A good cover-up has never been more important. It’s always been nice to have something to throw on after beach or pool time as you head for the tiki bar or the BBQ grill. But at a certain age, they feel more necessary.

Not that we don’t have the right to show whatever we want to show. It’s just that it can be a lot more comfortable for some of us to not be flaunting wide swaths of skin. We think hinting at the curves and dermis, via sheer fabrics or peekaboo styling, can be especially, sexy now.

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A good cover-up is a boon in your travel wardrobe. You can wear it almost every day at the beach. The best ones do double duty as an outfit that you could wear to dinner if you’re having such a good time you can’t be bothered to go back to the hotel room to change.

We’ve scoured the fashion world looking for cover-ups that we think work best on vacation–styles both long and short, sexy and practical, kaftan-esque and strappy. Plus, if you’re just obscuring your below-the-waist region, a few options for cover up pants and skirts.

I wish I could give you a link to the cover-up I wear in the above photo, It’s my favorite—with a very ’70s hostess vibe—but I found it at a little boutique in Mexico. But I promise the selection below offers at least one item that is destined to become your favorite.

To see all the author’s recommendations for summer beach wear—from suits to hats—click here.

Sea Glory

A cover-up you could live in. Maxi-mize your allure with the deep surplice V-neck and daringly high slit of this breezy style from Venus.

From the Hip

Perfectly placed ruching gives this a sexy sarong feel. By PatBO.

Hello Sunshine

Unwind in your hotel room (or back home), or savor a slow morning by the beach in this indulgently soft terry-cloth dress with coastal character buoyed by nautical stripes and ropy tassels. Did we mention the cute tasseled neckline?

Open Wide

With an easy pull-on elastic waist and flattering high-rise fit, these bold palazzo pants are equally comfy and statement-making. Toss them on over a matching suit, and go from beach to street in seconds.

Kaftan Mama

How do you spell relaxation at the beach? K-A-F-T-A-N. That’s how. This one from La Blanca is loose and lively.

Color on the Coast

Founder Jeannie Ralston loves the bright stripes and crochet venting of this fun little number. After a day on the beach at our retreat in Mexico, she wore it to dinner. Simple and smooth transition.

Starry Starry Skirt

Nothing beats a good-looking pareo, except a good-looking pareo that complements a fabulous Miracle Suit. We love the look and consider it one of our perfect swimsuit cover-ups for women over 50.

Ahoy There

This easy mini dress from Lands End is perfect over your favorite swimsuit and for lunch in town. Plus, the long sleeve silhouette and hood give you both comfort and coverage from the sun.

My, My, My Kimono

Kimonos like this vibrant version from Gottex make perfect sense on the beach, offering great flair and fun.

Sheer Gold

These wide-leg pants are technically a cover-up—enough to make you feel comfortable—but they still offer translucency to make you feel a little naughty.

Wear Your SPF Well

Made by Coolibar, this soft cover-up is for those who like their cover ups to work for them. It provides SPF 50+ coverage and the two-way zipper lets it hang comfortably loose at either the neck or legs.

Garden of Delight

A rich tropical pattern emboldens this poolside cover-up topped with a laced-up neckline. By La Blanca. It’s one of our favorite perfect swimsuit cover-ups for women over 50—or any age, for that matter!

There’s a Summer Lace

For a touch of elegance on and off the beach, choose the pretty details of this cover-up dress by Lands End in an eye-catching lace fabric. The playful shorter length hits at mid-thigh and the A-line silhouette looks great on any type of body.

Transparency Rocks

Neat stripes pop against the airy mesh of this beach dress that covers up as much as it shows off. You can wear it with a scoop neck or a boat neck, depending on your mood. Sweet.