Seeing that we’re already 10 days out of July’s conclusion, I figured there was no better time than now to share some of the cover ups & swimsuits I’ve recently worn during this Summer 2021 season. I’m quite picky when it comes to both, as feeling comfortable & stylish while at the beach is a combination I always strive for – especially in this “revealing” environment. Most swim doesn’t leave much to the imagination…

Same goes for cover ups, but in the sense that most aren’t entirely flattering & the concept of coordinating them with your selected swimwear often falls short. I’m relatively guilty of this too & it’s not that you should coordinate your cover up to your swim, but it definitely looks more like a purposeful “outfit” when it does. And not gonna lie, it helps me feel more confident when everything I’m wearing pulls together such as that.

Here are a few cover up styles I’ve recently been sporting to the beach/pool, as well as several bikinis that are fun in color & happen to be small-bust friendly, too! I’ve also linked to the accessories/sandals you see in some of the mirror pictures as well.

COVER UP OPTION 1: THE PULLOVER DRESS

Multi-Print Maxi | Babydoll Floral Block Mini | Striped Kaftan Maxi

First picture above: Red Chiffon Tassel Tunic (also got the Multi-Color Pom one)

Without a doubt, the pullover dress/tunic cover up is the easiest to throw on over a suit & head out the door in. Although the romper/jumpsuit cover up options are fun in their own way, sometimes the simplicity of a dress overrules. Plus, I’ve found that most cover up dresses these days can also be great post-beach/pool options to wear for happy hour drinks, even dinner! It’s all about finding the right fabric (aka not see-through chiffon.)

COVER UP OPTION 2: THE SARONG SKIRT

Maxi Sarong Skirt | Ruched Bralette Top & Matching Bottoms | White Tassel Sarong Wrap | Abstract Bralette Top & Matching Bottoms | Natural Shopper Tote Bag (on bed in background)

A relatively new (to me) cover up style I’ve been loving lately is the Sarong Skirt concept. I’m so glad these have started to come back this year, as I know they once were the go-to option for cover ups to wear around the beach or pool area (if you didn’t want to expose everything while outside the water.) Since I’ll be spending my Bachelorette Weekend on a beach (will share details about that soon), I made sure to get two sarong styles that would coordinate with the Bridal Theme / with a majority of my swimwear time & time again. This particular tassel wrap sarong option also comes in a longer length, if mini isn’t your thing. And if you like the idea of a maxi with a slit, here are a few more styles I’ve been eyeing like mad.

COVER UP OPTION #3: THE OVERSIZED SHIRT

Aussie Print Retro Hawaiian Shirt (lots of dog breed options available) | Linen-Blend White Shirt (recommend sizing up 2x)

Lastly, the oversized button-down shirt as a cover up. These two I’m wearing above are slightly too small for my liking – but hey, it’s all a gamble when ordering online. I happen to have a long torso so I should’ve sized up 2x for the length and more of an oversized fit, but I still plan to wear these two as options once and a while.

BTW – Some more fun cover up top styles to check out, both oversized & more fitted options!

SMALL-BUST + LARGE A$$ – FRIENDLY SWIM OPTIONS

Peach Print Ruffle Strap Top & Matching High Leg Bottoms | Ribbed White Triangle Top & Matching Mid-Waist Bottoms | Blue Floral Cinched Top & Matching High Leg Side Tie Bottoms

Swimwear has always been a tried-and-true method for me, frankly because the top half of my body is substantially smaller than the bottom… For some reason, I have a huge ass for my body frame. And although I love it for what it is, finding a proper-fitting bottom is not a fun endeavor while swim shopping. In fact, it’s one of the many reasons I don’t gravitate towards high-waisted or one-piece options because rarely do they NOT ride up lol.

Luckily, I’ve since discovered the right style bikini top(s) that accentuate my tiny 32B’s and associated bottom size(s) depending on the cut of the swimwear. On top, bralette with underwire or a fitted triangle – both with stretch straps, no ties – are my favorites to wear. I really dislike any bikini top that has a tie-back or tie around the neck, for tan lines & discomfort purposes. The ones with a sporty strap gives me the most reassurance, and the thinner the better in my opinion.

As for bottoms, I’m really digging the high leg cut this summer – bringing back a retro fit that happens to be the most appealing on my frame. As a muscular girl with hips and a big booty, this type of bottom looks the most flattering on me. As for the one mid-waist bottom shown above, I didn’t think I’d like it as much as I do. I got it as a white bikini option for the Bach, and I might also wear it as a honeymoon kini…(will share those exciting details sometime!)

BTW — the Peach & Floral Bikinis come in more prints + different style tops & bottoms – take a look at all the options here