How to Style Swimwear Beyond the Beach: Outfit Ideas for Every Occasion

Swimwear doesn’t stop at the water’s edge. From diving into a morning swim, to tanning in the afternoon sun, to walking along the boardwalk, grabbing a patio lunch, and looking fabulous on your vacation evenings—SKIMS’ Swim Collection goes beyond the beach.

Discover how to style swimwear for every occasion with the help of SKIMS cover-ups, third layers, and transitional swim-to-soirée silhouettes. With just a few key pieces, you’ll find the favorites that fit your style, your body, and your summer days.

Pool to Patio: Casual Daytime Looks

No need to change. When you’re ready to head to lunch or just get some shade, SKIMS Swim Cover-Ups make the question of what to wear over a swimsuit an easy, effortless transition.

Keep your suit on, and just throw on some soft, quick-drying cotton cover-up shorts. If wearing a bikini, the cropped twist-top is a little extra (cute) coverage. For some soft warmth, the Oversized Terry Hoodie is a post-swim go-to that feels like wearing a really chic towel.

SKIMS pieces often go together. Easily make it a casual two-piece look by wearing a matching twist top and cotton shorts, and get some Terry Foldover Shorts to match the hoodie.

Opt for fabrics that absorb moisture but dry quickly, like cotton, terry, and mesh, for on-and-off layering between pool and patio all day.

Beach to Brunch: Sarong Styling Ideas

An effortlessly fast and versatile—yet undeniably chic—cover up is our fresh take on the classic sarong. Reaching ankle-length with a dramatic leg opening, featuring a self-tie for adjustability, it’s quick to wrap on and look perfectly polished at any pool party or evening get-together.

For a casual poolside brunch, simply tie the skirt over your bikini. For easy elegance with a bit more fabric, grab the Cotton Tie Sarong and pair it with a tank—or matching twist-top, which crop gives a just-enough-coverage, entirely fabulous look. For breezier days, a sarong and a terry hoodie is an easy combo.

How to tie a sarong:

As an open skirt: The easiest way to tie a sarong is simply to wrap it around your waist and tie it to the side with a knot. The leg opening is meant to be revealing and beautiful. You can position the knot looser or tighter to sit higher or lower on your waist, depending on your preference. The self-tie allows you coverage flexibility, as you can also adjust the left opening to create a mini, midi, or maxi-length skirt.
As a wrap skirt: For a fuller skirt look with less leg opening, wrap it around your waist twice.

As a halter dress: A sarong is traditionally a skirt, but you can also wrap the ties behind your neck to make a quick flowing dress.

Pool to Dinner: Evening-Ready Swim Looks

A sarong-and-top or even a sarong-and-swimsuit (usually a one-piece) works for elevated evenings, too. For more evening ideas, SKIMS also has cover-up dresses that make day-to-night swimwear look easy, comfortable, and sophisticated.

Matchy matchy: When going out after a day of swimming, you can match the Plunge Twist Top with the sarong color for a two-piece set look.

Swimsuit as sleek top: Skip an extra top and simply pair a one-piece worn as a bodysuit with a long skirt, tailored shorts, or linen pants. Complete the look with a fashionable clutch, sparkling earrings, and refined footwear.

Silhouette switch: For more of a “dress” mood while keeping the sarong vibes, try on our innovative Sarong Dress. When worn with a matching one-piece (think: black on black), it’s an instant summery classic with structural intrigue.

Figure-flattering pull-on dress: For a more classic evening dress, our Cotton Cover-Ups Tie Dress works as a sunset statement. Throw it over your suit to easily take your swim look from the beach to drinks. Or wear it as a dress on its own.

Finishing touches: for chicness at all hours, add accessories like statement earrings, upscale sandals, and an elegant handbag to elevate the cover-up outfit. A third layer, like a shawl, gives refined added warmth. Elevate any suit-and-sarong combo with flattering footwear, intentional jewelry, a curated beach bag, and statement sunnies.

On that note: Accessories That Elevate Swim Outfits

A versatile cover-up is the styling foundation for swimsuit outfit ideas. From there, fashion elements like bold sunglasses, chic slides, eye-catching earrings and jewelry, trendy clutches, and elevated straw bags are what really complete a head-turning beach-to-bar outfit. And SKIMS didn’t forget about things like post-beach hair. Grab a headscarf to tame that seasalt frizz—pair with glamorous hoop earrings for a cinematic seaside dinner.

And for those long, hot days doing it all, a cute and lightweight beach tote can carry you (and your accessories for later) through.

How to Wear a One-Piece as a Top

Bring a fully ready look to your swim day with our one-piece suits. They easily transition from the pool to the next destination. The silhouette works like a bodysuit, making it perfect in or out of the water. One-piece bodysuit styling works with:

Shorts
Skirts — short, midi, long
Pants — from high-waisted jeans to linen trousers
A base under sheer dress
A top for a sarong

These looks work for grabbing breakfast before the beach, running errands, grabbing casual lunch, vacation sightseeing, and happy hour. If you’re planning on going for a dip, simply take off those cover-up bottoms—then just put them back on when you’re ready for drinks at the cabana. No extra top needed.

The classic scoop neck style is the most traditional bodysuit stand-in, but our new Snap Front One Piece resembles a henley-snap tank, providing added detail that translates to a non-swim clothing vibe. And the plunge-neck one-piece works like a low-cut bodysuit. When paired with a matching sarong and gold jewelry, the look becomes like a sexy evening dress.

Active Days: Sporty Swim Styling

There’s a lot to do by the water beyond just lounging in style. Think jet skiing, sailing, and beach volleyball. If you’re actually moving, look for practical swimwear details like coverage, adjustable straps, and higher necklines.

We suggest the full coverage scoop neck one piece or the Snap Front One Piece, as well as the Plunge Shortie one piece, which won’t ride up when you’re getting active. The Short Bikini Bottom plus the stay-in-place Cami Top has the same effect.

These sporty suits can handle a full day of summer activity. And when it’s time to get a post-activity smoothie, just toss on the terry hoodie, and you’re all covered.

Swimwear to Streetwear

A recap of swim cover-up outfits:

Casual Daytime Looks for Pool to Patio: Grab shorts and a matching top in breathable, fast-drying fabrics. Throw over your swimsuit anytime.

Beach to Brunch: Pair a sarong with a swimsuit, matching top, or third layer for easy transition.

Pool to Dinner: Sarongs, Sarong Dresses, and Cover-Up Dresses make for Evening-Ready Swim Looks when paired with intentional and glam accessories.

One-Piece as a Bodysuit: The look that goes with everything, no extra top required.

Active Days: Look for full-coverage one pieces or stay-in-place shorts styles.

What to Pack: Swim Capsule Wardrobe

Here’s a bonus: the transitional swim wardrobe makes packing light a breeze. Going on a beach vacation and wondering what swimwear to pack for vacation?

Aim for a 3–4 piece capsule: one bikini, one one-piece, and two cover-ups. (Plus a couple other basic go-tos like your favorite summer pants, and a functional third piece like a versatile button-down shirt or shawl.) Designed for true versatility, 3-4 SKIMS pieces can become 6 or more different outfits, so you’re definitely set for the weekend, if not the entire week.

Example capsule:

The classic plunge bikini top + matching tanga bikini bottoms
This season's eye-catching snap front one-piece
A versatile wrap skirt or Cotton Tie Sarong
The go-to tie dress

Plus a few extra pieces like linen pants, third layer…

Example Outfits:

Total pool day with poolside lunch: Bikini + wrap skirt
Pool day and a boardwalk stroll: One piece + wrap skirt
Pool-to-bar: One piece + any pants — tailored shorts, denim shorts or high-waisted jeans, linen pants. Good shoes and accessories
Beach + evening party: Bikini under tie dress
Day drip to dinner & dancing: One piece under tie dress
Swim and shop: Wrap skirt + ____

Shop these swim staples to mix and match your best looks for all your spring and summer plans. Find your new favorite combinations of SKIMS swimwear, designed for way more than just water.

FAQS

Can you wear a one-piece swimsuit as a bodysuit? Absolutely. A one-piece works like a bodysuit when paired with any bottom, from sarongs to high-waisted jeans. It can be dressed up or down in the same way and makes for an easy pool-to-wherever transition, no extra top needed.

What should I wear over a bikini to a restaurant? A bikini top can be worn as a top, but pair it with a lightweight cover-up like a long linen shirt or cover-up dress for a more put-together, appropriate look.

How do you style a sarong with a swimsuit? Keep the suit on, and wrap the sarong around your waist as a skirt or tie it as a dress. A sarong is a versatile cover-up.

What is resort wear vs. swimwear? Resort wear is specifically for lounging, dining, or exploring on vacation, while swimwear is designed for swimming and water activities. Resort wear is more styled and often worn away from the water. Cover-ups are part of swimwear as they are worn over swimsuits. (Though some cover-ups blur the line with resortwear and can be worn on their own.)

How do I transition a swimsuit outfit from day to night? A good cover-up is the foundation, one that works seamlessly from day to night. From there, it’s all about elevated accessories.

What cover-ups are best for the beach? The best cover-ups for the beach are easy to put on and off, made of quick-drying fabric, and breathable. They work with your swimsuit, letting you keep beach vibes while still looking dressed enough for post-water fun.