We all know Giada De Laurentiis can whip up a mean pasta dish, but the Italian cooking queen is serving up stylish looks as well. In a recent Instagram post, she’s wearing a gorgeous, easy-breezy white beach cover-up that would give any dress in my closet a run for its money. Speaking of money, I tracked it down, and it retails for — gulp! — $320. (So yeah, this warm-weather layer also costs more than any dress in my closet.)
But you don’t have to drop that sort of cash to get the look. I found some lovely lookalikes while perusing Amazon, and they start at a mere $20. So if you want to hit the beach in style this summer, you can stock up without stressing out your wallet. Now that’s amore!
Amazon
This pretty pick has a V-neck design like Giada’s, and the crochet detail adds just the right amount of whimsy. You can leave the neck strings open for a more casual look, or tie them for a bit more coverage.
“Love the lace on [the] front of the chest area, and the sleeves are a perfect length!” swooned a satisfied shopper. “It’s just long enough (longer in back than front). Nice lightweight material (not see-through)!”
Amazon
The boho beach look is alive and well, as evidenced by this crocheted cutie’s 1,200-plus fans. It’s the easiest piece to slip on before you leave the house, and the lacy detailing along the neckline is still quite modest.
“Sized correctly,” said a stylish swimmer. “Great cover-up for [a] hot day at the beach. [It] dries quickly when I wade in the surf, and a wave comes up and gets the bottom wet.”
Amazon
You can’t go wrong with a classic button-down; it allows you to customize your amount of coverage and looks oh-so-crisp when worn to a waterfront lunch. It would also make a cute layering piece even when you’re not at the beach or pool. Initiatives Editor Julia Webb tried this one herself, calling it “lightweight and wildly comfortable.”
“I love this cover-up,” raved a reviewer. “It packs well and doesn’t wrinkle. It’s a great option when having to walk through a hotel lobby. It’s a classic design that will always be in style. I will be buying another color!”
Amazon
Minimalists, this popular pullover is for you! The flattering V-neck elevates its simple, streamlined design, and while it would look fabulous as is, you could also pair it with a belt to add more shape.
“Better quality than I expected,” confessed a content customer. “Not totally sheer, so [it] does cover you up. Really perfect for coverage and doesn’t wrinkle much for travel. I bought a second one in a different color.”
Amazon
Here’s another V-neck, and, similar to Giada’s, this one has ruffled trim. Its flowy design won’t feel too stifling, but it also offers a good amount of coverage.
“[I] love how roomy this is and its longer length,” wrote a wowed wearer. “The fabric is lightweight and airy. I bought a size larger because I wanted it roomy and loose. … I love the fit.”
Amazon
Prefer a longer sleeve? Done and done! Plus, this little number has pleats up top that resemble the detailing on Giada’s cover-up.
“Very nice cover-up,” vouched a vacationer. “I wore it on a cruise. It is long enough to feel both modest and classy.”
Amazon
This one is the priciest alternative at over $30, but it’s also made of 100% cotton if you’re prioritizing natural fibers. I love the little ruffle at the hem, and the sleeveless style will keep things more comfortable on sticky days.
“Love this lightweight cover-up,” touted an on-trend traveler. “[It] runs true to size and is lightweight and breezy; dries quickly. I like the babydoll dress style; it would be cute to wear to a poolside restaurant. I bought it for a recent warm-weather vacation, but I will be wearing it all summer as well.”
If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
Dining and Cooking