Cover Ups: Modern Moms Love These! Ask Suzie.

Summer is here, the sun is beckoning and while I love summer and all that goes with it, I sometimes don’t want to walk around in that bathing suit all day long.  So why not wear that perfect cover-up over your bathing suit?  You can have that fashionable I just stepped off the beach look, without being all made-up, and look great for a casual summer dinner.

Make the swimsuit to lunch or dinner transition easy and stylish with cover-ups that are fashionable, affordable and so easy to wear.  There are so many great cover-ups that really make a statement as you are headed to the beach, pool or BBQ swim party.  Some of my favorite looks this summer are a great tunic with denim Bermuda shorts, a cute wrap dress or an easy to throw on empire waist dress.  Any of these outfits can be easily dressed up with a pair of wedges and some jewelry or for a more casual look you can throw on your favorite sandal or flip-flops.  Havaianas are my favorite flip-flops to wear in the summer. I even put them on with a silk dress to dress it down.  Throw on some sunglasses and a floppy hat and off you go. A straw purse or clutch will finish off your look wherever your bathing suit is taking you.

If you find yourself in this outfit all day long and into the night, remember to bring along a lightweight sweater or jacket for those cool summer nights. If you aren’t in the mood to wear a dress, put on a cotton or linen baggy pant with a simple Hanes tank top.  I find Target Hanes fit the best and are very affordable.  I go through a pack of three every couple of months.  I even buy the kids sizes for my kids to wear.  They love them and keep asking for more.  A strapless jumpsuit is another alternative to a summer dress.  It reveals sexy shoulders with a hint of your bathing suit string tied around your neck.  This look makes it casual enough for the beach but still fashionable for that afternoon BBQ at your friend’s house.  All of these looks can also be accessorized with a lightweight scarf.  Coordinate either a printed scarf if you are wearing a solid bathing suit or a solid one to go with that patterned bikini. 

Whichever look you desire this summer; remember that you can be comfortable and casual in a very fashionable way.  Hope all of you have a great summer and don’t forget the sunscreen!  

Suzie Schwartz is Modern Mom’s Fashion and Lifestyle Editor. Email your fashion questions and comments to asksuzie@modernmom.com. She’ll keep you up to date and looking your best all summer long.