10 Amazon Beach Dresses and Cover-ups Under $40

With summer fast approaching, clothing retailers have begun debuting their new swimsuit collections. And if you’re anything like me — an avid shopper and beach lover — you’ve likely already picked out your new go-to bikini or one-piece suit for the season. What you may have yet to pick out, however, is a comfy, breezy beach dress to wear over it. Lucky for you, Amazon is fully stocked with beach-ready cover-ups that won’t break the bank.

Whether you plan on spending the warmer months at the lake, beach, or pool, Amazon has hundreds of swimsuit cover-ups that are elevated yet comfy. Since swimsuits can cost a pretty penny, I’ve already sifted through the site to round up 10 beach dresses that are $40 or less. From retro-inspired crochet cover-ups to flowy maxi dresses, these styles are easy to throw on after a day of sun, surf, and sand — starting at just $20.

Best Mini Dresses

Anrabess Mini Crochet Beach Cover-up

This open-knit crochet cover-up has ‘70s vibes all over it. On sale for $34 and available in 29 colors and patterns, the retro-inspired cover-up has long, flowy sleeves and scalloped edges along the wrists, neckline, and hem. One five-star reviewer said it was “perfect” for a Florida getaway, adding that it was “great for both the beach and walking around from restaurants to stores.”

Eomenie Contrast Lace Beach Dress

Much like the Anrabess crochet dress above, this lace beach dress has a boho style that’s perfect for traipsing along the coast. Adorned with beautiful embroidered details, this sheer beach dress has a plunging neckline and an oversized, flowy style that, according to one Amazon shopper, is reminiscent of a higher-end brand. Note: The dress comes in three size options (small, one size, and 22 plus) suited for a wide range, so be sure to consult the size chart to determine your best fit.

Bsubseach Button-down Cover-up Shirt

No need to pack a button-down shirt and a swimsuit cover-up on your next trip. This option performs double duty as both. On sale for as low as $20 in some colors, the long-sleeved dress has thigh-skimming shirt tails that can be tied up at the waist to be styled as an oversized blouse that’ll look chic on top of trousers, skirts, shorts, and jeans. The swiss polka dot texture adds visual interest while the two buttoned chest pockets add functionality. Plus, plenty of five-star reviewers report the cover-up “doesn’t wrinkle,” so you can wear it straight out of your suitcase without ironing it.

Best Midi Dresses

Zeagoo Midi Button-down Dress

Forget the beach. You’ll want to wear this versatile midi dress all vacation long. This shirt dress has a button-down front that can be fully undone and worn as an extra layer on top of a tank top and shorts. The short sleeves, buttoned front, and side slits help promote airflow on sunny days, and the classic silhouette pairs easily with sandals, sneakers, or slides. The best part? It has three functional pockets — one on the chest and two at the hips — for stashing your beach essentials.

Pink Queen Crochet Midi Cover-up

The simple silhouette of this long-sleeved crochet midi dress gets a dose of attitude thanks to the deep thigh slit on the right leg. Made with a breathable elastic stretch fabric, the beach dress is “perfect for hot days” and “keeps you feeling cool and comfortable.” The long sleeves, round neckline, and below-knee length provide coverage while the open-knit fabric lets the colors of your bathing suit peek through.

R. Vivimos Patterned Midi Beach Dress

This calf-skimming beach dress has roomy peasant-style sleeves that cinch at the wrist, plus long tassel ties at the neckline that can be undone to keep you cool on hot days. All of the 36 styles available are a work of art in their own right, each made up of several different colorful paisley and floral patterns, all of which are sure to provide coverage while making you stand out from the crowd.

Best Maxi Dresses

Cupshe Kimono Beach Cover-up

This light-as-air beach kimono from Cupshe is made of a sheer fabric that allows you to show off your swimsuit while it adds coverage. It has a cinching drawstring waist that can be worn tied or open, and wide, flowy sleeves that are easy to move your arms in. The 20 color and pattern options work with the effortless silhouette to make this kimono beach dress that is the “must-have cover-up” of the season. 

Imagekope Caftan Beach Dress

This colorful caftan is as comfortable as it is vibrant. Available in 16 vivid, eye-catching prints, the moomoo-esque dress comes with billowy elbow-length sleeves and a floor-skimming hem to provide maximum coverage. A steal at just $20, the pullover dress can be taken from the pool to dinner drinks easily with the right accessories. Step into a pair of wedges, then add statement earrings and a clutch for a date night ensemble. 

Prettygarden One-shoulder Maxi Beach Dress

This gorgeous one-shoulder maxi dress looks like a style you’d see on The White Lotus. Despite its modest $40 price tag, it “looks and feels high end,” according to one five-star reviewer who said that its thick material, beautiful details, and flattering fit make it “well worth the price.” Featuring a braided tie at the shoulder, removable tie belt, all-over Ikat-inspired print, and tiered ruffle at the bottom, the versatile piece is chic enough to wear for a night out on the town.

Anrabess Crochet Swimsuit Cover-up

Turn heads on your next island getaway with this stunning maxi beach dress. Made with a stretchy, perforated fabric, the breathable cover-up stands out thanks to its long, flared sleeves, deep V-neck, and double keyhole openings near the bust. It’s “easy to throw on to go to a beach restaurant and grab drinks,” said one five-star reviewer, noting it’s cute, light, and perfectly body-hugging. Another shopper shared they felt “elegant and comfortable” while wearing it to dinner at their resort, adding they got “so many compliments” on it during their stay. 

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