A pareo or sarong makes a great beach cover up. In many cultures, the pareo is part of a woman’s daily wardrobe. I’m here to help you show how to wear a pareo in fashionable ways and use it beyond the beach.

Pick a pareo with a classic color and pattern. The one I use is from Zara. The pattern gives the way I tie my pareo visual interest, since I can create new patterns depending on how I tie it. The small tassels are a nice design touch.

Select a fabric that’s not too sheer. A cotton-silk blend weave is a good, lightweight choice.

 

Also have a look at the best bathing suits for women over 40

 

What to Wear With a Pareo

I’ve evolved with fashion through the years, starting with a pareo and bikini, to wearing it as a dress, to layering one. Some of my favorite ways to layer a pareo include:

  • With a belt to cinch the waist
  • With a denim jacket
  • With leggings and a tank top underneath
  • With a strapless one-piece pant suit (worn in the pictures)

Ready to start wrapping?

1. A Kimono Shawl

Useful and stylish when it’s a bit chilly or your shoulders need sun protection.

One pareo - 7 different ways - wear it as a kimono | 40plusstyle.com

Take the short ends on each side of your pareo and tie them together leaving an opening for your hand to slip through each hole. The longer, hanging ties shorten the shawl to keep it on your shoulders.

One pareo - 7 different ways - wear it as a kimono | 40plusstyle.com

2. A Wrap Halter

One pareo - 7 different ways - wear it as a halter dress | 40plusstyle.com

This is one of the easiest ways to make a dress or top. Place the middle of the pareo against your back and hold each end in your hand. Cross the ends across your chest and tie them at the back of your neck. Smooth the front, spreading the fabric underlayer to cover your chest area. This flows beautifully when worn with leggings or pants.

One pareo - 7 different ways - wear it as a halter dress | 40plusstyle.com

Add a belt to cinch your waist and to keep everything in place if you’re wearing this as a dress. Choose a strapless bra, adjusting the neck tie to hold the back of the pareo up high enough to conceal your bra.

 

Also check the best bathing suit cover ups for for the beach

 

3. A Mini Halter

One pareo - 7 different ways - wear it as a halter top | 40plusstyle.com

Tie your pareo in front with a big knot. Take the two hanging ends, twist them and tie at the back of your neck. Now you have an instant, flirty mini halter dress or top that looks great with shorts or leggings.

One pareo - 7 different ways - wear it as a halter top | 40plusstyle.com

4. A Strapless Dress

One pareo - 7 different ways - wear it as a strapless dress | 40plusstyle.com

This part of the technique will be the start of the rest of the looks: With the middle of the pareo against your back and the ends in front, grab some fabric at a halfway point between the tip of the pare0 and your chest for each side. Tie the bunched fabric pieces together, leaving the ends of the pareo to fall and hang.

For a clean, strapless look, find the two hanging ends, fold them together and tuck them into your chest, under the knot.

5. A Single Shoulder Strap Top or Dress

One pareo - 7 different ways - wear it as a one shoulder top or dress | 40plusstyle.com

Follow the strapless steps but take one of the hanging ends, twist it and tuck the strap piece into the back of your pareo.

6. A Flowy Top

One pareo - 7 different ways - wear it as a flowy open dress | 40plusstyle.com

Use the strapless dress technique and leave the ends to hang in a strapless, flowy top like the photo above.

7. Flowing Bandeau Shirt Dress

Try this for a final fashion pareo technique.

One pareo - 7 different ways - wear it as a flowing bandeau shirt dress | 40plusstyle.com

Tie your pareo with the strapless technique, grab the hanging ends and tie them in the back of your pareo, like an apron. The look is unique, and if you use a mirror to see your back, you can tuck until you create a really interesting pattern.

bandeau-style

Now that you have some ideas, start experimenting! How will you wear your pareo?

Cynthia

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how to wear a pareo

 

Sylvia

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

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