Beachwear is as much about what you put over your swimmies as it is the bikini you spend hours choosing. You'll wear them for all your beachside activities - long lunches, promenade strolling, aka the best bits, and of course a cover-up is the strongest sun protection you're going to get. Plus, if you're into dressing up, a kimono's going give you a whole lot more satisfaction than a halter-neck bra. 

Of course, Kate Moss has been flying the flag for the beach kaftan as long as she's been flying first class, and therefore, you no doubt have a million already, but there's a whole lot of other options with which you can update your holiday wardrobe. a fine-knit jumper, which Rosie Huntington Whiteley shows can actually work for the beach, or if you're into streetwear like Cara Delevingne, a sport mesh T-shirt might be up your, er, street. The glamorous golden ages of the 30s and 50s were far more covered-up times when it came to the beach, so there's plenty of inspiration to tap there too. 

Click the gallery to see 20 times beach cover-ups looked as brilliant as they get.