As I sit here writing in the 85 degree heat in San Francisco, which for those of you that don't know this city very well, is extremely rare… I'm inspired to think back to only a week ago when I was lying on the beach on vacation with friends. Of course me being me, I couldn't help but observe what was happening fashion-wise as I lay there sipping on my Corona. I reflected upon what made some of these women look really chic no matter what their size, and I came up with this.

I believe a great cover-up not only can hide many evils but it will also allow you to wear your swimsuit with confidence just about anywhere before and after your time at the beach. Hence the title of this article, are you going to look like a bathing beauty or beach bum this season? I promise you by purchasing a fashionable cover-up/caftan/tunic; you will look like a beauty this season.

The other great thing about buying one of the cover-ups I've featured here is that it is guaranteed to be a great top that you can wear all summer long to all kinds of events. Simply toss a tank top underneath and for night, pair any of these with a great pair of skinny white denim and heels, or a great pair of flowy white pants and strappy sandals. For daywear I would pair any of these cover-ups with a pair of city shorts and some stylish flops.

Here are some of my picks, and honestly it was hard to choose there are so many fabulous ones out there:



www.netaporter.com
Juicy Couture, Paisley Print Terrycloth Tunic, $160




www.shopbop.com
Shoshanna, Zebra Print Tunic, $198




www.jcrew.com
J.Crew, Lightweight Gauze Tangiers Tunic, $59.50




www.bluefly.com
Diane Von Furstenburg, Demsa Cover-up, $126.90




www.bodenusa.com
Boden, Ibiza Kaftan, $78



Jennifer Bakken is a San Francisco based wardrobe consultant.
For more information: cabinetdenvie.com.