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How to Plan a Pool Party Outfit Around a Bathing Suit

Headshot of Justine CarreonBy Justine Carreon
Clothing, Fashion model, Dress, Day dress, Fashion, Pink, Shoulder, Fashion design, Footwear, Peach,
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Pool party? Beach barbecue? Dayclub? (That's a thing, right?) Going out in the summer often means being in a bathing suit for part of the time. So what to wear around it? We rounded up 13 tips, complete with advice on the best fabrics to combat heat, wardrobe basics that always work, and more.

Read on for our guide to poolside/beachside style, here.

1

Muzungu Sisters Frangipani Tiered Cotton Dress Assume your clothes will get wet

Assume your clothes will get wet
1

Muzungu Sisters Frangipani Tiered Cotton Dress Assume your clothes will get wet

$380 at Matches Fashion
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Opt for natural fabrics like cotton or linen that can handle the forecast.

2

Jacquemus Capri Fringe Tweed Skirt Focus on your bottoms

Focus on your bottoms
2

Jacquemus Capri Fringe Tweed Skirt Focus on your bottoms

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All you really need is a cute bottom when you're wearing a one-piece bathing suit. We love this summery Jacquemus skirt, but denim cut-offs always work. 

3

Cayo Bikini Bottom No pants, no problem

No pants, no problem
3

Cayo Bikini Bottom No pants, no problem

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If you're feeling carefree, we love how simple a t-shirt looks over a bikini.

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4

Alexachung Denim Overalls Go simple with overalls

Go simple with overalls
4

Alexachung Denim Overalls Go simple with overalls

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Overalls are easy to wear over swimsuits. 

5

Zara Tie Dye Swimsuit Don't forget a jacket

Don't forget a jacket
5

Zara Tie Dye Swimsuit Don't forget a jacket

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When the sun goes down a lightweight jacket is key. 

6

Accessories make the look

Clothing, Red, Maroon, Outerwear, Orange, Brown, Footwear, Fashion, Shoulder, Leg,
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I love this coordinating look from Cult Gaia, which sticks to a basketweave theme.

Tallulah Bean Bag, $198; cultgaia.com

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7

H&M Bikini Bottoms High Waist A white button-down is a classic solution

A white button-down is a classic solution
7

H&M Bikini Bottoms High Waist A white button-down is a classic solution

Now 28% Off
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You probably own a white button-down for work. Convert it for the weekend by layering it over your swimsuit. 

8

Echo Pompom Pareo Sarong, it's so right

Sarong, it's so right
8

Echo Pompom Pareo Sarong, it's so right

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A Pareo, interchangeable with the term sarong, is a large piece of fabric that can be worn as a skirt, dress, or scarf. With all these options, pareos are an easy-to-pack solution for any summer event. 

9

Roxy x UO Floral Bucket Hat Always wear a hat

Always wear a hat
9

Roxy x UO Floral Bucket Hat Always wear a hat

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You can never have too much sun protection! 

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10

& Other Stories Hawaiian Print Shorts Dip your toes in a new print

Dip your toes in a new print
10

& Other Stories Hawaiian Print Shorts Dip your toes in a new print

Now 12% Off
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Hawaiian print is one of the top trends of 2019. For a dad-on-vacation look, search your local tourist shops. There are feminine styles to choose from too, like this affordable set. 

11

Simon Miller Green Blackout Platform Sandals Try to avoid heels

Try to avoid heels
11

Simon Miller Green Blackout Platform Sandals Try to avoid heels

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If flat sandals aren't for you, try platforms that won't sink into the lawn. 

12

Rachel Antonoff Vinita Pleated Skirt Choose matching sets

Choose matching sets
12

Rachel Antonoff Vinita Pleated Skirt Choose matching sets

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You match your bathing suit, so you might as well coordinate your outfit. Printed sets are fun for summer, and I love this prawn print from Rachel Antonoff. 

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13

Tory Burch Embroidered Beach Caftan Wear a dress that rarely works elsewhere

Wear a dress that rarely works elsewhere
13

Tory Burch Embroidered Beach Caftan Wear a dress that rarely works elsewhere

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Dresses are a sensible choice for pool parties, but how often do you get to wear a caftans? Every caftan opportunity should be seized with relish.

Headshot of Justine Carreon
Justine Carreon


Justine Carreon is the market editor at ELLE.com covering fashion, Dutch ovens, and fashion again. When she isn’t approaching style through a modern, accessible lens, she’s scouring eBay for vintage Levi’s and pretending she knows how to surf. Before joining ELLE.com in 2015 she worked as a freelance writer and stylist in New York City.   

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