5 Essential Tips for Wearing Swimsuit Cover-Ups if You’re Over 50, According to Model Molly Sims
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Molly Sims knows her way around a proper pool outfit. The American model was a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit fixture in the 2000s, appearing in six issues between 2000 and 2006, and she just graced their cover again this week for their 60th-anniversary LEGENDS issue.
Clearly, she's seen her fair share of swimsuit (and cover-up) trends come and go. After all, the actress, entrepreneur and YSE Beauty founder also hosted MTV's House of Style in the early aughts and donned those iconic angel wings in her skivvies during a Victoria's Secret runway show in 2001.
This is why we asked the style star for a few of her tried-and-true tips for buying and styling bathing suit cover-ups at 50, a milestone birthday she celebrated just last year.
Although swimsuit shopping can be a loathed or liked experience at any age, it all depends on your attitude going in (and it helps if you have a cute cover-up waiting in your closet at home).
With so many options ranging from oversized button-downs and embroidered dresses to caftans, sarongs and pareos, choosing the right cover-up can be just as overwhelming as selecting a pair of flattering swimmers. Luckily, Sims is here to help.
Related: 5 Essential Tips for Wearing Swimsuits if You’re Over 50, According to 80s Supermodel Kim Alexis
Courtesy of Molly Sims
What Are Some Good Swimsuit Cover-Up Brands and Styles for Women Over 50?
1. Frank & Eileen
Eileen Relaxed Button-Up Shirt, $228 at Frank & Eileen
Sims is a big fan of Frank & Eileen's Relaxed Button-Up Shirt because it's light and airy. "It's such a versatile piece that's easy to throw on over a bathing suit or pair with shorts and a one-piece," she says, adding that it’s one of those pieces she always reaches for.
2. Monday Swimwear
Montego Mini Crochet Dress, $210 at Monday Swimwear
"I love this for when I want to elevate my beach look and opt for something more fashiony than the basic cover-up," Sims tells Parade. "It’s so chic."
Related: Molly Sims' 5 Essential Tips for Wearing Jeans
3. Bromelia
Espelho Cotton Button Down, $148 at Bromelia Swimwear
Another cover-up staple that Sims favors is a relaxed boyfriend fit that moves effortlessly and feels non-restricting. "This Bromelia button-down is oversized and super soft on the skin," she shares.
4. Diotima
Diotima Mount Crocheted Maxi Dress, $950 at Moda Operandi
"I am a sucker for anything crochet," says Sims. "It’s the epitome of vacation morphed into a single silhouette. Paired with a tonal piece underneath, it’s the ultimate chic vibe."
5. Ulla Johnson
Paz Coverup, $190 at Ulla Johnson
Sims loves a matchy-matchy moment and bathing suits and cover-ups are no different. "Ulla is the best place for that—especially when it comes to their prints," she says.
Related: 5 Essential Tips for Changing Your Skincare Routine Over 50, According to Model Molly Sims
How Do You Style Bathing Suit Cover-Ups After Turning 50?
Unlike most people, who contemplate accessories near the end of the dressing process, Sims likes to start with them first. That way, she knows whether to choose a dress or a button-down cover-up.
"My usual go-to is a Jenni Kayne beach hat with a straw bag, but if it's a more elaborate cover-up with designs, I'll just stick to a bag," Sims tells Parade. "If it's a simple button-down, I might do thicker necklaces and a bigger bag."
5 Tips for Wearing Cover-Ups Over 50, According to Model Molly Sims
1. Know what's appropriate
"When choosing a cover-up, I always determine first if it makes sense for the occasion and/or place," she tells Parade. After misreading a room, there's nothing worse than misreading a *suggested* dress code and showing up to a super casual pool party in an over-the-top cover-up and heels. Or, arriving in flip-flops and an oversized shirt when everyone else is slightly dressier.
2. Have fun with accessories
"I think, if you are going on vacation...lean into it; have fun with textures, patterns and over-accessorize," she says.
3. Choose practicality over fashion for family trips
If you are doing a family beach day or a family staycation, Sims says to think practical.
"Invest in universal pieces that are super airy, lightweight and move with you because we all know moms never get to lounge and relax when the kids spot a pool or ocean," she explains.
4. Keep patterns and prints simple
"I have always been a big fan of anything crochet," Sims tells Parade.
But that comes with a caveat.
"I think when the crochet piece is also mixed with fringe it can lean a bit too Boeheim," she admits. "Loved it in my 20s and 30s but now I like to opt for something less busy."
5. Add a pair of stylish shades
Sun protection is crucial at any age, not just after 50, so a pair of chic shades is one of Sim's staples—in addition to SPF. Currently, she's loving Celine's Round Frame Acetate Sunglasses.
Related: 5 Date-Night Style Tips According to Molly Sims
Molly Sims' Beach Bag Essentials
Now that we know what Sims likes to wear over swimwear, we asked to take a peek inside her beach bag. Here's what she always has on hand to keep her skin glowing, her devices charged and her kids from getting hangry:
Next: Model Molly Sims Says This Is the Biggest Skincare Mistake Women Make Over 50
