I used to spend way too much time stressing over which swimsuit to buy as if that one piece of fabric had to do all the heavy lifting for my entire vacation vibe. I would walk down to the pool feeling a bit unfinished like I was missing a vital part of the outfit but I didn't want to wear a clunky sarong or one of those itchy mesh cover ups that everyone else has. Then one day I just grabbed a thin button down shirt from my suitcase on the way out and it completely changed how I felt. There is something about the way a light shirt moves in the wind that just feels so much more sophisticated than just walking around in a suit. It takes that exposed feeling away and replaces it with this effortless resort look that honestly makes it a lot easier to transition from the sand to a seaside cafe without feeling like I am underdressed.
Why a sheer shirt is better than a regular cover up
The main reason I switched to using thin shirts instead of traditional beach wraps is the way they handle the sun and the breeze. A regular cotton tee can look a bit sloppy when it gets wet but a sheer or linen shirt has this beautiful drape that lets the color of your swimsuit peek through just enough. It creates this layered effect that looks like you actually put some thought into your outfit rather than just throwing on whatever was clean. I usually go for something slightly oversized because it feels more relaxed and it doesn't cling to my skin when I am still a bit damp from the water. It is basically the ultimate hack for looking like you have your life together even when you are covered in salt and sand.
Getting the styling right without trying too hard
The trick to making this look natural is all in how you wear the shirt because you definitely do not want to button it up to the top like you are going to the office. I usually leave mine completely open so it flows behind me like a cape which feels amazing when you are walking along the shore. If I want to show off my waist a bit more I will just tie the bottom ends into a messy knot right at my midsection. This works especially well with high cut one pieces because it draws the eye to the narrowest part of your body while still giving you that extra coverage on your arms and shoulders. It is just a much more modern way to style swimwear that feels a lot more current than the old school beach dresses.
Why texture contrast is your best friend
I have noticed that the most expensive looking outfits usually have a mix of different textures and the beach is no exception. If my swimsuit is a very smooth and shiny material I will pair it with a very matte and crinkly linen shirt. That contrast makes the whole look feel much more intentional and high end. You can even play with colors by wearing a bright neon suit under a very pale and transparent white shirt to tone things down just a little bit. It adds a bit of mystery to the look and makes people do a double take because they can see the pop of color but it is not totally in their face.
From the pool to lunch in ten seconds flat
One of the biggest perks of this layering trick is how easy it makes your life when you want to leave the beach. When you have a nice shirt over your suit you can basically just pull on a pair of loose trousers or some denim shorts and you are instantly ready for a sit down lunch. The swimsuit basically acts like a bodysuit and since you already have the shirt on top you don't have to worry about whether a restaurant has a dress code. It saves so much space in my beach bag because I don't have to carry a whole separate change of clothes just to be able to grab a sandwich or a coffee.
Finishing the look with the right accessories
To really nail that polished vibe I usually add a few small things that make the outfit feel complete. A pair of really good sunglasses is a must and maybe a few pieces of waterproof jewelry like some gold hoops or a simple anklet. Since the shirt adds a bit of volume I find that a messy bun or some salty beach waves look a lot better than perfectly styled hair. It is all about leaning into that relaxed and slightly undone aesthetic that makes you look like you are actually on vacation. Once you start layering your swimsuits like this it is really hard to go back to just wearing the suit on its own because the difference in confidence is just so massive.
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