Stand Out When You Cover Up Swimwear
You need the right cover-up for the beach, pool or anywhere you wear bathing suits, and a baggy T-shirt and cut-offs won't make it.
So says Suze Yalof Schwartz, Glamour magazine's fashion editor at large.
She says you should strive for a more sophisticated look.
Schwartz dispensed advice on The Early Show Tuesday and showcased outfits to make a splash.
She pointed out that everyone seeks the best bathing suits, but the right cover-up is also key.
Cover-ups are great, she observed, for running to buy more water from the shack on the boardwalk or for when it's a little hot outside. But by no means should you wrap yourself in a big baggy shirt head-to-toe. It's not about "hiding," it's about covering up the key areas so you look great without baring all or hiding too much.
In suggesting you ditch the cutoffs and the ratty college shirt, Schwartz asks, if you're not a slob in life, why should you be a slob on the beach? T-shirts and drawstring pants may be appropriate, but they're far from fabulous.
Schwartz had models sporting six looks on The Early Show that would have you looking beach-ready in no time.
LOOK NO. 1
Matching your cover-up to your swimsuit can be dangerous, but with the right print and shape it absolutely works. This bikini and cover-up set by Cia Maritima is perfect — wrap dresses are universally flattering, especially on pear-shaped women, and the print is small so it doesn't overpower. There's nothing sexier than a feminine dress in a bold cut.
DRESS — CIA MARITIMA $199
BIKINI — CIA MARITIMA
BAG — TARGET
SHOES — STEVEN BY STEVE MADDEN
LOOK NO. 2
Slathering on sunscreen can be a pain, and for the people out there who have to avoid the sun's harmful rays for health reasons, it's extra important to make sure you're fully protected. Coolibar makes beach-friendly clothing that is chic and offers plenty of sun protection. Tia's zip-up jacket and pants not only offer the same amount of protection from the sun as SPF 50 sunblock does, but they're made to be worn both in and out of the water.
JACKET AND PANTS — COOLIBAR $59, $49
BIKINI —MILLY
BAG — TARGET
SHOES — BITTEN
LOOK NO. 3
The floor-length dress is the new shape for the summer. There's something surprisingly sexy about a long dress in a fun summer print that leaves your shoulders and arms completely bare. This dress manages to cover you up without looking dowdy, and paired with cute flats it's perfect on the beach or by the pool. For a nighttime look, just add your favorite heels.
DRESS — H&M $49
BIKINI — VIX
BAG — J CREW
SHOES — NINE WEST
LOOK NO. 4
Shorts are incredibly versatile this season so it makes perfect sense they'd be an ideal cover-up. An oversize raffia bag adds a burst of color and holds virtually anything you might want to bring along to the beach.
TOP AND SHORTS — SEAFOLLY $80, $62
BIKINI — J CREW
BAG —COACH
SHOES — VICTORIA'S SECRET
LOOK NO. 5
A plunging neckline is sexy, while a bikini underneath keeps it from being too racy. A cinched waist gives you a shape but flowy fabric covers both your tummy and hips — what's not to love? Paired with a graphic bag by Milly, it's an effortless summer look.
COVER-UP — LA BLANCA BY ROD BEATTIE $86
BIKINI — MILLY
BAG — MILLY
SHOES — VICTORIA'S SECRET
LOOK NO. 6
Mixing prints used to be a Glamour Don't, but the right patterns in the right colors can complement each other perfectly if all the prints involved are from the same color family. The trick to making it look cute — not crazy — is having one print that stands out and a print that goes with it, like the stripes do here. The result is pulled-together chic.
COVER-UP — LETARTE $160
BIKINI — LETARTE
BAG — H&M
SHOES — VICTORIA'S SECRET
To read Schwartz's blog, click here.