Today’s article comes to us from Caitlin Costello, a Nashville wardrobe stylist and the founder of Affiner.

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As the weather warms up, waterside events are making their way onto our calendars. Whether you’re lounging poolside, beach-bound, or spending long days on the lake, this curated selection of pieces will have you looking stylish on the water. Take a look at some of my current favorites in swimwear, cover-ups, and “fun in the sun” accessories.

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Swimsuits

Finding your go-to swimwear is a crucial step when curating your summer outfits for waterside events. With a wide variety of silhouettes, necklines, and fabrications available, there are options to ensure everyone can find the piece that “suits” them.

Floral one-piece

This one-piece by Agua Bendita is a favorite because it easily transitions to an outfit when the coordinating skirt is added. Consider a set like this for two pieces you can wear together or separately.

A stylish woman stands indoors wearing a light blue floral print top, matching wrap mini skirt, tan sandals, and holding a blue textured clutch bag—a perfect look for summer.Pin
‘Agua’ one-piece swimsuit, $370, at Net-A-Porter | Image: Net-A-Porter

Bow one-piece

If you want a one-piece with a bit of extra coverage, try something with a fun detail that catches the eye while also providing extra fabrication to camouflage any trouble areas. You can find this one for $375 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

A stylish woman stands barefoot in a light blue one-piece swimsuit with thin straps and a large front bow detail, embracing effortless summer vibes against a plain white background.Pin
Bow one-piece, $375, at Saks Fifth Avenue | Image: Neiman Marcus

High-waist bikini

A high-waisted two-piece is a go-to option that suits many body types. You can customize the coverage here, whether you pick a strapless top like this one or a higher neckline with straps for extra support. Find the matching bottoms HERE.

A stylish person wearing a black and white striped two-piece swimsuit with a strapless top and high-waisted bottom—perfect for summer days by the pool.Pin
Beaded top, $95; bikini bottoms, $81 | Image: Shopbop

Patterned two-piece

A classic two-piece always has a place on the list, and this one incorporates lots of fun details to love. Try experimenting with playful prints, patterns, and new silhouettes like this underwired sweetheart top. Grab the matching bottoms HERE.

Stylish woman wearing a bikini with a blue, green, and yellow floral print—perfect for summer. The bikini features underwire cups and high-cut bottoms against a plain white background.Pin
Underwire bikini top, $140; bikini bottoms, $98 | Image: Saks Fifth Avenue

Bubblegum bikini

Hunza G is unique in that it offers a one-size-fits-all. If you’re between sizes or looking for a pregnancy-friendly suit, this brand provides plenty of variations to accommodate your needs. We love this bubblegum-colored option for $225 at Tuckernuck.

A stylish woman stands against a plain background wearing a textured light pink bikini and a green beaded necklace, with one arm resting by her side and the other touching her hip—perfect for summer vibes.Pin
Bubblegum ‘Bonnie’ bikini, $225, at Tuckernuck | Image: Tuckernuck

Glossy one-shoulder suit

Try a one-shoulder silhouette to change things up. These versatile pieces can be styled with linen pants, shorts, or a skirt to complete an outfit. This option is $295 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

A stylish woman wears a rust-colored, one-shoulder swimsuit with pleated detailing on the strap, standing against a plain background—perfect for summer.Pin
Glossy one-piece, $295, at Saks Fifth Avenue | Image: Saks Fifth Avenue

Cover-ups

Whether you want a more complete look or more sun coverage, a cover-up or caftan can take your ensemble to a new level.

‘Camilla’ caftan

A caftan silhouette is a classic option that will pair with any suit and provides maximal sun coverage. They’re light, breezy, and easy to pack for a trip. This fun, patterned option is $520 at Shopbop.

A stylish person wearing a long, loose-fitting kaftan with an ornate, multicolored pattern and gold accents, paired with strappy gold sandals—perfect for a vibrant summer look.Pin
‘Camilla’ caftan, $520, at Shopbop | Image: Shopbop

Mendel cover-up

Elevate your look with this striped selection. The front tie details are the perfect addition to set this piece apart. Wear it open or closed to change the formality depending on where you’re heading.

A stylish person wearing a long-sleeve, green and white striped maxi dress with front cutouts and ties, paired with strappy heeled sandals—perfect for a summer look.Pin
Mendel cover-up, $498, at Shopbop | Image: Shopbop

Terrycloth dress

This terrycloth tank dress is an example of one that can be worn as a cover-up or alone. It’s an easy silhouette that you can wear with sandals and a tote for waterside events that don’t require a swimsuit. Alternatively, you can wear it over your bathing suit for a day at the beach.

A stylish woman stands against a white background wearing a sleeveless white shift dress with brown trim and two front pockets, paired with brown sandals—a perfect look for summer.Pin
Terrycloth dress, $128, at Tuckernuck | Image: Tuckernuck

Crochet cover-up

A crochet mini is an easy and versatile option that pairs well with multiple swimsuit styles. Consider this a one-and-done piece if you want to save space in your suitcase. You can find this dress for $850 at Neiman Marcus.

A stylish woman stands facing forward wearing a long-sleeve, cream-colored crochet mini dress with black edging, and black sandals—perfect for a summer day.Pin
Crochet mini dress, $850, at Neiman Marcus | Image: Neiman Marcus

Eyelet skirt

A sarong is another classic that will never go out of style. It is easy to pack and pairs with most silhouettes. The sister to a sarong is a pareo (pictured below), which provides a bit more coverage as they tend to be larger. You can find this one for $108 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Stylish and perfect for summer, this look features a person in a white swimsuit paired with a light blue perforated mini skirt, complete with a large side knot detail.Pin
Eyelet cotton skirt, $108, at Saks Fifth Avenue | Image: Saks Fifth Avenue

Wisteria cover-up

Pareos are perfect for wearing in many different ways. They aren’t exclusive to swimwear — you can also style them with a fitted tank or button-up blouse for a totally different look. This pink-patterned pareo is $260 at Bergdorf Goodman.

A stylish person wears a white sleeveless bodysuit, a pink floral wrap skirt tied at the waist, and flat sandals, perfect for summer, standing against a plain background.Pin
Wisteria cover-up, $260, at Bergdorf Goodman | Image: Bergdorf Goodman

Accessories

No outfit is complete without accessories, and adding a third piece to your swimwear ensemble can make all the difference! From sunglasses and hats to a carryall beach tote and sandals, these pieces are the perfect finishing touch.

These are some of my favorite picks this season, but you can find a wide variety of similar styles available online and in local boutiques.

Stylish collage of women modeling summer accessories, including hats, sunglasses, sandals, tote bags, and light clothing in neutral tones.Pin
Keep scrolling for individual pricing on all of these great accessories! | Image collage: Caitlin Costello

Slide sandals

Beach flats are a must for a vacation state of mind. This season, look for fun straw embellishments and colors. (But you can never go wrong with a high-quality neutral.)

A person with crossed legs wears green and beige fringe slide sandals, perfect for a stylish summer, set against a plain, light background.Pin
Ivy fringe flat, $250, at Nordstrom | Image: Larroudé
A person wearing a blue and red patterned skirt and beige woven slip-on sandals stands on a light-colored floor, embodying effortless summer style.Pin
Ortigia sandal, $215, at Tuckernuck | Image: Tuckernuck
Person wearing a white shirt and shorts, standing against a plain background, showcases stylish summer fashion with light pink open-toe sandals. Only the legs and lower torso are visible.Pin
Luxury pick! Slide sandal, $530, at Gucci | Image: Gucci

Straw bags

If you’re toting books, sunscreens, water bottles … you may as well look chic in the process. Look for sleek straw bags with sturdy straps!

A woven straw tote bag with brown leather handles and a leather strap featuring a gold ring accent at the front—perfect for effortless summer style.Pin
Raffia tote bag, $395, at Neiman Marcus | Image: Neiman Marcus
A woven straw tote bag with two handles, featuring a white circular sun hat attached to the front—perfect for adding a touch of stylish summer flair to your look.Pin
Straw traveler hat bag, $198, at Tuckernuck | Image: Tuckernuck
Rectangular woven straw tote bag with two brown leather handles and leather corner accents—an essential accessory for stylish summer outfits, displayed against a neutral background.Pin
St. Tropez straw tote, $315, at Anthropologie | Image: Anthropologie

Sunglasses

We all have out go-to year-round sunnies, but the summer months are a fun opportunity to try out new shapes, colors, and patterns. Have fun with it!

A stylish woman wears oval blue sunglasses, silver hoop earrings, and a white knit sleeveless top with navy blue stripes—perfect for summer.Pin
Pastel sunglasses, $65, at Tuckernuck | Image: Tuckernuck
A pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses with brown tinted lenses and a gold metal bridge, perfect for elevating your summer style, displayed on a white background.Pin
Weston sunglasses, $85, at Freyrs | Image: Freyrs
Woman wearing sunglasses, a green and white zigzag-patterned knit tank top, and matching pants, sits on the floor against a plain background—capturing effortlessly stylish summer fashion.Pin
Chimi X14 sunglasses, $180, at Shopbop | Image: Shopbop

Straw hats

It’s a surprise to no one that straw hats are in, but this year, you’ll see more options with straps that tie below the neck. A playful touch!

A woman showcases stylish summer fashion in a wide-brim straw hat, a brown t-shirt with a horse design, and blue jeans as she sits and smiles at the camera.Pin
Straw sun hat, $149, at Shopbop | Image: Shopbop
A woman wearing a wide-brim straw hat with a black ribbon ties it under her chin, showcasing stylish summer flair. She is dressed in a sleeveless black top, perfect for chic summer fashion.Pin
Paloma sun hat, $160, at Tuckernuck | Image: Tuckernuck
A woman wearing a light brown spaghetti strap top and a wide-brimmed, ruffled straw hat with chin ties showcases stylish summer fashion, looking slightly to the side against a neutral background.Pin
Capri sun hat, $138, at Everything But Water | Image: Everything But Water

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Caitlin Costello
About the Author
Caitlin Costello

Founder of Nashville-based wardrobe styling company, Affiner, Caitlin Costello is a fashion stylist with over 15 years of experience making clients feel like their best selves.