Your cover-up is the dress.

Just wear it as a dress. A simple belt at the waist, some flat sandals, and a straw bag is all you need. You’re already at the beach — overthinking it is the enemy.

Throw on a hat if the sun’s out. A lightweight kimono-style cover-up works great as a loose top with shorts underneath, but the straight-up cover-up-as-dress is the easiest, laziest, most chic move. The key: pick a cover-up that actually looks like a dress when tied or cinched. Some are just see-through nets — those are for walking to the water, not brunch. For brunch, you want opaque or lined.

Accessories do the heavy lifting. A pair of statement earrings or a bold lip makes it look intentional. But don’t go full resort glam unless the brunch is at the Four Seasons. Beachside means relaxed.

You’re already at the beach. Don’t dress like you’re trying to leave it.