Beach fashion: From boardwalk-appropriate to bistro-chic

After an intense day frolicking in the waves and sunning on the sands, it can be hard to make the transition from boardwalk-appropriate to bistro-chic.

Unless, of course, you have the right cover-up.

We aren't talking about that wrinkled sarong or tired T you've been using for way too long to hide your beach bod.

Those ratty days are over.

Look this summer for the fashion conscious to conceal love handles and camouflage bottoms in fit-for-a-dress silhouettes, ranging from embroidered maxis to color-blocked shifts.

"Pieces specifically made to wear on the beach are perfect for dinner at a fancy restaurant," said Ann Gitter, owner of Knit Wit, a specialty boutique with locations in Center City and Margate, N.J. "All you need is a pretty necklace or a pretty sandal, and you are ready to go right from the beach to a night out."

Haute cover-ups don't come cheap. Prices can range from $99 for a silky midriff top you can pop over a bikini to close to $400 for a hand-embroidered maxi.

"Contemporary cover-ups are being worn as dresses," said Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst for the NPD Group. "It's become very serious business, as these pieces are seen as quite avant garde and contemporary."

Designers, inspired by caftans - the modest, flowy robes and tunics central to Middle Eastern and African cultures - are offering them as beach cover-ups, maxis, and in some cases, pajamas.

"They are great layering pieces," said Kate Egan, who sells caftans from Two New York. "It can go pool or beach side or along Rittenhouse Square. A caftan is the essence of low-key glamour."

Cover-ups aren't the only beachy items leading the swimwear-to-streetwear trend. Bathing-suit design has benefited from festival and athleisure trends.

"We are seeing crocheted bralettes and strapped bikini tops perfectly paired with cutoff shorts at these festivals," said Amanda Hill, public relations manager at Bloomingdale's in King of Prussia and Willow Grove Park malls.

And then there are the bikini tube tops that feature the same zipper details you'd see on a hoodie, and full-cut bottoms with skirts, much like those worn by runners. In the end, your swimwear can be worn at yoga, on the beach - or at yoga on the beach.

We culled the best of swimwear-to-streetwear cover-ups, swimsuits, hats, bags, tanners, and hairstyles - just in time for Memorial Day weekend.

Whether sheath or shirt, mini or maxi, these cover-ups in graphic prints or simple solids can be worn alone or paired with skirts or skinnies. Grab a clutch, and slip on flats or heels - or simply go barefoot.

Tie this blue-hued Missoni wrap, $350, Knit Wit, around your shoulders as a cute shawl or your waist as a maxi skirt.

Cream-and-peach embroidered maxi, Melissa Odabash, $372, at Knit Wit.

Graphic-print tank dress, Mara Hoffman, $220, at Bloomingdale's.

Purple, spaghetti-strap caftan, Two New York, $395, at Egan Day.
Black swimsuit with illusion top, Profile, $138, at Bloomingdale's.

Silk, red-print cover-up, Ranjana Maui, $99, at Knit Wit.

High-waisted, retro-inspired bottoms will continue to dominate swim this year.

"They are flattering on all body types," Hill said.

If you are going the one-piece route, ruching in the stomach area camouflages trouble spots. Try a single-hued suit to elongate the frame, or a graphic-print suit with cutouts if you crave the ease of a one-piece but the seductiveness of a bikini.

One-piece cutout in kaleidoscope print, Mara Hoffman, $238, at Bloomingdale's.

Green tropical two-piece, Mara Hoffman, $379, at Bloomingdale's.

Orange one-piece, Michael Kors, $49, at Century 21.

Black-and-white colorblock two-piece, DKNY, $78, at Century 21.

Thanks to technology - laptops, Kindles, chargers - and towels, copious bottles of water, and sunscreen, our beach bags are as oversize as our everyday pocketbooks.

Look for bags from brands such as Kate Spade and Tory Burch to feature unconventional fabric combos like straw and leather. The result: bags cool enough to carry to the office on Friday, then take down the Shore.

Blue and brown straw tote, Tory Burch, $250, at Bloomingdale's.
Mustard-yellow straw bag, Marc by Marc, $139, at Century 21.
Beach tote with yellow bow, Kate Spade, $139, at Century 21.
Blue-print tote with orange handles, Echo, $118, at Bloomingdale's.
Straw clutch, Michael Kors, $198, at Bloomingdale's

There is just one rule for beach hats: The bigger the brim, the better. This throwback to the '30s look protects from damaging rays with vintage flare.

Yellow straw with black band, Eric Javitz, $250, at Bloomingdale's.


Two-toned blue straw, Echo, $48, at Bloomingdale's.


Plain straw, Eric Javitz, $298, at Bloomingdale's.

Great tanners tint the legs, but don't leave them greasy. Instead of baking in the sun, apply these tanners for sun-kissed legs. But don't forget your SPF of at least 30.

St. Tropez Self Tan Oil, $50, at Suede Salon and Spa.
Clarins self-tanner, $38, at Bloomingdale's.
Sun Bum Natural Browning Lotion, $15.99, at trustthebum.com.

Waves, braids, and high ponytails are the season's by-the-beach coifs.

That means you can leave your hair dryers home, said Cassie LeMunyon of Suede Salon and Spa.

After a day of catching the waves, make your hair wavy with a quick wash. Then, using a curling wand, bump the ends to give your natural waves definition and shape.

When braiding, opt for a crown braid across the top, cornrows, or two simple plaits.

"These are easy to do, and they don't have to be super neat," LeMunyon said. "It's all about no muss, no fuss, and still looking good."

All styles courtesy of Cassie LeMunyon, Suede Salon & Spa, The Promenade at Sagemore, 500 Rte 73, Marlton. 856-985-0700.

Clothing and Accessories

Bloomingdale's in The Court at King of Prussia, 610-337-6300, www.bloomingdales.com; Century 21 Department Store, 821 Market St., 215-952-2121, www.c21stores.com; Egan Day, 260 S. 16th St., 267-773-8833; Knit Wit, 1729 Chestnut St., 215-564-4760, www.knitwitonline.com.

Models: Alex Panna, Megan O'Malley, Becky Drechsler, Stephanie Sullivan, Michele Saunders, Shabria Davis