May 2026 5 MIN READ
What to Wear To A Pool Party: Outfit Ideas & Styling Guide
Pool parties aren't just about swimming! Oh no! They're your chance to serve main character energy under the sun. Whether you're soaking up rays at a beach club or splashing poolside with friends, your outfit should be as unforgettable as the soundtrack to your Summer.
So if you are heading to more tropical climates and have already booked those tickets to the key pool parties of the Summer, here is our guide to help you decide on what to wear to a pool party and ensure all eyes are on you - with everyone complimenting you on your stylish pool party outfit. From daring swimwear styles, to glamorous cover-ups and more, we will help you pull together the ultimate Summer wardrobe.
What To Wear To A Pool Party
If your Summer plans involve a girls’ holiday heading to some of the highly anticipated pool parties across Europe from Ibiza to Malta, then we have the ultimate guide on how to pull together the most desirable poolside party outfits that you will want to post all over the ‘gram.
When deciding on your outfits for a pool party, the key component you need to consider starts with swimwear - from bright fun bikini styles, to sexy swimsuits, styled with cover-ups to be able to take you from bar to pool. Don’t forget: as you will be dancing away that the right footwear is key, and finally no showstopping look would be complete without some stunning accessories. Those final touches make all the difference.
Swimwear For A Pool Party
When building your pool party attire, the first thing to do is to decide on the base of the outfit, whether that be a stylish swimsuit or a bold bikini design. This will help you decide on the overall vibe and how to style your complete look - from dark earth tones to create a more boho style, to bright bold colours injecting those eclectic and bold vibes to the pool party. With the right type of swimwear, you can show off your style and personality.
It is important to take into consideration which activities you will be enjoying at the pool party. For example, if you are planning to dive into the pool for a swim, then you will need a bikini or swimsuit that will feel secure and not budge. Think underwired plunge bikinis with a metal clasp for extra support and security, or a balconette bikini with wider straps, perfect for those who are looking for DD+ swimwear styles.
If you see a pool party as more of a social experience - enjoying drinks with your friends, a little dance and of course a glamorous picture - then how your outfit looks on social media is more of a primary factor to consider. You can have a bit more fun experimenting with fun prints and shapes from stylish triangle bikinis, to bandeau bikinis for the no tan lines look and the sexiest of one piece swimsuits. One of our current favourites has to be the Syros Swimsuit in a deep red, with a plunging neckline with statement gold hardware to elevate the swimsuit. The ruching detail under the bust will flatter the silhouette, and the low cut back detail turns this into one super sexy swimsuit.
Cover-ups & Layers
Next, think about your cover-up. This will help to pull your outfit together and look more styled. If you are planning on going in and out of the swimming pool then our chiffon maxi kaftan dress is the perfect option with an adjustable tie that is easy to quickly put on and take off between swims, whilst the thin material allows it to dry quickly.
For a more chilled and relaxed pool party, go with a classic sarong that will add a glamorous touch to your swimwear. Style the Leopard Maxi Sarong with the Santorini Balconette Bikini for a matching look, or with a classic black bikini like the Riad Balconette Bikini, allowing the sarong to take centre stage.
Heading to a beach club? They are all about glamour and glitz and the Knitted Halterneck Beach Top and matching Knitted Side Split Beach Skirt is the ideal cover-up here. Crafted in a crochet style, they feature a subtle lurex thread, adding a beautiful shimmer under the golden sun. The skirt comes with super high splits on either side adding a sexy alluring look, whilst the top comes in a halterneck design, with a self tie front with stylish tassels for the ultimate boho vibe.
Shoes For A Pool Party
No outfit is complete without footwear. Consider options that mix practicality and style in one. Trust us, never wear stilettos to a pool party where you could easily slip, or even to a beach club where they will just constantly get stuck in the sand. Instead opt for sandals or sliders. There are so many fashionable options available now, you will be spoilt for choice. Our favourite would be a slider, as you can easily take them on and off when walking across the beach or heading into the pool.
Accessories For A Pool Party
Don’t forget the finishing touches with accessories. A must for everyone is sunglasses to protect your eyes. Sunglasses are a great way to show off your personal style as there are so many options in an array of colours, shapes and styles from the classic Aviator, to retro oversized styles.
For those who are just planning on a day soaking up the sun, enjoying a dance and not heading into the water, you have the perfect opportunity to elevate your look with jewellery. Think statement earrings, anklets, gold bangles and even a chic belly chain taking your outfit to the next level.
Finally, don’t forget your bag - a raffia or wicker bag always looks beautiful, but there are many more options and styles to choose from. With a bag you can ensure to pack some of the essentials - including water to keep hydrated and most importantly SPF to look after your skin - a must when spending a day in the sun.
What To Wear If Your Not Swimming
For those who are just looking for a super stylish pool party outfit and have no intention of dipping their toes in the water, there’s more freedom still! This allows you to go with slightly different outfit options from linen co-ord sets to beautiful Summer dresses. A current favourite of ours is the Knitted Maxi Beach Dress. Coming in a classic black, this dress offers ultimate holiday style with a chic side split and sexy scooped back taking you from sun drenched days through to the romantic golden hour.
The Pool Party Outfit Formula
To recap, following the formula below will help you become a trend setter and create show-stopping pool party outfits.
Glamourous Swimwear + Layering Piece + Pool-Appropriate Footwear + Personal Touch = The Ultimate Pool Party Look
Glamorous Swimwear - The base to your outfit: from underwired bikinis, to playful triangles and sexy swimsuits, you are spoilt for choice.
Layering Piece - A cover-up helps to bring the outfit together and look more styled.
Statement Accessory - Your sunglasses and jewellery can help elevate your look.
Pool-Appropriate Footwear - Think more sandals and sliders rather than heels.
Personal Touch - Go with colours and prints that suit your style and personality. You want to feel your most confident when by the pool.
Pool Party Outfit Ideas
Mermaidcore - Set to sparkle and shimmer under the sun.
Think metallic shades, net-like textures, styled with sea drenched hair - this is a glamorous and romantic look. Channel your inner mermaid with the Ibiza Broiderie Plunge Bikini Set. Secure underwired cups, a shimmery silver metallic fabric detailed with a stunning broiderie trim. Style the bikini with the Knitted Halterneck Beach top and beach skirt - with the crochet fabric offering net-like features to truly embrace the mermaidcore trend.
Add woven sandals, with shell jewellery and of course some bronzer to add a bit of golden shimmer to your look.
Boho Chic - Offering a Golden Hour Dream
The vibe is all about being more free-spirited with earthy tones - from dark reds, to chocolate browns and khaki shades, styled with oversized jewellery and breezy sheer cover-ups. Get that golden hour glow with the Ibiza Lace Up Plunge Bikini set in a dark red, detailed with gold eyelets and hardware. Take your look from day to night by adding the Knitted maxi dress in black with some gold statement jewellery.
Go Bold - Bring The Vibes In Bright Colourways
For this it is all about bold designs - think bright colourways and playful prints showing a more energetic and colourful vibe. The Ithaca Lemon Triangle Bikini Set comes in a standout green, whilst detailed with a refreshing pattern of yellow polka dots and lemons. For those who prefer a bit more coverage the Ibiza Lace Up Swimsuit in coral is a great alternative - this bright colourway ensures you stand out from the crowd. Style both looks with colourful sandals and fruit inspired style bags, to become a true trend-setter by the pool.
The best pool party outfit? It’s always the one that feels like you.
Boux Avenue has all the swimwear, cover-ups and poolside essentials to help you stand out. Dive into our full swimwear collection and create your own moment - because every Summer story deserves an unforgettable outfit.
