How to Build a Beach Cover-Up Outfit with By the Sea
By Aubade® Official Store: French Luxury Lingerie | Published: 2026-11-01
Category: How-to Guides
Layer the By the Sea top, shorts, and tunic into a beach cover-up outfit that moves from sand to lunch. Follow five steps for a pulled-together look.
Quick answer
Start with the By the Sea shorts as your base, add the matching top for a coordinated set, and finish with the tunic for extra coverage. This three-piece approach gives you flexible layers for the beach, lunch, and the trip home.
Why a three-piece approach beats a single cover-up
A single cover-up often leaves you either too covered or not covered enough as the day changes. Separates let you add or remove a layer without changing your whole outfit. The By the Sea pieces are designed to work together, but each also stands alone, so you can adapt to the setting.
Sheer fabrics need a deliberate base layer
All three By the Sea styles are entirely or partially see-through, which is what makes them feel light and modern. That also means you need to decide what shows underneath. A solid swimsuit in black or nude keeps the look intentional; a brightly patterned bikini will compete with the geometric lace. If you want more coverage, wear the tunic over a simple one-piece.
Five steps to a complete beach cover-up outfit
- Choose your swimsuit base: Pick a solid-colored swimsuit that complements black lace—nude, black, or a deep jewel tone works well. Avoid busy prints that fight with the geometric lace. Check in natural light that your swimsuit doesn't show through in a way you're not comfortable with.
- Start with the By the Sea shorts: Pull on the shorts over your swimsuit. They're light and floaty, so they won't feel restrictive, and the openwork lace adds texture without bulk. Make sure the shorts sit at a comfortable height on your waist; they should feel secure but not tight.
- Add the By the Sea top: Layer the cropped top over your swimsuit or over the shorts if you prefer a defined waist. The crew neckline and cap sleeves give a modern, sporty contrast to the lace. Adjust the back cut-out so it sits flat against your skin—this is the detail that makes the top look intentional.
- Finish with the By the Sea tunic: Slip the tunic over everything for extra coverage. Its wide straps and round neckline keep it easy to wear, while the lace back adds interest when you turn. If you'll be walking a lot, check that the tunic doesn't cling; a lightweight fabric should skim, not pull.
- Test the transition: Before you leave, sit, walk, and reach overhead to make sure layers stay in place. Remove the tunic for the beach, then add it back for lunch or the ride home. Keep a small pouch for jewelry or hair ties so you can adjust your look without carrying a bulky bag.
By the Sea pieces at a glance
- By the Sea Short-sleeves top Black: Entirely see-through with a cropped shape, crew neckline, cap sleeves, and geometric lace trim. The cropped cut pairs naturally with high-waisted bottoms or the matching shorts, while the sheer fabric requires a deliberate swimsuit underneath.
By the Sea Short-sleeves top Black - By the Sea Beach shorts Black: Light, floaty shorts with openwork lace that traces geometric patterns on the legs. They work as a base layer or on their own, so you can wear them over a swimsuit for a beach-ready look that still feels dressed.
By the Sea Beach shorts Black - By the Sea Tunic Black: Lightweight tunic with a round neckline, wide straps, and an openwork lace back with a teardrop cut-out. The tunic adds coverage without weight, making it the ideal final layer for lunch or the trip home.
