These yummy treasures will serve you all summer and complete your total look, from the pool and beach to casual summer outings!
As a quick recap of Part 1 in our Summer Swim series, we discussed how looking “put together” in pieces that make you feel good about yourself inspires confidence. This, in turn, helps to ensure a fun and happy day, so as we continue with this theme, be sure to look for pieces that make your heart sing!
Today’s post focuses on adorable pieces you can use for your everyday looks as well as at the beach and pool. These pieces include coverups (dresses, pareos, shirts, and pants) and summer accessories (shoes, hats, and bags), all of which will work for swim-related activities and everyday casual summer looks. And if you need a reminder of the fabulous one- and two-piece swimsuits we featured in part one of this series, click here.
All that said let’s dive into Summer and Swim 2024, Part 2—pun intended!
Coverups
These dresses, pareos, shirts, and pants not only pull double duty for swim and your summer looks but also contribute tremendously to feeling more “put together” overall. Of course, your final look will depend on whether you’re out for a lovely day or heading to the beach or pool. Either way, you’ll look fabulous.
As I often do, I’ve divided the shopping for this category into sections. The first includes shirts, pants, and pareos, the second features short dresses, and the third features maxi dresses. You’ll find plenty of adorable and flattering treasures throughout.
Summer & Swim Accessories
As mentioned earlier, the accessories I’ve shopped (bags, sandals, and hats) will serve you chicly and beautifully for everyday casual all summer long—in addition to your swim moments. I love finding versatile pieces that maximize your purchase, and I’m happy to say that everything included in these three categories accomplishes that goal!
The slides, thongs, and espadrilles I’ve found will go anywhere and be adorable with much of what you already have in your closet.
Hats include everything from bucket to wide-brim styles and everything in between. They are each so yummy and chic that you may want more than one as the hot months approach.
Your bag is a big part of your overall presentation in any circumstance. And when it comes to your Summer looks, this is no exception. This utilitarian piece will polish your look (regardless of what you’re dressing for) and will be a treasure that you will use for years.
I am personally possessed by so many. This begs the question… which to buy?
THE SHOPPING
Coverups: Shirts, Pants, and Pareos
Pareos are one of my favorite types of swim coverup, yet they’re tremendously versatile and can be used for so many other purposes, including home soirees, backyard parties, and more. You can wear them alone with your swimsuit, whether a one-piece or a bikini, or with a white racerback tank top or a white T-shirt.
To look super chic, use a square knot to tie your pareo in a V shape at your hips. One last thing to note: be sure to buy cotton pareos instead of those made of silk or synthetic materials. I think these fabrics don’t translate well for more casual summer and beach attire. Furthermore, synthetic fabrics are generally less expensive to manufacture, and they tend to look flimsy and cheap. Silk is inappropriate in terms of how it’s used in swim situations and too delicate to survive sun, sand, water, and chlorine.
I promise this is the only coverup with instructions. All the others are self-explanatory!
Coverups: Short Dresses
This style is my favorite—along with the pareos—as the flowy ease of these dresses speaks to my soul. I have a more straight-up-and-down figure, so I love the relaxed forgiveness of this summer look and swim coverup. I pair this shorter dress style with my black patent flip-flops, and off I go, happily and confidently. It’s as simple as that!
Coverups: Maxi Dresses
While this category may not be a personal favorite, maxi dresses are massively popular. The styles you will see in this section are fabulously fun, fresh, and chic, not to mention another easy way to style both your summer and swim looks. I think you will be possessed by what you see!
Finishing Touches: Swim & Summer Shoes, Hats, and Bags
The adorable shoes, hats, and bags I’ve shopped will serve you endlessly through Summer for all your casual looks. Versatility is key to maximizing the fun of owning these treasures.
The ever-necessary and look-popping hats, ranging from wide-brim sun hats to baseball caps, not only make a fabulous statement but serve the important purpose of protecting you from the sun.
As for shoes, you will see flip-flops, slides, and espadrilles, along with a couple of flat ankle-strap sandals that are look-poppers for yummy summer dressing and your beach or pool looks.
Shoes
Hats
Bags
Summing it All Up
Now, you have everything you need to create your perfect Summer and swim looks. There are some fabulous finds, for sure! Be sure to take some time to think about the looks that resonate with you and make your heart sing. Trust me, doing so will pay you back in spades in terms of confidence, fun, and happiness.
Happy Summer, wherever you spend your time!
