You've just booked your holiday and you're excited for some time in the sun but now, you're faced with the task some people love and some people loathe - packing. Of course you'll have your non-negotiables, like your favourite linen trousers you can pair with everything, the summer dresses that have been collecting dust in your wardrobe, a bikini to wear for lounging poolside, and, crucially, a beach cover up. If you have any plans that involve a beach, or beach bars, a bikini cover-up is essential.
Beach cover ups are key to any beachside vacation, perfect for slipping on en-route to the beach or heading to lunch after a morning (well) spent soaking in the sun and swimming. The good news? They come in all shapes and sizes; you can opt for a classic kaftan dress, a sarong skirt (they're back!) or even a swim skirt, the Y2K hero that's seen a revival this year. If you're looking for inspiration, OOO celebs are here to offer aplenty. Kendall Jenner, Sara Sampaio and Maya Jama have all been on Instagram sporting cover-ups in every iteration imaginable, proving it to be the ultimate summer hero piece.
When it comes to fabrics, we recommend choosing cover-ups made from quick-drying materials like cotton and linen, to help you stay cool and comfortable so you can enjoy the rest of the day in the sun. Shop the best beach cover ups, perfect for all your vacation plans.
Shop: The Best Beach Cover Ups
Reisswww.reiss.com
Reiss' knitted dress is one of those beach cover ups that you can wear all day, and through to the evening, too. For a daytime look, simply add a pair of chunky sandals and a large raffia tote. For night time, swap the accessories and opt for wedge heels and a gold clutch.
Harrodswww.harrods.com
This cover up is from Missoni's brand new collection and features its staple patterned print. Designed in raschel knit for a lace effect, the cover up has a short hem and wide sleeves, making it perfect for those days when it's too hot to wear anything other than a bikini.
Hunza Gwww.hunzag.com
You can't go wrong with a pure linen oversized shirt as a bikini cover up. In true Matilda Djerf fashion, pair this easy, breezy shirt with either a pair of wide leg trousers or floaty shorts for a beach look you can wear to explore in afterwards.
My Theresawww.mytheresa.com
Butter yellow is the colour of the summer so lean into the sunshine shade with this fishnet mini dress. All that's missing is a tote bag and a pair of oversized black sunglasses.
My Theresawww.mytheresa.com
For a cover up you'll find yourself packing year after year and summer after summer, this one from Totême is a great choice. With a gorgeous striped print and a material that's made from a blend of linen and cotton, this cover up will help you to perfect that boho-chic look.
M&S Pure Cotton Printed Sarongwww.marksandspencer.com
For a cheaper sarong that's still chic, M&S has released this one in a monochrome print. Pair it with a classic black high waisted bikini and fisherman sandals for the most versatile daytime look. Adding a wide-brimmed hat would look great too.
John Lewiswww.johnlewis.com
If this summer you're all about keeping cool, this maxi kaftan will do just that. With a tie back and oversized design your soggy bikini won't be seen as it's carefully fully covered. Plus the pale blue hue asserted itself as one of the colours of the season, so this John Lewis kaftan is also on-trend.
Reisswww.reiss.com
Perfect for throwing on over beach wear, a jumpsuit is a great alternative to a dress or shorts. It's made of semi-sheer linen meaning you'll still be able to make a statement with your swimwear, and it features complementary black accents. Style this look with either a pop of colour, or make it a monochromatic look.
Selfridgeswww.selfridges.com
Take style notes from Kendall Jenner herself and opt for a mesh maxi dress to wear to the beach or beach club. This one from Jaded London has a tie fastening at the back and a boat neckline. Plus, it's sheer so you'll be able to get a glimpse of your bikini underneath.
ASOSwww.asos.com
For something a little more casual, a linen shirt and shorts combo is the way to go. This set from Topshop is bright (but not too in your face) and can be styled super easily. With a pair of fisherman sandals and a black string bag, the co-ord will become less pyjama-like, and more ready-for-some-sun-like. Shop the matching shorts here.
River Islandwww.riverisland.com
If you want everyone's eyes on you, you're going to want to bag this longline green kaftan. With metallic floral detailing, meaning it would look best with any bikini that has hints of green or gold in.
How do I style a beach cover up?
Beachgoers will know that cover ups come in many different styles. Of course there's sarongs and wrap skirts, but there's also linen sets and breezy jumpsuits. Saying that, styling any beach cover up is easy and you only really need two things - a bikini or swimsuit, and a pair of chunky sandals. If you want to look extra put together, then throw some sunglasses with a slight cat eye and a wide-brimmed neutral hat and you'll be giving Tanya in Mamma Mia (in the best way).
Main image credit: Instagram/@kendalljenner, @sarasampaio @mayajama
Gemma Lavers is a Fashion Writer at Bauer Media, writing for brands like Grazia, heat and Closer. Gemma specialises in all things clothing and enjoys outfit planning (especially for holidays), scrolling social media for the next trend and shopping (probably for a new coat).