A pool day outfit is really two outfits: the swimsuit you'll sit in for hours and whatever goes over it when you walk to the bar, the bathroom or lunch. When I put these together for people, I start with the suit, because a cover-up can't rescue straps that dig or a bottom that rides up. Then I pick the layer by where the day is going, since a backyard pool and a hotel lobby ask for different amounts of coverage. Below are 40 combinations built on one-pieces, bikinis, tankinis and a few looks with no swimsuit at all, with notes on the fabrics that cope with wet skin and the shoes that won't slip on a deck.
A Fitting-Room Test for Swimsuits Before Anything Goes Over Them
A cover-up can hide a lot, but it can't fix a suit that shifts every time you move. I ask people to do the same few things in the fitting room, because a swimsuit that looks fine standing still often fails the moment you sit on a lounger.
- Sit down and lean forward. If the bottom rides up or the neckline gapes, it will do it all afternoon.
- Raise both arms over your head. Underwire and triangle tops should stay where they started.
- Run a finger under each strap. A strap that leaves a red line after a minute will hurt after an hour in the heat.
- Look at the color under strong light. Pale and white suits without a full lining often turn see-through when wet.
- Check the torso length on one-pieces. If it pulls at the shoulders, look for a long-torso cut rather than sizing up.
Swim fabric relaxes a little once it's wet, so a suit that feels slightly snug when dry usually ends up right. A suit that already feels loose will sag by lunchtime.
1. White Linen Button-Down Shirt With High-Waisted Bikini and Flat Sandals
Linen is the first fabric I reach for by water because it dries fast and lets air through, and nothing synthetic gives that same dry hand on the skin. Wear a long-sleeve white linen shirt open over a chocolate-brown or olive high-waisted bikini, roll the sleeves twice and add flat leather sandals, a canvas tote and dark oval sunglasses. Check that the shirt is opaque enough to cover a damp suit if you button it; cheap thin linen shows everything. It will crease within an hour of sitting, and I'd let it. Pressed linen at a pool looks like you tried too hard.
2. Black One-Piece Swimsuit With Sheer Sarong and Platform Slides
A black one-piece is the most forgiving starting point I know, and the cut matters more than anything you layer on it. I look for a square neckline or a low scoop back, then tie a sheer white or ivory sarong at the hip. Chiffon or cotton voile is the fabric to want here because it stays light when damp, while a heavier rayon clings to the thighs. Leather platform slides add height, though test the sole on a wet tile at home first, since some smooth bottoms skate. A wide-brim black straw hat and one small gold hoop are plenty.
3. Crochet Midi Cover-Up Dress Over a Triangle Bikini
Crochet over a bikini is all about what shows through the gaps, so I keep the suit tonal: cream under cream, or soft peach under ivory. A triangle top under a midi crochet dress reads deliberate rather than accidental. Be aware that cotton crochet drinks water and gets heavy, so this is a layer for dry hours, not for wading in. Woven leather sandals, a wide-mouthed straw bag that swallows sunscreen and a paperback, plus round tortoiseshell frames finish it. It also crosses straight over to a casual lunch.
4. Red High-Waisted Bikini With Cat-Eye Sunglasses and Cork Wedges
Red swimwear gives instant retro poolside energy, and the high-waisted bottom is the part doing the work. It sits at the natural waist, which is why many women find it more comfortable than a low-rise cut that slides when you sit. Pair it with a bandeau or halter top in the same red, white cat-eye sunglasses and cork wedges with a cushioned footbed for standing on hard decking. A quilted crossbody keeps your hands free. If you burn easily, remember that a strapless bandeau leaves a stripe of shoulder you'll have to keep re-covering.
5. Floral Maxi Dress With a Plunge One-Piece Swimsuit Underneath
When lounging turns into a patio lunch, I'd put a floral maxi dress straight over a plunge one-piece. The fabric choice decides whether this works: chiffon or cotton gauze floats off damp skin, while a jersey maxi will stick and show every line of the suit. Matching a deep V on the dress to the plunge of the swimsuit keeps the neckline clean, so nothing peeks at an odd angle. Flat metallic sandals, a woven clutch and big gold hoops take under a minute to add.
6. Terry Cloth Shorts Set With a Bandeau Bikini Top
Terry sets earn their place because they act like a towel you can wear. Put a cropped zip-up or an open button-front terry top over a bandeau bikini top, add the matching shorts, then white or pastel slides and a bright beach bag. I like this for days of in-and-out swimming, since the fabric soaks up drips instead of showing wet patches. The trade-off is that terry stays damp for a long time once it's soaked, so don't sit in it wet for an hour. A high ponytail suits the sporty shape.
7. One-Piece Swimsuit With Linen Wide-Leg Pants and a Straw Tote
Wide-leg linen pants over a sculptural one-piece is my quickest route to looking finished at a resort. The pants keep sun off your legs, and their volume balances a sleek suit. Sand, terracotta and soft sage are the swimsuit shades I'd pick, with white or natural linen trousers on top. Hem the pants so they clear the ground in flat sandals; a hem dragging through pool water wicks it up to the knee. A big straw tote, a fine chain necklace and aviators are all the rest it needs.
8. Printed Sarong Tied as a Halter Dress Over a Solid Bikini
A large printed sarong is the one piece I'd pack if I could only take one, because it ties into so many shapes. For a halter dress, twist the two top corners, knot them behind your neck and let the cloth drop into a soft A-line over a solid bikini. Make the knot small and flat or it presses into your neck when you lie back. Silk or a rayon blend dries quickly, metallic flat sandals add a little shine, and a slim leather crossbody keeps the waist visible. Any square or rectangular sarong you already own will tie this way.
9. Sporty Tankini With Bike Shorts and Waterproof Slides
For a day of volleyball, cannonballs or chasing toddlers, I'd skip the cover-up and dress for movement. A racerback tankini in a color-block or graphic print stays put when you jump, and black or navy quick-dry bike shorts stop chafing on the inner thigh. Waterproof slides with a contoured, textured footbed grip better than flip-flops on slick concrete. Add a baseball cap and a waterproof belt bag worn crossbody for your phone and cards. It's a practical look that still reads as styled.
10. Off-Shoulder Cotton Eyelet Sundress With Espadrilles
An off-shoulder white cotton eyelet sundress is the dress I'd pick for a pool day that might run into the evening. Eyelet is woven cotton with cut-out embroidery, so it breathes, and the bare neckline makes reapplying sunscreen to the shoulders easy. Wear a bandeau top underneath, since regular straps fight the neckline all day. Natural jute espadrilles and a raffia crossbody handle the afternoon. For dinner, swap the espadrilles for a low wedge and add coral lipstick; that's the only change I'd make.
11. Matching Linen Blend Co-Ord Set Worn Open Over a Bikini
A cropped button-up and high-waisted wide-leg pants in warm red or soft pink linen blend make a confident co-ord. Leave the shirt open over a black or white bikini top so it still reads pool, while the tailored trousers lift the whole shape. Gold ankle-strap sandals, statement hoops and a metallic clutch carry the glamour. A blend with some cotton or viscose creases less than pure linen, and the creases it does get look lived-in rather than messy. Finish with a red lip.
12. Ribbed High-Neck Bikini With a Mesh Maxi Skirt
Ribbed swim fabric gives a high-neck bikini an athletic edge, and I like setting that against a sheer mesh maxi skirt over the matching bottoms. The rib adds depth without a print, and the mesh moves with you. One thing I check is that the mesh is soft; scratchy nylon netting irritates sun-warmed skin. Metallic flat strappy sandals keep the leg long, with a small shell clutch and mixed-metal bracelets. Save it for a rooftop pool or a resort evening where people dress up a notch.
13. Gingham Smocked Mini Dress With White Sneakers
Red-and-white gingham shows up brightly against blue water and green planting, which is why it works so well in photos. A smocked bodice stretches to fit, so many people can wear it without a bra, and cotton blends stay cool through midday. White canvas sneakers manage grass, decking and pavement, and a wicker mini tote adds texture. I'd keep jewelry to a thin chain and small hoops so the square neckline stays clean. After the pool, the same dress handles a picnic or a market run.
14. Denim Cutoff Shorts With a Bandeau Bikini Top and Cowboy Boots
The coastal cowgirl trend mixes beach clothes with Western details, and this is the poolside version. Start with a white or turquoise bandeau top and medium-wash cutoffs with a raw hem, then low-heeled cowboy boots, a wide-brim straw hat and big black sunglasses. Be honest with yourself about the boots: leather boots and pool water don't mix, so keep them on dry ground and well away from the edge. A loosely tied bandana covers the Western note. One turquoise ring is enough jewelry for a themed party or a bachelorette weekend.
15. Tropical Print Romper With Platform Sandals
A tropical-print romper takes the planning out of the day because it's a single garment. I'd choose a V-neck wrap style in viscose or a cotton blend, which breathes and dries fast after a splash. The shorts give more coverage than a suit alone, though going to the bathroom means taking the whole thing off, which is the romper's one real drawback. White platform sandals sharpen the print, a beaded bracelet calms it down, and a drawstring straw bucket bag keeps things from spilling. It's for parties where you'll spend more time under the umbrella than in the water.
16. Long Kimono Cover-Up Over a One-Piece Swimsuit
A floor-grazing kimono in a vivid floral or geometric print turns the plainest one-piece into a full look. Keep the suit solid black or navy and let the print lead. Wide sleeves catch the breeze, and polyester or silk blends dry almost instantly. Watch the length on stairs and around wet edges, since a long hem can trip you or drag through puddles; I'd hold it up or tie a loose knot at the side. Flat metallic sandals, a small structured bag and gold hoops with a few thin bangles finish it for a resort pool or rooftop lounge.
17. Striped Button-Front Shirt Dress Over a Bikini
A blue-and-white striped shirt dress left unbuttoned over a bright bikini is a coastal classic for a reason. Cotton poplin holds its shape and breathes, and the vertical stripes lengthen the frame. I roll the sleeves to just below the elbow and stand the collar up a little, which also shades the back of the neck. Flat leather slides, a canvas tote, a navy cap and tortoiseshell sunglasses keep it practical. It packs flat, so it's what I'd suggest when suitcase space is tight.
18. Wrap Skirt Over a Bikini With Strappy Sandals
A wrap skirt is forgiving because you set the fit yourself, tighter in the morning and looser after lunch. Choose a high-waisted tropical floral over a solid bikini in one of the print's colors. Viscose or rayon challis drapes close to the body, whereas a stiffer cotton wrap can flare out and add bulk at the hip. Check the overlap before you leave the house; a skimpy wrap opens to the hip every time you sit. Metallic flat sandals, a thin gold choker and a straw clutch on a chain will carry it to a casual lunch.
19. Cropped Cami Top With High-Waisted Linen Trousers
Not every pool day involves swimming, and for a reading-and-iced-tea afternoon I'd skip the suit entirely. A slim ribbed cami in white or cream tucks into floor-skimming oatmeal linen wide-legs, with flat woven sandals in cognac. Ribbed cotton holds its shape, but light colors can show sweat, so pick a thicker rib if you run warm. A basket bag with a wooden handle holds sunscreen and a book, and a silk scarf tied as a headband keeps hair off your face. It's quiet and polished, with nothing to adjust all day.
20. Tie-Dye Sarong With a Black Triangle Bikini
A tie-dye sarong in pink, orange and yellow gives a plain black triangle bikini all the personality it needs. Tie it low on the hips for a surfer feel, or wrap it higher and knot it at the side to mark the waist. Rubber flip-flops with a contoured sole are fine here because the look is casual, and a waterproof tote in one of the sarong's colors shrugs off wet towels. Beaded bracelets and a sun visor are all the extras I'd add. It's low effort for a casual pool party or a beach club afternoon.
21. Off-Shoulder Ruffle Maxi Dress With Flat Leather Sandals
An off-shoulder ruffle maxi in coral or mango feels like vacation the moment you put it on. The elastic neckline should hold without constant tugging; if it slides down when you lift your arms, it's too loose for a long day. Tiered ruffles add movement without fuss. I'd wear a strapless one-piece or bandeau bikini underneath so no straps show, with tan flat leather sandals. Wood beads and a bamboo-handled straw tote calm the strong color, and the dress carries on to dinner on the terrace.
22. Neon One-Piece Swimsuit With a White Mesh Cover-Up
A highlighter-bright neon one-piece swimsuit in lime, electric pink or coral is loud on its own, so the cover-up's job is to tone it down. A white mesh dress does exactly that while letting the color glow through, and it looks sharp in bright sun. Neon flatters most on tanned or deeper skin; on very fair skin I'd lean coral rather than lime. White platform slides and a clear acrylic clutch keep the palette clean, with small silver hoops and a sleek high ponytail. Very little else is needed for a loud, high-energy party.
23. Button-Front Midi Skirt Worn Open Over a Bikini
Leaving a button-front midi skirt open over bikini bottoms gives coverage and movement while the suit still shows, so it looks planned. I'd choose lightweight cotton or chambray, add the matching triangle top and jute espadrilles, then a leather belt bag at the waist to mark it. Undo the bottom few buttons only, otherwise the skirt flies open when you walk. Slim oval sunglasses and a low bun finish it. It's what I'd wear at a hotel where the pool path cuts through the restaurant.
24. Crinkle Texture Bikini With a Sheer Chiffon Maxi Skirt
Crinkle swim fabric has a puckered surface that catches light and gives a plain bikini depth without prints or hardware. I pair it with a sheer chiffon maxi skirt in the same tone, which floats around the legs and dries in minutes. Crinkle textures also stretch more than smooth fabric, so it's worth sizing carefully; a suit that fits dry can bag a little when wet. Lavender, mint or powder blue keep things soft rather than loud. Flat gold sandals, a pearl-trimmed clutch and a couple of fine anklets are plenty.
25. Straw Hat and Cat-Eye Sunglasses With a Polka Dot Bikini
A classic black-and-white polka dot bikini needs the right accessories more than any layer. A wide-brim straw hat with a black ribbon band gives shade and old-film glamour, and black cat-eye sunglasses back up the vintage feel. Keep the slides flat, black and simple so they don't fight the dots. I'd choose a medium dot over a tiny one; very small dots blur into gray from across the pool. A structured black tote with gold hardware makes it right for a country club or a resort with a dress code.
26. Fringed Crochet Kimono Over a Solid One-Piece
A fringed crochet kimono in sand or caramel adds texture and movement over a solid one-piece. The open weave lets a deep forest green or cocoa suit show through, and the fringe swings as you walk. Fringe does tangle, so I'd keep it away from chair straps and shake it out before folding it into a bag. Tan leather sandals and a suede crossbody with soft fringe tie the materials together, though suede should stay clear of splashes since water marks it. Layered gold chains at different lengths draw the eye up, and late afternoon light makes the fringe glow in photos.
27. Long-Sleeve Rash Guard With Bikini Bottoms and a Baseball Cap
A long-sleeve rash guard with bikini bottoms is the outfit I'd recommend to anyone who burns or hates reapplying sunscreen to their own back. Good ones have flatlock seams that don't rub and a UPF-rated fabric, in solids, ombre fades or small geometric prints. Fit it snug; a loose rash guard balloons with water and drags when you swim. Black bottoms, a cap with a neon accent, water-friendly slides and a dry bag finish the sporty look.
28. Halter Crop Top and High-Waisted Shorts Set
A matching halter crop top and high-waisted shorts in a cheerful floral make a put-together look with no swimsuit underneath. The halter shows off the shoulders and leaves your back open to the sun, so plan your sunscreen around it. High-waisted shorts give comfortable coverage and lengthen the leg, especially with natural woven wedges. A mini crossbody in one solid color from the print and a few beaded bracelets keep it playful. I'd save it for hangouts and rooftop daytime events where nobody expects you to swim.
29. Wrap-Front One-Piece Swimsuit With a Silk Pareo Skirt
A wrap-front one-piece with a deep V is the suit I'd suggest for a fuller bust, because the crossover panels give real support and the wrap can be adjusted to the body. A silk or satin-finish pareo tied at the hip moves it toward evening. Pick the pareo in one of the suit's secondary colors so the two read as a pair. Metallic heeled sandals change your posture, though block heels are safer than stilettos on wet tile, and a beaded clutch with drop earrings takes you from sunset drinks at the swim-up bar to dinner.
30. White Terry Cloth Romper With Colorful Slides
A white terry romper is basically a stylish towel, and that's the point. The loops absorb moisture fast and feel soft on warm skin, while the shorts length covers more than a cover-up. One caution from experience: white terry over a wet dark swimsuit shows the outline, so dry off first or pick a lighter suit. Bright slides in sunny yellow or turquoise give the white a focal point, a clear tote with colored trim keeps it modern, and round retro sunglasses add character. It's for lounging days with the odd dip.
31. Black Bikini With a White Eyelet Cover-Up Skirt
White cotton eyelet over a black bikini gives the crispest contrast on this list. The cut-out pattern adds detail without fuss, and the cotton lets air through on a hot day. I'd pick black flat sandals with a slight sheen and a structured white bag with gold accents so the two colors repeat top to bottom. A thin black ribbon around a low ponytail and small gold studs are all the jewelry I'd want. It's a preppy, clean look for a country club pool or a resort brunch.
32. Metallic One-Piece Swimsuit With a Kimono Sleeve Cover-Up
A metallic one-piece in champagne, rose gold or pale bronze brings evening shine to a daytime pool. The finish catches sunlight and looks rich in photos, but foiled swim fabrics can dull with chlorine and sunscreen, so rinse it as soon as you get out. Layer an open kimono-sleeve cover-up in a matching neutral for movement and some coverage. Strappy metallic sandals echo the sheen and a small acrylic box clutch adds a modern edge. Keep jewelry fine so the suit stays the focus at a party that runs into the night.
33. Palm Print Button-Up Shirt With White Linen Shorts
A palm-print short-sleeve shirt in greens and blues left open over a white bikini top brings the tropical note straight away. White linen shorts keep the lower half light, and print over solid is an easy balance to get right. I add a braided leather belt to give the shorts a waist and stop the open shirt looking like a beach towel. Tan leather slides, a canvas-and-leather tote, round metal sunglasses and a straw fedora finish it. It's dressed enough for a beach club lunch without looking overdone.
34. Pastel Tankini Top With a Flowy Chiffon Maxi Skirt
A pastel tankini top with a matching chiffon maxi skirt gives more torso coverage than a bikini and still feels light. I'd suggest it to anyone who wants to swim without fiddling with a two-piece, since a tankini top that reaches the waistband won't ride up as you move. The chiffon floats and dries quickly after splashes. Pearl-toned flat sandals, a small pearl-beaded clutch and a crystal bracelet suit a garden pool party or a bridal shower by the water.
35. Utility Romper Worn Open Over a Bikini
An open khaki or olive utility romper over a plain white or black bikini is an unexpected pool look, and I like it for days spent going between indoors and out. The structured cotton contrasts with the bare suit, and the shorts give coverage when you want it. Roll the sleeves and cuffs, then add chunky natural platform sandals and a canvas belt bag worn crossbody. A heavy twill romper is warm, so I'd look for a lighter cotton if the day is humid. Tortoiseshell sunglasses and a slicked-back bun finish it.
36. Scalloped-Edge Bikini With a High-Low Hem Cover-Up
Scalloped trim gives a bikini a sweet finish without frills. A sheer high-low cover-up shows the scalloped bottoms in front while the longer back adds movement. Jelly sandals in clear or translucent pink are genuinely practical around water, though they can rub on long walks, so pack a blister bandage. A shell-shaped straw bag and small pearl drops lean into the playful mood. It suits a daytime party or a summer brunch.
37. Belted Kaftan With a Simple One-Piece Swimsuit
A belted kaftan is one of the easiest cover-ups to wear well because the loose shape suits nearly every body, and a belt adds a waist when you want one. I'd choose a vivid print or a deep jewel tone and wear a simple one-piece in a neutral underneath. Tie the belt slightly above the natural waist if you're short-waisted; it lengthens the leg line. Flat leather sandals, a structured leather tote, gold earrings and slim bangles carry it from the lounger into a resort restaurant.
38. Bikini Top With High-Waisted Wide-Leg Trousers
A structured bikini top doubles as a crop top for days that lean more social than swim. I'd use an underwire or longline top for real support and pair it with high-waisted wide-leg trousers in crepe or a linen blend. The top must sit close to the trouser waistband, or the gap of skin starts to look like you forgot a shirt. Slides with a small block heel, a crescent shoulder bag, one cuff bracelet and dark oval sunglasses finish it for a poolside lunch or rooftop gathering.
39. Crochet Halter Dress With Gladiator Sandals
A crochet halter dress in cream or sand works as a cover-up and a dress in its own right. The halter shows the shoulders and upper back, and the open stitches give glimpses of the swimsuit underneath, so choose that suit on purpose. Flat gladiator sandals laced to the ankle ground it, though the laces can mark a fresh tan. A fringed crossbody and mixed-metal bracelets push the boho mood, and tinted round sunglasses with loose waves finish it for festival-style pool parties.
40. Solid One-Piece With a Printed Kimono and Metallic Sandals
Terracotta, sand or deep chocolate one-pieces make a rich base for a printed kimono in a complementary palette. Let the kimono's pattern carry the look and keep the suit calm. I like to pull one color out of the print for the sandals or bag, which is how metallic flats and a straw clutch with a gold clasp earn their place here. One pair of statement earrings and fresh, natural makeup are plenty. It moves from a casual pool day to a resort happy hour or a relaxed dinner without a change.
Wet Hair, Damp Suit and a Lunch Reservation
The hardest part of any pool day is the moment you have to look presentable straight out of the water. Here's how I plan for it so a full change isn't needed.
- Pack a small microfiber towel. It pulls water out of a suit faster than a cotton bath towel and folds to the size of a paperback.
- Blot the suit, don't wring it. Pressing water out with the towel stops wet patches soaking through your cover-up.
- Choose a layer that hides damp. Prints, crochet, linen and darker colors disguise a wet suit far better than thin white jersey.
- Put hair up while it's still wet. A low bun or slick-back looks deliberate, while half-dried hair just looks unfinished.
- Carry a dry pair of underwear in a zip pouch if you'll be out for hours. Sitting in a wet bottom for a long lunch is uncomfortable and harder on the fabric.
Chlorine, Sunscreen and the Suit You Love
Pool water is tough on swimwear. Chlorine breaks down the elastane that gives a suit its stretch, which is why a favorite one-piece goes baggy and thin after a season of heavy use. A quick rinse in cool tap water as soon as you get out slows that down more than anything else.
Sunscreen causes the other common problem. Some formulas leave yellow or orange marks on white and pale fabrics, so let it soak in for a few minutes before you put a light cover-up on. I wash suits by hand in cool water with a mild detergent, press the water out in a towel and dry them flat in the shade. Never use the dryer, and don't leave a suit balled up in a wet bag overnight.
Linen, cotton and crochet cover-ups are easier: they go in the machine on a gentle cycle. Rayon and chiffon do better hand washed, since rayon in particular can shrink in hot water.
Start With the Suit, Then Plan the Walk to Lunch
Every outfit here begins with a swimsuit that fits and ends with a layer chosen for where the day goes after the water. Get the suit right first, then pick the cover-up by the setting: a sarong for the backyard, linen or a kaftan for the hotel, a dress for dinner. Keep shoes flat and grippy unless you're on dry ground. Borrow the formula from any of the 40 and rebuild it from what's already in your drawer.
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