How to Look Chic at the Pool: Stylish Poolside Outfit Ideas
You know those women who show up to the pool and somehow look like they just stepped out of a magazine? The ones carrying a gorgeous tote, wearing the perfect coverup, with sunglasses that make the whole outfit feel intentional?
That's not luck. That's strategy.
SHOP Pool Totes and All Handbags
Looking chic at the pool isn't about spending a fortune or sacrificing comfort. It's about choosing a few key pieces that work together—a coverup with actual personality, slides you'd wear beyond the pool deck, a bag that fits everything without looking like luggage, a sun hat that works as hard as your sunscreen, and sunglasses that pull the whole look together.
Think of it this way: your poolside look is still an outfit. And the women who always look put-together at the pool? They treat it like one.
Here's how to build a poolside wardrobe that makes you feel just as confident at the resort as you do at brunch.
The Coverup: Your Poolside Power Piece
A great coverup does double duty. It looks polished enough to wear to the pool bar, the resort restaurant, or a quick errand run—while still being lightweight and easy to throw on over a swimsuit. The key is choosing one with actual design details, not just a shapeless piece of fabric.
Look for details like tassel trim, interesting necklines, or pom-pom edging that give your coverup personality. A coverup with character means you don't need to layer on a bunch of accessories to look finished—the piece does the work for you.
SHOP Deirdre Swimsuit Coverup, Pink ($158)
This pink coverup with tassel detailing at the hem is exactly the kind of piece that takes a swimsuit from "I'm going swimming" to "I have plans after." The tie neckline adds a feminine touch, and the color is bright enough to pop against any skin tone without being overwhelming. Throw it on with slides and sunglasses and you're ready for the pool, lunch, or a walk through town.
SHOP Deirdre Swimsuit Coverup, Lilac ($158)
If pink isn't your thing, this lilac version with pom-pom edging along the sleeves and hem is equally gorgeous. Lavender is one of the biggest color trends right now, and it photographs beautifully—so if you're the type who documents your vacations on Instagram, this one's for you. The soft purple pairs especially well with gold jewelry and natural straw accessories.
Styling tip: The best coverups are ones you'd actually wear as a tunic or mini dress if someone stripped away the pool context. If it looks good on its own, it'll look even better poolside.
Pool Slides: Comfort Meets Color
Flip-flops are fine. But if you're going for a polished poolside look, slides are the move. They're just as easy to slip on and off, but they look ten times more intentional. The trick is picking a pair with enough personality to feel like part of your outfit rather than an afterthought.
Terrycloth slides are having a major moment right now, and for good reason—they're soft, absorbent, and give off that effortless spa-chic vibe. Plus, they come in colors that actually coordinate with the rest of your look.
SHOP Pool Slides, Navy Blue - $64
These terrycloth slides come in pink and navy—both versatile enough to work with swimsuits, coverups, sundresses, and casual resort wear. The pink pair coordinates beautifully with the pink coverup above (matchy-matchy at the pool is actually encouraged), while the navy is a classic neutral that goes with everything. The soft terrycloth material means your feet stay comfortable even on hot pool decks.
Pro tip: Pack your slides in a zip bag for travel. They're lightweight and compress easily, so they won't eat up precious suitcase space.
The Pool Tote: Big Enough for Everything, Chic Enough for Anywhere
Here's where most women's poolside style falls apart: the bag. You need something large enough to hold a towel, sunscreen, your book, your phone, snacks, a water bottle... but you don't want to look like you're hauling a laundry sack to the lounge chair.
The solution? A structured tote with actual design appeal. Something that reads "I planned this" rather than "I grabbed whatever was closest to the door."
SHOP Delilah Large Tote - $118
This turquoise and gold metallic striped tote is the kind of bag that gets compliments. It's large enough to pack everything you need for a full day by the water, but the metallic stripe detail keeps it looking polished. The blue and gold colorway works with practically any swimsuit or coverup combination.
SHOP Zoe Tote, Turquoise - $98
If you prefer something with more of a solid color presence, this turquoise metallic tote has a gorgeous shimmer without being over the top. It's lightweight enough to pack flat in a suitcase (a game-changer for travelers), and the inner slip pocket keeps your phone and keys accessible without digging.
SHOP Belize Large Jute Tote - $118
For a more natural, boho-resort vibe, this jute tote in pink and orange with a purple tassel feels like vacation in bag form. The durable jute material can handle sand, water splashes, and sunscreen without showing wear. It's the kind of bag that looks just as good walking into a beachside restaurant as it does sitting next to your lounge chair.
The Clutch: Pool-to-Dinner in Seconds
Here's a styling trick that separates the casual pool-goers from the women who look effortlessly put together: bring a small clutch or zip pouch inside your tote. When you're ready to transition from the pool to dinner, drinks, or shopping, just grab your clutch and go. No need to haul your entire pool bag into the restaurant.
SHOP Palm Zip Pouch/Clutch - $78
SHOP Glow Zip Pouch, Pink - $38.50
These zip pouches are the perfect size for your phone, a credit card, lip gloss, and keys. Tuck one inside your pool tote in the morning, and when it's time to transition from pool to plans, you just grab it and go. The palm print pouch pairs beautifully with the Belize jute tote, and the pink glow pouch coordinates with the pink coverup and slides for a fully curated look.
For more tips on choosing the right clutch for any occasion, check out our guide to the best clutch purses and how to choose them.
Sunglasses: The Piece That Ties It All Together
If there's one accessory that instantly makes a poolside look feel "done," it's sunglasses. They add attitude, they protect your eyes, and—let's be honest—they're a confidence boost when you're not wearing much else. The right pair of sunglasses can make a simple swimsuit and coverup look like a curated resort ensemble.
SHOP Jackie O Sunglasses, Caramel - $78
These oversized round frames in translucent caramel are giving serious Jackie Kennedy-at-the-Riviera energy. The warm brown gradient lenses are universally flattering, and the caramel color adds warmth to any skin tone. They pair especially well with pink and lilac coverups, gold jewelry, and natural straw accessories.
If caramel is too trendy for your taste, you can't go wrong with classic black or tortoise shell. Black frames go with literally everything and give a more dramatic, statement-making look. Tortoise shell splits the difference—it's classic but has visual interest, and the warm amber tones complement nearly every skin tone and outfit color.
Want more help finding the perfect sunglasses? We have a full guide to oversized sunglasses for women: cat eye, round frame, and more.
The Sun Hat: Protection That Doubles as a Style Statement
A sun hat at the pool isn't just practical—it's the accessory that takes your entire look from "I'm hanging out by the water" to "I might be on vacation in the South of France." The right hat adds instant polish, protects your face and scalp from sun damage, and photographs beautifully (which matters more than most of us want to admit).
SHOP Women's Sun Hat, Turquoise and Tan - $128
This turquoise and tan sun hat is the kind of piece that makes strangers ask "where did you get that?" The turquoise color coordinates beautifully with the Zoe and Delilah totes, so your whole poolside setup looks intentional. The wide brim provides real sun protection for your face, neck, and shoulders—which means you can actually relax without constantly reapplying sunscreen to your forehead. And unlike floppy straw hats that collapse in your suitcase, a structured sun hat like this holds its shape so it looks just as good on vacation day five as it did on day one.
Styling tip: A sun hat + oversized sunglasses is the ultimate poolside power combo. Together they give you full face protection AND that effortless "I do this all the time" energy that makes any pool outfit look ten times more expensive.
How to Put the Whole Look Together
Now that you have the pieces, here's how to build three complete poolside outfits from what we've covered:
The Pink Resort Look: Pink coverup + pink pool slides + Belize jute tote + palm clutch inside + Jackie O caramel sunglasses + turquoise sun hat. This is the head-to-toe color story that looks incredibly curated without trying too hard. The turquoise hat adds an unexpected pop against all that pink. Add a pair of gold hoop earrings or a charm necklace and you're ready for the pool, lunch, and happy hour.
The Coastal Classic: Lilac coverup + navy pool slides + Delilah blue stripe tote + pink zip pouch inside + tortoise shell sunglasses + turquoise sun hat. The cool-tone palette feels fresh and sophisticated, and the turquoise hat ties everything to the blue tote. This is the look for the woman who wants to look polished but not overdone—perfect for resort pools and beach clubs.
The Vacation Statement: Either coverup + your favorite slides + Zoe turquoise tote + turquoise sun hat + Jackie O black sunglasses. The matching turquoise tote and hat create a coordinated set that looks like you planned every detail. Dark sunglasses add drama and the coverup provides the relaxed, easy silhouette.
Poolside Style Tips to Remember
Coordinate, don't match exactly. You want your pieces to feel like they belong together, but you don't need everything to be the same color. A pink coverup with a blue tote and caramel sunglasses is more interesting than head-to-toe pink.
Invest in accessories, not swimsuits. A basic black one-piece looks completely different styled with a gorgeous coverup, statement sunglasses, and a beautiful tote. The accessories do 80% of the style work.
Pack the clutch trick. Tuck a small zip pouch inside your pool tote every time. It takes five seconds in the morning and saves you from the "should I bring my whole bag to dinner?" dilemma every single time.
Wear your jewelry. Gold jewelry looks stunning against sun-kissed skin. A few layered necklaces, a stack of bracelets, or a pair of statement earrings instantly transform a pool look. Just stick with pieces that can handle a little water and sunscreen. Our guide to cleaning gold jewelry at home will keep everything looking fresh all summer.
Sunglasses are non-negotiable. Even if you skip everything else on this list, don't skip the sunglasses. They protect your eyes, they hide the "I was up late last night" evidence, and they make every single outfit look more expensive. That's a triple win.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear to look stylish at the pool?
The easiest formula: a swimsuit + a coverup with design details (like tassel trim or an interesting neckline) + coordinating slides + a structured tote + oversized sunglasses. This five-piece combination gives you a complete, polished look that transitions from poolside to lunch without changing clothes.
How do I transition my pool outfit to dinner?
The clutch-inside-the-tote trick is the fastest way. Stash a small zip pouch with your phone, card, and lip color inside your pool tote. When it's time for dinner, swap slides for sandals if you packed them, take off the coverup if your dress underneath works, or leave the coverup on as a tunic—then grab your clutch and go.
Are terrycloth pool slides in style?
Yes. Terrycloth slides are one of the biggest shoe trends for summer, with designer brands and resort brands alike offering them. They combine spa-level comfort with actual style, making them a step up from basic flip-flops while being just as easy to wear.
What kind of bag should I bring to the pool?
A large, structured tote in a water-resistant or easy-to-clean material. Avoid leather or suede, which can be damaged by water and sunscreen. Woven, jute, and coated fabrics are ideal. Look for a tote large enough for a towel, sunscreen, book, water bottle, and personal items—with at least one interior pocket to keep your phone accessible.
Can I wear jewelry at the pool?
Absolutely—gold-plated and gold-filled jewelry generally handles poolside conditions well. Avoid sterling silver (it can tarnish with chlorine and sunscreen) and costume jewelry with exposed base metals. Rinse your jewelry with fresh water after swimming and dry it well. For a deeper dive into caring for your pieces, check out our guide to cleaning gold jewelry at home.
What sunglasses look best at the pool?
Oversized frames are the go-to for poolside style. They provide the most sun protection, they're universally flattering, and they add instant polish to a simple swimsuit-and-coverup look. Round, cat-eye, and Jackie O-style frames are all trending right now. For a complete breakdown, read our sunglasses style guide.
Do I need a sun hat at the pool?
A sun hat isn't strictly required, but it's the single accessory that does the most work for your poolside look. It protects your face, scalp, and shoulders from sun damage (your future skin will thank you), it hides day-three vacation hair, and it instantly makes any swimsuit-and-coverup combo look more polished. A wide-brim hat in a fun color is one of the best investments you can make for summer.
Looking for more ways to build outfits around accessories? Browse our spring accessories trend guide or explore our full collection of totes, clutches, and bags.