How To Dress 15 Years Younger: The Great Swimsuit Cover Up

Memorial Day weekend marks the exciting start of the summer season. It’s also the dreadful time of year when you think of exposing your body in swimwear. If you are over 40 you may be thinking, “Sure, I’ll go to the pool or beach, if I can completely cover my legs…”  Or you may want to cover another body part like your hips, arms, stomach, or possibly more than one! Contrary to popular belief it is not impossible to do, but there are a multitude of ways to cover what you hate and still feel cool (and also look cool) at the pool. Update your swimsuit cover up and you can loose 15 years (and 15 lbs, too!) When I shopped for these swim cover ups, I discovered there are a bevy of styles available and I am pleased to report many of the designers are answering all our (various) prayers. To look younger in your cover up, stay far away from the tacky styles that crop up around swimwear departments (I found myself starting to like see-through lace, for example). Stick to clean lines, steer from too much sheer, and be wary of flowy caftans that may actually make you look older (after all, you don’t want to look like Andora.) Do find pieces that are lightweight and easy to put on! I saw many cover ups that looked too tight and difficult to take off and put back on. You may never take off your cover up either, so by all means make sure it is comfortable! With the options available you can find a cover up that will make you love wearing swimwear.

Hate your legs?

Pants are one answer! You can roll the waistband up or down on this pair.

Hard Tail Voile Pants, $92

The maxi dress is another great option to hide your legs. Mara Hoffman has many gorgeous and figure flattering (illusion creating) prints.

Mara Hoffman Spaghetti-Strap Embellished Maxi Dress, now $223.50

Can’t stand your arms?

You can find tunics like this one and still show off your legs.

ViX Swimwear Paris Beach Tunic, $136

Lauren became a fan of the kimono and intends to wear one as a swim cover up this summer. You can do that or find a kimono style cover up in a beachwear fabric made to get wet like this one by ViX Swimwear.

ViX Swimwear ‘Stone’ Kimono Wrap Cover-Up, $196

Want to cover up your arms and legs?

Caftans like this one keep you covered up without looking “Andora-ish” and you can stay cool.

Theodora & Callum Coral Reef Caftan, now $97.50

Want to cover your stomach and legs?

I almost avoided including a jumpsuit but this one looks like you can get it on and take it off easily. You may simply leave it on and stay undercover!

L Space Swimwear by Monica Wise Bardot Lattice-Trim Jersey Jumpsuit, now $119.25

Want to cover your hips?

So you want to actually swim and sun but would just feel better with your hips under wraps? A little pareo like this is an essential life-saver! Bring it along with your other coverup.

Robin Piccone Pareo, $38

Be sure to check out our fabulous one-piece bathing suit finds and the other new one-piece trend, the scuba/wetsuit bathing suit! – Carol Calacci