Kaftans and shirt dresses are your best bet.

Yes, but only if you choose the right fabric and cut. The ones that work best are the ones that don’t look like you’re wearing a glorified towel when you sit down for lunch.

Avoid anything sheer, mesh, or made of that crinkly swimsuit lining material. Go for cotton, linen, or a cotton-viscose blend. A loose kaftan with a tie waist can be thrown over a wet bikini and then cinched into a real dress silhouette once you’re dry. A button-front shirt dress works even better — wear it open as a cover-up on the beach, button it up and add sandals for lunch.

Length matters. Mid-thigh or just above the knee is the sweet spot. Too short and you’ll feel exposed at a restaurant. Too long and it drags in the sand. I’d skip sarongs — they never stay put and you’ll be constantly adjusting.

Pick something that looks like a dress first, a cover-up second.