8 Ways to Style a Swimsuit for Day-to-Night Summer Style

Summer has arrived, which kicks off a season all about taking advantage of the sunshine, from vacation days to lying around outside. As we enter the warmest months, many of us are digging our favorite swimsuits out of our closets or purchasing brand-new swimwear. While wearing them to the pool or beach may be simple enough, you may be wondering how to make your favorite waterside pieces transition into an outfit that works for boardwalk shopping, a romantic date night, or switching up your weekend summer look. The good news is that with the right accessories, cover-ups, and styling pieces, you can transform a swimsuit into whatever look you need. Ahead, see eight fresh ways to style swimwear this summer, providing options (and product picks) for every occasion and aesthetic.

Mix It Up

SZA is an expert at combining laid-back pieces with trend-forward details to create ensembles with plenty of personality. Take a page out of her style book by styling a cheerfully bright floral bikini with some oversized pants and a graphic trucker hat. Add some ribbons to your hair, and you’re sure to look sweet throughout all your sunny plans.

Swimwear as Daywear

When there’s a heat wave outside and you can’t be bothered with a full look, a bikini top with some loose jeans is a foolproof ensemble that requires minimal effort. Add some matching accessories, and you’ll feel shockingly put-together. 

Seaside Cowgirl

From the return of the mini skirt to micro French manicures, it seems like everything is getting smaller in the fashion world, and swimsuit styles are no exception. Here, Hailey Bieber dresses up a tiny blue string bikini with a fun cowboy hat and a bubble monogram necklace. 

Flower Power

Florals are a classic swimwear and coverup pattern, so lean into the aesthetic for some colorful vibes by pairing a patterned bikini top with some breezy floral pants. Don’t forget your sunglasses to stay protected while looking cool throughout a full day in the sun. 

Dramatic Touches

While a swimsuit may be a simple clothing item, you can easily style it to create a dramatic, memorable look. Here, Winnie Harlow pairs an on-trend black cutout swimsuit with a short sarong and a dramatic fringe hat to create a bold, summery take on an all-black ensemble.

Classic Cover-Up

While swimwear comes in a rainbow of colors, when in doubt, it’s important to stick to the classics. A black high-waisted bikini looks great on anyone and works for a range of occasions, from afternoons at a hotel pool to chilling in your backyard on a hot day. To look put-together on your way to the beach or the pool, add a white crochet cover-up dress for a classic black-and-white aesthetic. Add some black buckled sandals (Birkenstocks or otherwise) and your favorite sunglasses, and you’re ready to go on your next adventure. 

Mermaid Vibes

It’s siren season, and this summer is an ideal time to embrace the mermaidcore trend at the beach. Look for swimwear with nautical touches, like this white bikini featuring a gold starfish on model Jasmine Tookes. Pair it with a long white sarong and some fun shell earrings, and you have an ideal look for a vacation photo session or a glamorous date night at the beach.

Accessorized Beach Day

When in doubt, accessories are a great way to elevate any outfit you’re wearing—even if the day’s agenda consists of lounging in the sun. If you’re looking to add a little excitement to your solid one-piece, add a chunky body chain to for a touch of glamour and some cat-eye sunglasses for some vintage style. Then, you can enjoy a thoroughly Barbiecore beach day—just don’t forget the SPF.