Run For Cover

Long considered a cloak for self-conscious swimmers and beach dwellers—and just a rung or two higher on the style ladder than the common beach towel—the swimsuit cover-up is finally having its day in the sun. This resort staple is now a fashion statement in its own right. The latest incarnations are sultry and trendy, and definitely not restricted to the demure.

Want to stroll from boardwalk to lunch without returning to your hotel room to change? Wear a knit or sheer cover-up over your suit, add some pretty espadrilles and a floppy hat and you’re good to go. A maxi-dress version can transition you to pool party or dinner with little or no effort, even if you’ve got bikini strings peeking out; add a colorful bracelet, dangling earrings or sparkly sandals to dress it up if you like. Some cover-ups, such as beaded tunics and terry hoodies, are truly versatile. They may be worn sans swimsuit, as a cute stand-alone outfit, or coupled with shorts or leggings for a sporty about-town look, perfect for errands, day trips, or a post-beach stroll down Main Street.

Cover Girls. Above photo, from left: Copacabana coverup by Seafolly, $111. Antigua cover-up dress by 9seed, $130 at Shopbop.com, String Caftan by Vix Swimwear at Revolveclothing.com, $88. Light Gaia coverup by OndadeMar at Avenue K, $324. Leighanne cover-up dress by Miguelina, $345 at Shopbop.com. Cordon coverup at Anthropologie.com, $119.

High Tide. Clockwise from left: Tommy Bahama striped high-low beach sweater, $118. Lilly Pulitzer Sarasota beaded tunic. Minnie Rose crocheted poncho in giraffe metallic, $236, Trina Turk Zanzibar print tunic, $144, Lucky Brand crochet poncho with cold-shoulder sleeves, $78, and Lulu Fama Mermaid Glitter tunic, $162, all available at Everything But Water.