Chic Poolside Looks
Five tips for achieving a stylish poolside look
During the summer, when my kids’ schedules are less structured, I find it’s easier to unwind. I enjoy spending some of our leisure time by the pool, where it feels like a vacation even when I’m close to home. Whether you’re relaxing at a club pool and adhering to their dress code or entertaining friends at your home pool, owning items that allow you to quickly put together a stylish poolside look makes the experience more relaxed and enjoyable. Here are five tips to help you achieve a chic poolside look.
Find a well-fitting, timeless swimsuit
Your swimsuit is the foundation of your poolside look, so it’s wise to invest energy in finding a well-fitting, timeless suit that you can wear for a number of summers. Plan to try on several suits before making a final selection. Remember that swimsuit sizes can vary significantly from your dress size and between brands, so don’t get hung up on a number or a letter. Instead, focus on how the suit fits. Walk, sit, and bend in it to make sure it stays in place when you move.
Since you’ll likely spend a significant amount of time in just your swimsuit, boost your confidence by choosing one in a color that flatters your personal coloring. To aid you in this effort, I’ve gathered poolside looks for each of the four seasonal color palettes that correspond to the undertones in our skin, hair color, and eye color: summer, autumn, winter, and spring. These recommendations are shared at the end of this article. If you are new to the concept of aligning your clothing and accessories with your innate coloring, I invite you to read an article I wrote on this topic [linked here].
Top it with a coordinating cover-up
Once you’ve identified your perfect swimsuit, it’s time to find a coordinating cover-up or two to wear to and from the pool. Look for kaftans, tunics, sundresses, or sarongs in breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, which provide lightweight, airy coverage. I always keep a few neutral cover-ups in my wardrobe, as they can effortlessly complement almost any suit. However, finding a cover-up that coordinates with a specific swimsuit can add an extra dose of fun to your poolside ensemble. To do this, choose a cover-up that contains one of the colors in your suit. Whether you opt for a neutral cover-up or a colorful one, don’t be afraid to experiment with different textures like seersucker or crochet, and embellishments like shell or pompom trim.
Add fashionable flat sandals
Opt for some cute flat sandals. When I’m at the pool, I like to slip in and out of my shoes with ease, so I look for classic flip-flops or modern slides that I can pop on and off without using my hands. It's even better if the sandals can withstand getting splashed, so I can leave them on the edge of the pool when I wade into the water, avoiding the hot ground. I’ve provided some sandal inspiration in the poolside looks shared in this article. For additional ideas, check out the Flat Sandal Roundup I posted in early June [linked here].
Carry what you need in a tote
Stash your keys, sunglasses, sunscreen, and book into a summer bag. Choose a tote that isn’t so precious that you have to worry about grabbing the handle with hands that have been doused in sunscreen. A bag made from durable materials like coated canvas or woven rattan won’t fade in the summer sun and can withstand the occasional splash. Look for totes with pockets or compartments to keep your belongings organized and a zipper or tie closure to prevent your items from spilling out.
Wear sun protection
Protecting your skin and hair is always in style. Wide-brimmed hats and oversized sunglasses not only shield you from the sun but also add a glamorous element to your look. Hats are such an integral part of summer that I included one in each of the summer capsule wardrobes I shared two weeks ago here on Substack. If you’d like to revisit those capsules and see how I styled the hats, you can access that article [linked here].
Don’t neglect to wear sunscreen. To ensure it is fully absorbed and effective, apply it at least 15 minutes before heading outside. Remember to reapply it frequently and liberally, especially after swimming or sweating, to maintain ongoing protection.
Summer coloring
This poolside look complements women who look their best in cool, soft colors like sky blue, dusty pink, jade green, and mushroom brown, also known as summer season colors.
Autumn coloring
This recommendation is ideal for women who look their best in rich, earthy, warm colors like cinnamon, moss green, sienna, and cocoa, also known as autumn season colors.
Winter coloring
This poolside look is great for women who look their best in vivid, high contrast, cool colors like fuchsia, sapphire, icy pastels and black, also known as winter season colors.
Spring coloring
This outfit would be stunning on women who look their best in splashy, warm, and clear colors like cobalt blue, lemon, bright apple green, and coral, also known as spring season colors.
Relax and enjoy some pool time
By focusing on these five key elements, you can achieve a poolside look that exudes ease, sophistication, and style. Ensure you have these essentials in your wardrobe so you can confidently enjoy the glorious, sunny weather!