How to pull of any garment, accessory, or trend with aplomb.

Pool-party invites are flooding your in-box, and you’re counting down to Friday so you can hit the beach. It’s official—summer’s in full swing. And this year, you’re prepared: Your sexy new swimsuit has been ready to go since the first thaw, and your beach bag’s loaded with sunscreen and supplies. But have you thought about how you’re going to make it from the beach blanket to lunch without revealing everything short of your mother’s maiden name? Before you reach for your oversize college tee and cutoffs, think again: There’s an infinitely more fashionable option in store.

Run for Cover
“The cover-up is the piece that will tie your ensemble together and make your swimwear wardrobe complete,” says Brooke Winston, a fit specialist for EverythingButWater.com. Not surprisingly, this summer’s hottest cover-up colors and accents reflect the season’s larger swimwear trends. “Chocolate brown is the new black, and earth tones are very popular,” she explains. Winston also points to hot embellishments such as embroidery, metallic hardware, crochet, beads, and jeweled appliqués.

But the cover-up isn’t just a trendy item that will keep your beach look current; it’s a functional piece that provides sun protection and figure-enhancing benefits. “Cover-ups can be used to your advantage,” says Victoria’s Secret spokesperson Sara Tervo. “They can accent your assets, hide your flaws, and make you look and feel great.” Since these clever garments come in a range of shapes and styles, you can easily find one to take you from the water’s edge to cocktail hour without having to change your clothes. And unlike swimsuits, they’re generally loose-fitting and forgivable, so getting the perfect fit is a breeze.

Strategic Styles
Whether summer finds you lounging poolside or sipping mojitos at a seaside cabana, familiarize yourself with these basic silhouettes to find the most flattering cover.
Sarongs: Also known as pareos, sarongs are a popular, enduring style—and for good reason: They conceal many women’s most angst-inducing body areas (the thighs, hips, lower stomach, and butt). Sarongs tie around the waist for a casual, elegant look, and because they often come in bold hues and prints, they can add a splash of color or hint of exoticism to your ensemble (think Tahitian goddess). Many sarongs are sold in tandem with swimsuits, or you can mix and match. And because they’re long pieces of fabric that tie around your body, some can even double as tube dresses.
Tunics: “The long-sleeve-tunic style is really big,” says Venus Swimwear designer Brandi Thomas. “In most cases, it’s mid-thigh with a low V-neck and some interest, such as a bell sleeve, embroidery, or sparkle.” Tunics are so hot, in fact, that even celebrities with perfect bodies have been sporting them. For the rest of us, the style also proffers practical benefits, camouflaging the midriff, butt, and hips, not to mention flabby arms, while showing off your legs. In fact, the tunic can even work for boyish figures: "Just choose one with a belt or a sash to add shape,” Thomas suggests. “When you take the tunic off, you use the sash as a head scarf.” Tunics generally come in sheer fabrics, like silk chiffon, crochet, and gossamer cotton, so they won't make you look too covered up. The caftan, a longer version of the tunic, also offers leg coverage.
Dresses: Running the gamut from mini to ankle-length and strapless to long-sleeve, seaside shifts are slightly dressier but no less convenient than tunics. One of the best-selling styles in recent years has been Juicy Couture’s Terry Tube Dresses, which can be rolled up and thrown into any beach bag. This season, there are many versions of that basic style, along with other flirty and body-flattering options. “If you have a bigger tummy but a great set of legs, look for a short baby-doll dress with a smocked bust that has some shape to it so you won’t see the flaws,” Thomas suggests. If your lower body is bigger, she suggests trying a longer take on the style.
Cabana Pants and Gauchos: Like sarongs, cabana pants and gauchos are effective for concealing the lower half of the body. Cabana pants are generally loose-fitting and long, while gauchos are wide-legged and cropped. To avoid a look that’s too heavy for the beach, look for airy, gauzy fabrics that skim your body, rather than hug every curve. For an equally laid-back look that shows some leg, Thomas points to the resurgence of A-line miniskirts, ruffle skirts, and board shorts as good options. “Board shorts now come in knee-length styles, which is great for girls whose thighs are a little thicker but have great knees and calves.”

The Lisa Curran Swim Tunic ($210; bloomingdales.com) comes in turquoise silk chiffon with embroidery and gold beading.

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