By Ashley Yenick, Student at Merrimack College

Image from Forever 21

It’s officially bikini season! It’s time to lounge in the pool or splash in the waves at the beach after a long semester.

Bathing suit season also means it's time to whip out those cover-ups. If done right, you’re able to create an adorable outfit after you just got out of the pool or the waves.

We found five cover-ups that are chic but cheap — cute to wear and good for your bank account.

1. Target: Xhilaration® Junior's Stripe Ruffle Tube Maxi Swim Cover-up Dress

This cover-up is for all the girls who love maxi dresses. Do your friends want to go get ice cream after the beach? Slip on this adorable cover-up and you’ll be looking fabulous! This gray maxi dress also comes in navy as well. I picked this dress from Target because Target’s a trusted brand for their awesome prices and quality products. It’s also cheap enough for a college girl to afford at $20.69!

2. Old Navy: Women's Crocheted Gauze Cover-Up

The next cover-up I found was this crocheted one from Old Navy. Like Target, Old Navy’s also a trusted brand that I can always count on when I want to look chic for a cheap price! I also love that it’s white so it will always match with whatever bathing suit you have. This cover up is $29.94, but because of Old Navy’s quality, you can absolutely get the most from using this cover-up all summer. Plus, if you’re not venturing to the beach or the pool, you can always wear this to a barbecue with a bandeau underneath for a cute summer look (while still keeping it classy).

3. Forever 21: High-Low Boho Cover-Up

This next cover-up is for the hobo-chic girls who love tribal print. Tribal print made such a big impact on last season and this season. Tribal prints are literally plastered everywhere on various products, everything from cellphone cases to shoes. I think this cover-up would be cute if you love the pattern, plus if it’s Forever 21, you know that it’s budget friendly! This adorable cover-up is can be found at the low price of $14.80.

4. Walmart: OP Junior Ruffle Swim Cover-Up

This next cover-up from Walmart is for the girls who love bold color and ruffles. If its cute color and ruffle detail isn’t enough to sell you, how about its $6.50 price? You can’t beat those numbers! Even if it’s just a cover-up to walk around in on vacation, this cute cover-up isn’t one to pass up.

5. Etsy: Monogram Cover-Up

This last cover-up is for the girls who love monograms. These shirts are so affordable at $15. You can have any pattern, style and font personalized just for you. I don’t know about you, but this is definitely on my list to get this summer!
 

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