Sharyn GreensteinFor some of us BA50’s, bathing suit shopping is not high on our list of fun activities. I have made the obligatory job a bit easier over the years by sticking to brands and silhouettes that are tried and true for me. With a straight body, I look best in styles with added waist definition. I also buy well made, high quality suits even though the cost per inch can at times seem ridiculous. I have swimsuits for lounging in or for taking a quick dip, and others that I feel secure in while swimming laps or kayaking without worrying about a possible wardrobe malfunction. In researching for this article, I went to the mall and scoured websites to give you lots of great swimsuit options you can shop from the comfort of your home.
There are always lots of fun beach cover-ups available, and I can never have too many. New this season are wrap-front style pants that look flattering on almost everybody. Caftans continue to be popular and come in fun prints and solids with details like fringe and pompoms. Below are my top choices for swimsuits and cover-ups you can rock with confidence at the beach, lake or pool this summer.
Cool Cover-Ups
These fun wrap-front beach cover-up pants are a stylish layering piece over your swimwear. Also in black and selling fast at Target.
Tropically inspired and free flowing, this tassel-trimmed voile caftan will keep you looking cool when you need to cover up.
Feel fun and free as you stroll the beach in this cover-up style cut from sheer, breathable gauze fabric and anchored by darling pompom fringe.
Grecian styling informs a graceful knit maxi dress shaped by gathered shoulders, an easy drawstring waist and an overlapping side-slit skirt.
Beaded and shell-tipped ties add to the tropical feel of a boldly patterned cover-up perfect for your next beach getaway.
Cover up after pool time in these gauzy embroidered pants styled with a comfy drawstring waist and breezy split hems from Chelsea28. With a 29 inch inseam, also in black and ivory.
Made of soft double-layered cotton gauze, this cover-up tunic is so comfy you won’t want to wait for vacation to wear it. It also doubles as a napping dress! Also in white.
A strapless jumpsuit is the perfect pick for casual days and doubles as a beach cover-up. At Nordstrom Rack.
Stylish Swimsuits for a Quick Dip
If you have great shoulders or have an hourglass figure, this is an awesome suit for you! Ruching at the torso and a keyhole halter bodice bring old-Hollywood glamour to this classic suit from Bleu by Rod Beattie. I have several suits from this brand. Also in black.
This curve-hugging bikini from Bleu by Rod Beattie looks cool in ocean-inspired hues. The contrast waist sash creates the illusion of a slimmer midsection, while the molded cups provide ample coverage with its supportive underwire.
Sultry straps keep a plunging neckline in place while you’re focused on slaying resort life in this lacy swimsuit. Also in navy and selling fast.
The illusion of crossover front panels create a waist-whittling effect in this graphic swimsuit from Gottex. Contrast piped stripes add textural interest, while the plunge back boosts the feminine allure. In three colors and selling fast.
Flattering on most body types, this floral suit from La Blanca has a belt for added waist definition. 70% off at Nordstrom Rack.
Swimsuits for Active Pursuits
From Athleta, this color-blocked one piece swimsuit is ideal for all your active water sports. The color-blocking is very flattering.
A high neck adds a secure fit to this one-piece swimsuit by Reebok. The print adds movement and will help disguise any lumps and bumps. Over half off at Nordstrom Rack and selling fast.
A one-piece swimsuit from Reebok features a contemporary look with a front zip closure and seam detailing. Extra elasticized panel in back keeps everything in place. Over half off at Nordstrom Rack.
This one piece suit from Athleta comes in this sunny orange and also in royal blue and black. Available in petites and tall sizes as well for the perfect fit.
From Athleta, this crop bikini top has medium support and wireless compression. For swim, surf, and stand up paddle-board.