Until I was a week away from a beach trip last year, I hadn’t really considered that my pre-baby beach attire might not work anymore. Not only did my bathing suits fit…differently, but was I really about to wear a bikini around a clasping/pulling/grasping/tugging toddler? I wouldn’t have been able to go 10 minutes without a wardrobe malfunction.

So, I needed to change things up. Quickly. I also didn’t want to resort to some full-body, turn of the 19th century bodysuit/skirt combo.

Then, of course, Shana from The Mom Edit had the perfect solution. Graphic tee + bikini + headband. Done. Playful, cheeky, and light-hearted, and providing just enough coverage so that you can play in the sand with a team of kids without looking like a snore.

I only include bikinis below, but this combo would also work with a one-piece suit if you aren’t feeling the bikini this year. The graphic tee still adds a lighter note and breaks up the monotony.

(Lest we forget, the headband is to corral that terrible post-partum, new-growth hair. Which at this point, I should just accept is my hair.)

There are a few key things to remember here.

First, this is the exact right time to whip out those feather light, clingy T-shirts. You want a little transparency. Size up too, so that they’re not snug.

(J. Crew Dotty Underwire Bikini Top, J. Crew Dotty Bikini Bottom, J. Crew Factory Metallic Anchor Tee, Zara Bandana Print Headband)

Second, light T-shirts work better than darker ones. Dark tees felt too top-heavy.

(J. Crew Neon Side-Tie Bikini Bottom, J. Crew Neon French Bikini Top, Madewell More Crop Tank,  J. Crew Cotton Neckerchief, J. Crew Textured Summer Straw Hat)

Third, unless you’re wearing a cropped tee, knot your T-shirt to the side like you’re going to an 80’s rock concert. It should be cinched either at your waist, or across your hips if you want more coverage. And, yes, this also goes if you’re wearing a one-piece. A crop top would look awesome with a one-piece.

(J. Crew Block Print French Bikini Top, J. Crew Block Print Bikini Bottom, Public School for J. Crew Love PS Boys Tank, Moschino Cheap & Chic Tiger Print Bandana) 

Fourth, it’s not supposed to be matchy-matchy. Close your eyes and mix those prints. It’s the beach, it’s supposed to be breezy and fun.

(J. Crew Tropical Fern Sliding Halter Bikini Top, J. Crew Tropical Fern Side-Tie Bikini Bottom, J. Crew Factory Metallic Dots Tee, Zara Two-Tone Wide Brim Hat)

Fifth, this is all very J. Crew heavy, I know. I’ve had a heck of a time finding bathing suits that aren’t too teeny bopper or marmish. J. Crew walks that line really well. That goes for their graphic tees too.

(J. Crew Gathered Halter Underwire Bikini Top, J. Crew Seamed Bikini Boy Short, J. Crew Graphic Dot Tee, J. Crew Textured Summer Straw Hat)

Finally, I know all the cool girls don’t wear matching top-bottom bikinis anymore (seriously, I didn’t see one young woman wearing a matching top-bottom at any California beach last year.) But, whatever. I’m old. I’m settling for a matched bikini with tee — it’s a slight nod to the mismatched separates trend, but without full commitment.