What to Wear to the Pool This Summer

This post may contain affiliate links. Click here to learn more.

Summertime is, in my opinion, the best time to get outside and do things! I love swimming, hiking, gardening, sailing, traveling, strolling the beach, going for morning walks, biking, canoeing, and so much more, but nothing quite beats a day at the pool. Here’s what to wear to the pool this summer to stay cool, comfortable, and safe in the sun.

Click Here to see more of my outfits.

Outfit Details

Skin Worldwide Organic Cotton Dress, Susan Shaw Pearl Bracelet, Solid & Striped Swimsuit, Handmade Straw Hat, Julie Vos Bracelets, Susan Shaw Pearl Jewelry, Truffle Travel Case T3 Curling Iron, Kjaer Weis Eyeliner, Kjaer Weis Refillable Mascara

Whenever I go to the beach or pool, I bring three things with me: Sunscreen, a big hat, and water. I take protecting my skin very seriously, mainly because I can’t tan but also because skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. As much as I wish I could be bronzed and beautiful, not only is it not possible, it’s too dangerous to risk cancer, skin damage, and premature aging when my skin simply can’t tan (I burn and go right to being pale if I’m not careful). I’ll share my favorite sunscreens in an upcoming post, but trust me, staying hydrated, protecting your skin, and staying safe will make enjoying time poolside far more enjoyable!

I use this sunscreen on my face (especially around my forehead, cheekbones, cheeks, and chin), this organic sunscreen on my neck, chest, shoulders, and hands, and this one everywhere else. I reapply every hour or after getting out of the pool and wash it all off after swimming.

Above: Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan

A big hat helps keep the sun off my face, neck, and shoulders, plus it keeps me cooler, and they look so pretty! A few years ago, I rounded up more than 600 straw hats under $50, and many are still for sale, so if you’re looking for some excellent hat inspo, check out my post. I’ve worn the one in this post a few times, like here, here, and here. It’s one of my favorites, and I’ve had it for years!

My swimsuit is an old one from Solid & Stripe. When I eventually replace this, I want to look into an organic cotton swimsuit or something similar that’s more sustainable, eco-friendly, and less likely to contain PFAS or petrochemicals. The more I learn about the chemicals most companies use to produce our clothing, the more I’m shocked that it’s allowed. That’s why I’m replacing my clothes once they end their lifespan with more sustainable and healthy alternatives.

Skin Worldwide Beverly Dress Cotton One Shoulder Caftan Straw Hat Pearl Bracelet Poolside What to Wear to the Pool or Beach by Annie Fairfax Luxury Travel Writer Photographer Packing Essentials

One of the brands I most frequently shop with is Skin Worldwide. I’ve written lots about them because I wear at least one piece of their clothing each day. They’re woman-owned, emphasize sustainability and style, and offer a vast selection of organic cotton clothes. One piece I really like is the Beverly Dress I’m wearing here in size 0. I picked this up for our trip to Mackinac Island, and I was so pleased with its versatility, beauty, and softness. It’s such a timeless style, and I love that it’s lined, making a great beach or pool cover-up. I wore it to lunch with leather sandals and a straw bag.