The best one piece bathing suit doesn’t just look great in the water. It helps you feel confident long after you’ve left the beach towel behind.
When I’m on a beach trip, I want pieces that do more. Especially when space in my carry-on is limited. And the best one piece bathing suit can absolutely double as the foundation for some of the cutest resort-ready looks.
Whether you’re grabbing lunch after a swim, heading to happy hour by the beach bar, or just want to look a little more pulled together while still wearing your bathing suit, this post is for you.
We’ll cover:
✅ Easy outfit ideas that start with your swimsuit
✅ What to wear with a one piece to make it lunch-ready
✅ My go-to one-piece swimsuit brands (and why): Quince, Summersalt, and Albion Fit
So if you’ve ever wondered how to feel chic while still a little salty and sandy, let’s dive into how to make your swimsuit work harder for your vacation wardrobe—without ever leaving the beach vibes behind.
Ready? Let’s Dive Into How To Create Looks With A One-piece Bathing Suit!
This post contains affiliate links. This means I receive a commission if you shop for anything I share on this page at no extra cost to you. This helps support my blog, so thanks so much in advance!
1️⃣ How To Pick The Right One-Piece Bathing Suit For You
If you’re planning to wear your swimsuit beyond the water—whether it’s to a beachside lunch, an early dinner, or a sunset happy hour—then choosing the right one piece can make or break your outfit options.
Think of it like this: your swimsuit isn’t just for swimming. It’s the starting point of multiple cute, low-effort beach looks. But to make that work, it needs to mix well with your other pieces.
Here’s what to ask yourself before you pack:
✅ What kind of bottoms are you bringing? Think: skirts, linen pants or shorts. Make sure the swimsuit you choose pairs easily with at least 2–3 of those.
✅ What types of occasions will you be dressing for? Are you planning chill beach days only, or do you want to be able to grab lunch or a drink in your suit with a skirt and sandals thrown over? If you’re hiking to a hidden beach and want to swim after, maybe something more sporty and secure is better.
✅ What’s your main color palette for the trip? If your vacation wardrobe is mostly neutrals, you might want to go with a black, white, or olive green one piece. If you love prints, make sure the colors in your swimsuit match or complement the rest of your bottom pieces. (to learn how to choose your trip’s color palette, read this article next)
✅ What’s the color/print of the bottoms you’re pairing it with? Avoid super busy patterns that clash with everything. A swimsuit in a solid or subtle print will give you the most outfit flexibility.
For example: I chose a black and white one-piece for my trip because most of my wardrobe was neutral. I stick to black, white, dark green, and light denim—so my bathing suit worked with most of the bottom pieces I packed.
And remember—you don’t need to pack a dozen suits. Just choose one that works with the rest of your wardrobe and can anchor 2–3 beach-to-lunch looks. That’s the magic of packing light but smart.
👙 I have a blog post that will help you choose the right bathing depending on your body type!
2️⃣ Easy Outfit Ideas Using a One-Piece Bathing Suit
The outfits formulas to follow to create cute looks with your one-piece bathing suit are super easy to follow!
You can wear your one-piece with skirts and shorts. Mini, midi or maxi skirts AND any shorts you have. It always looks great with denim shorts. You can’t go wrong!
Here are some outfits I’ve created over the past 3 years :)
See? It’s super easy.
If you want to do this for your next trip or any upcoming beach/pool visit, here are some things to remember:
✅ If your bathing suit is printed, keep it simple with the bottom piece.
✅ Don’t forget you can print mix too! Just make sure top and bottom have a color in common.
✅ Try to pick a one-piece that has some kind of detail. A lower back, ruffle sleeves, etc. Have fun with it!
✅ When you’re deciding which one-piece to get, also think of it as a body suit. Ask yourself? Would I wear this as a body suit?
✅ Never underestimate the power of cute accessories to elevate ANY look! (headbands and statement earrings are my favorite!)
3️⃣ My Favorite One Piece Swimsuit Brands (That Actually Work Outside The Water Too!)
Now that you know what to look for in a one-piece, here are my go-to swimsuit brands that check all the boxes: comfort, style, durability, and outfit potential.
✅ Quince
If you want sleek, minimal, and budget-friendly—Quince is hard to beat. Their Italian one shoulder piece is double-lined, super flattering, and under $50. I love how easily it tucks into shorts or pants without bunching, which makes it perfect for post-beach outfits.
✅ Summersalt
Their suits are smoothing, sculpting, and just work on so many body types. The ‘Ruffle Back Flip’ and the ‘Sidestroke’ are cult favorites for good reason. They are supportive and stylish without trying too hard. Mine has been going strong for over 5 years (and has lived through multiple oceans, pools, and suspicious Airbnb washers).
✅ Albion Fit
If you’re more into prints and feminine details, Albion is a great choice. Their suits feel like styled tops in disguise. I especially love the ruched one pieces and flutter sleeve options. They instantly elevate your beach look and pair beautifully with skirts or linen shorts.
💡 Each of these brands offers something slightly different—so depending on your color palette, personal style, and the type of trip you’re taking, there’s an option that’ll work for you.
⭐️ Bonus: How About Cover Ups?
If you’ve ever felt self-conscious walking around in your swimsuit—even with a cute outfit on top—you’re not alone. Sometimes you just want a little extra something to feel more covered, and that’s totally okay.
A lightweight button-down, a flowy skirt, or a sarong can make all the difference. It’s not about hiding your body—it’s about feeling good in your skin. So pick the pieces that give you that extra boost of confidence and comfort.
That’s always in style 😊
👉🏻 Both Summersalt and Quince have great cover-ups!
Other Posts You May Also Enjoy:
- 7 Common Packing Mistakes To Avoid
- What To Pack For A Beach Vacation
- 5 Genius Spring Break Packing Tips
🙋🏻♀️ Why I Like To Create Looks With A One-Piece Bathing Suit:
I live out of a carry-on bag, so that means I have very limited outfit options. But I still like to look cute while I’m traveling. It’s just my personal style.
These are the main reasons why I like to do this, and encourage you to do the same:
- You’re basically ready to go from the beach to a restaurant, or to explore the city. (this is when having the right accessories comes into play!)
- Who doesn’t want to create more looks with less!? It’s a great feeling knowing you are maximizing every single piece you’re spending money on.
- It allows me to travel with less. I really love minimalist traveling, so by packing the right one-piece bathing suit and the right bottom pieces, I know I’ll be able to create many more looks with things I already have in my suitcase.
Want A FREE Carry-on Packing List For Your Next Trip?
Answer 2 questions about your trip and I’ll send you a customized packing list! It’s only for spring and summer trips for now, and it’s carry-on only! So go ahead and remove the stress out of packing 👇🏼
Please remember:
You don’t need to reinvent your wardrobe to feel put-together at the beach.
Just one great one-piece, a few easy layers, and a little intention can go a long way. And if you’ve ever felt like everyone else has it figured out except you—please know, you’re not alone. Most of us are just trying to feel good in our clothes and make the most of the moment.
So wear the swimsuit. Order the fries. Take the photo. And remember: you don’t have to change your outfit to feel like your best self. You already are.
You’ve got this. I’m cheering you on every step of the way.
XO,
Aimara
About the author:
Hi, my name is Aimara and I am the voice behind Ways of Style. I was born and raised in Venezuela until the age of 27 when I moved to Chicago, and 2 years later I met my best friend and husband. We now travel full time and live out of a carry-on bag, so believe me, I know a thing or two about how to maximize every single piece you own.
I love creating new looks, and looking cute while I’m traveling. And in this blog, I try to share all my looks, even if I don’t have the best photos ;) My goal is to help you maximize every piece you have in your closet and to encourage you to live with less things.
Other Minimalist Style Posts You May Like:
- The 15 Best Travel Essentials For Women
- My Top 5 Outfit Formulas For Traveling
- Stylish And Comfy Airport Outfits
- How To Pack Less Toiletries?
- How To Actually Pack Less Things
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This post contains affiliate links. This means I receive a commission if you shop for anything I share on this page at no extra cost to you. This helps support my blog, so thanks so much in advance!
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