonfires at the beach. With this feminine frock, you'll look photo-ready even if you didn't get a chance to change after watching the sun go down.

Melia scalloped tiered cotton-blend voile maxi dress

Throw this elegant number over just about any style of swimsuit and head for an aperitivo. It's the perfect beach-to-dinner look.

Imagen Dress

Throw this black number over just about any style of swimsuit and head for an aperitivo. It's the perfect beach-to-dinner look.

Bordeaux Caftan

Mirth knows a thing or two about dressing for sunny days. Made of lightweight cotton material, this caftan-style dress was ethically made in India by artisan weavers. But the best part? It's the type of piece that you can wear from day to night without a second thought.

Sonoma Dress

Mirth knows a thing or two about dressing for sunny days. Made of lightweight cotton material, this caftan-style dress was ethically made in India using natural indigo dye and a special mud printing method. But the best part? It's the type of piece that you can wear from day to night without a second thought.

Blair Belted Organic Cotton Maxi Coverup Dress

This dress has the perfect amount of sophisticated details, from the waist-cinching wrap belt to the sultry v-neckline to that irresistible poppy hue. If you want to look polished, add espadrilles and a flattering maillot—it's a recipe that simply will not fail.

Blair Belted Organic Cotton-Crepon Coverup

This dress has the perfect amount of sophisticated details, from the waist-cinching wrap belt to the sultry v-neckline to that irresistible poppy hue. If you want to look polished, add espadrilles and a flattering maillot—it's a recipe that simply will not fail.

Aili Open-Back Open-Knit Halterneck Coverup

If it's sex appeal that you are aiming for, look no further than Cult Gaia's crochet-knit midi dress, which looks oh so sultry layered over your swimsuit of choice.

Joy Coverup

This lemon eyelet coverup tunic is perfect for the days when you want your look to serve a little drama. Make sure to complement with clashing colors to really make the look pop.

Ashley Eyelet Detail Cotton Cover-Up Tunic

This lemon eyelet coverup tunic is perfect for the days when you want your look to serve a little drama. Make sure to complement with clashing colors to really make the look pop.

Paulina Mini Dress

Regular visitors to St. Barts will tell you Poupette can't be missed when it comes to patterned, frilly, and fun coverups. Case in point: this mini dress, which you can toss over a classic swimsuit, or pair with a pair of heels and clutch and look just as fabulous. The key is in the details at the hem and the ruffled trim.

Fiona Flouncy Cover-Up Dress

For a flouncy coverup that could pass as a sundress, this lightweight and tiered number from Robin Piccone simply will not disappoint.

MORE: Best White Dresses for Summer

Alyssa A-Line Cotton Dress

There are beach coverups, and then there are Lilly Pulitzer beach coverups—always classic, always in style, and most definitely, always statement-making.

Linley Coverup

There are beach coverups, and then there are Lilly Pulitzer beach coverups—always classic, always in style, and most definitely, always statement-making.

Marnie Caftan in Azure Stripe

Nautical blue and white stripes are a beachside essential.

Slouchy Hooded Sweater Cover-Up Tunic

Nautical blue and white stripes are a beachside essential.

L*Space Mika Cotton Romper Swim Cover-Up

On days when you want to catch as much sun as possible and not spend time fussing about what to wear, this simple yet chic cotton coverup will come to the rescue.

Mika Gauzy Cover-Up Romper

On days when you want to catch as much sun as possible and not spend time fussing about what to wear, this simple yet chic cotton coverup will come to the rescue.

+ NET SUSTAIN Influencer Belted Linen Playsuit

Every summer wardrobe needs that one easygoing, weightless, and oh-so-comfy one-piece that they can slip in and out of with ease, and this one fits the bill.

Chelsea Cover-Up Romper

A lace-trimmed lilac number that looks just as chic at brunch with the girls as it does poolside. Dress her up with wedges and dangly earrings.

Terry Cloth Romper

Channel a poolside-70s aesthetic with a terrycloth romper that is stylish, comfortable, and best of all, versatile. Who cares if you're not going to the beach or the pool—it makes a great outfit that requires no thought. Just don't forget to pair with gold accessories for a head-turning look.

Reistor Romp and Play Romper

A warm-weather wardrobe staple if we've ever seen one, this carefree and breathable romper will be in heavy rotation all season long.

Olina Linen Pant

Don a relaxed pair of drawstring linen beach pants with a bucket hat and bandeau top and you have the perfect laidback outfit for a day of fun in the sun.

MORE: Stylish Linen Pants for Women

Spellbound Tie Dye Kimono

An easy, breezy kimono to throw over your shoulders after a dip in the sea—or layer over your white tee and jeans while out and about.

Kenna Kimono

An easy, breezy kimono to throw over your shoulders after a dip in the sea—or layer over your white tee and jeans while out and about.

Playa Shirt

A white button down adds a polished finish to your summer ensemble. It's also the most versatile of the bunch: wear it in the morning to run errands, then wear it midday on the beach.

More: The Best White Button Down Shirts for Your Wardrobe

Striped Satin Shirt

When in doubt, reach for a matching set. Wear them together for a cool-girl coordinated look, or mix and match the pieces with your other wardrobe items for endless summer styles.

Delora Shirt

MATCHING SKIRT Costa Mesa Skirt, $179

When in doubt, reach for a matching set. Wear them together for a cool-girl coordinated look, or mix and match the pieces with your other wardrobe items for endless summer styles.

Skipper Linen Cover-Up Shorts

Not ready to commit to a pair of linen pants for yourself a la Diane Keaton? Grab a pair of linen shorts instead.

Embroidered Sarong

A simple and delicate sarong that will go with just about any swimsuit or one piece.

Banana Foliage Sarong

Farim Rio is known for their whimsical patterns: try this fun sarong with colorful tassels—it's extra, but in the best possible way.

Colorful Banana Sarong

Farim Rio is known for their whimsical patterns: try this fun sarong with colorful tassels—it's extra, but in the best possible way.

Convertible Beach Sarong

The genius of this sarong? It can be worn as a skirt, turned into a bandeau dress, and tied around the neck as a halter. And the best part of all? Every way is chicer than the next.

Emelina Perla Wrap Skirt Coverup

This floral pareo is oh-so-good on its own, but it'll look even cuter when paired with the matching swimsuit top and bottom.

Sabanero Dorado Lavanda Pareo

This floral pareo is oh-so-good on its own, but it'll look even cuter when paired with the matching swimsuit top and bottom.

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