Swimsuits may be the foundation of a vacation look, but a great cover-up is what pulls it all together—which is exactly why Alex Drummond made a last-minute trip to the mall before her babymoon to pick up the pretty piece she ended up wearing all week long.
The coverup in question? Free People’s Heart Eyes Cotton Mini Dress! It’s a breezy, versatile pick that makes perfect sense for a sunny vacation…and every pool, lake, or beach day after that. Alex said it herself: “I love it…I’m gonna use it all summer!”
The mini dress is made from lightweight cotton poplin, which gives it a crisp yet airy feel that works especially well in warm weather. It’s the sort of fabric that looks polished without feeling heavy, which is part of what makes it so practical for travel.
It has a silhouette that’s loose and comfortable but not shapeless, thanks to details like a smocked back and gentle ruching that add just enough structure. There’s also a square neckline which creates a flattering frame, while the button-front and subtle ruffle accents keep things so fun and cute. It even has pockets! “We all know pockets are a great feature,” explains Alex.
It works as an easy swimsuit cover-up for pool or beach days, but it also has enough shape and detail to pass as a full outfit with minimal effort. Just add sandals and a tote! You can also take a cue from Alex and dress it up a bit more with a straw hat, dainty earrings, and a chunky necklace.
That kind of versatility is what makes a piece earn its spot in a suitcase—and why it’s likely to stay in Alex’s rotation long after the babymoon ends.
Macie Reynolds is the assistant editor of E-Commerce and SEO for The Pioneer Woman.
