Pool Day Aesthetic 7 Essentials for That Rich Girl Energy

So there I was, sitting in my car outside Target at 9 AM on a Tuesday, watching some girl’s Instagram story for probably the tenth time. She was just floating in her pool, but damn—she looked expensive. Not like flashy expensive, but that effortless kind where you know she probably smells like vanilla and her sheets are always clean.

I’m not usually the type to get jealous over social media, but something about her vibe got to me. Maybe it was because I’d just spent my entire weekend at my neighbor’s pool looking like I’d gotten dressed in the dark. My old black one-piece was doing me zero favors, and don’t even get me started on the crusty beach towel I’d been using since college.

That Tuesday morning, I decided things were gonna change. I marched into Target with a mission and a credit card, determined to figure out what made some girls look like they belonged in a luxury resort commercial while the rest of us looked like we were just happy to be there.

Three hours and way too much money later, I walked out with bags full of stuff and a plan. The following weekend was my test run at my friend’s pool party, and let me tell you—people noticed. Suddenly I was the girl getting asked where I got my suit, where I’d been vacationing (nowhere), and if I’d done something different with my hair (nope, just figured out how to not look like a mess).

The Thing About Looking Expensive

Here’s what I learned that day: looking expensive isn’t about spending a ton of money. It’s about understanding what works and what doesn’t, then sticking to those rules even when something cute catches your eye.

I spent weeks after that studying girls who had this thing figured out. Pool parties, beach trips, even random apartment complex pools—I was like a creepy anthropologist, taking mental notes about what separated the ones who looked put-together from everyone else.

The pattern was always the same. Their stuff matched, they weren’t constantly adjusting their suits, and they looked comfortable. That’s it. No secret formula, no trust fund required. Just paying attention to details that most people ignore.

Number One: Your Swimsuit Better Fit Right

This seems obvious, but you’d be shocked how many people get this wrong. I was definitely one of them for years, buying suits because they were on sale or because they looked cute on the hanger, without any thought about whether they actually worked on my body.

Your swimsuit is like your underwear—if it doesn’t fit right, everything else is gonna look off. Period.

I went through probably twenty different suits before I found my holy grail. It’s this deep green one-piece from ASOS that cost me $68 and somehow makes me look like I actually go to the gym regularly. The secret is in the cut—it hits me at exactly the right spots and doesn’t require constant maintenance.

Here’s what to actually look for: straps that don’t dig in or fall down, coverage that makes sense for your lifestyle, and fabric that doesn’t get weird when wet. I learned that last one the hard way when my “cute” white bikini became completely see-through the second I got in the water.

Don’t get caught up in what’s trendy if it doesn’t work for you. Those high-cut bottoms everyone’s wearing? They look amazing on some people and ridiculous on others. Know your body and dress it accordingly.

Budget tip: if you’re shopping online, order two sizes. Swimwear sizing is completely random, and returning the one that doesn’t fit is way easier than trying to guess and getting it wrong.

Number Two: Stop Bringing So Much Crap

I used to show up to pools looking like I was moving apartments. For a week-long adventure, there should be several bags, seventeen different types of sunscreen, three towels, extra clothing, and refreshments. It was ridiculous and made me look like I didn’t know what I was doing.

Now I bring exactly what I need and nothing else. One good towel, sunglasses that actually fit my face, a bag that won’t fall apart if it gets wet, and sometimes a pool float if I’m feeling fancy.

The towel thing was a revelation. I’d been using this gross thing from freshman year that was basically a rag at that point. Bought a nice oversized one in white (risky but worth it) and suddenly all my photos looked more professional.

Sunglasses are where a lot of people mess up. You can’t just buy whatever’s popular on Instagram and hope for the best. I have a round face, so those tiny cat-eye ones everyone was obsessed with made me look like a bug. Found some slightly oversized square frames at Nordstrom Rack for $22 that I get compliments on constantly.

Pool floats are fun but not mandatory. If you get one, make sure it’s actually functional. Those tiny swan floats are cute for exactly one photo, then they’re just taking up space in your garage.

Number Three: Sunscreen That Doesn’t Suck

I’ll be honest—I used to skip sunscreen half the time because I hated how it made me look and feel. Then I got sun poisoning in Miami and decided to grow up and find better options.

The game changer was discovering tinted sunscreens that actually improve how you look instead of making you pasty. My current one has this slight bronze tint that evens out my skin tone while protecting it. Revolutionary.

Here’s what actually works: find an SPF that you don’t hate wearing, get lip protection that doesn’t taste gross, and have some kind of hat or cover-up for when you need a break from direct sun.

I wasted so much money on cute hats that were impossible to actually wear. Either they’d blow off in any breeze or they’d leave weird tan lines or mess up my hair too much to be worth it. Finally found a simple bucket hat that stays put and doesn’t make me look like I’m going fishing.

Cover-ups are another thing people overcomplicate. You don’t need five different options. Find one or two pieces that work with your suits and call it done. I have a basic white button-up shirt that works with everything and doesn’t look like obvious “beach wear.”

Number Four: Makeup That Won’t Betray You

Pool makeup is its own category and follows completely different rules from regular makeup. Took me way too many raccoon-eye disasters to figure this out.

The goal is to look like yourself but better, not like you’re heading to dinner somewhere fancy. Everything needs to be waterproof or at least water-resistant, and it needs to play nice with sunscreen.

Here’s my current routine: waterproof mascara (spent good money on this after too many budget ones that flaked), tinted lip balm, cream blush, and a little bronzer. Sometimes brow gel if I’m feeling ambitious.

Cream products are your friend because they don’t pill up with sunscreen and they blend better when you’re sweating. Regular powder products just slide off or look cakey.

The key is keeping it simple enough that you’re not stressed about maintaining it. If you’re worried about your makeup the whole time, you’re not gonna have fun, and not having fun shows in photos.

Number Five: Make Your Space Look Intentional

You don’t need a perfect Instagram pool to take good photos. Some of my best shots have been at public pools or my friend’s basic apartment complex setup.

It’s about being smart with what you’ve got. Clear the background of random junk, pay attention to lighting, and maybe bring a few props that look good without being obvious about it.

I always pack a small tote with carefully chosen extras: whatever book I’m actually reading, my good water bottle, maybe some fruit that photographs well. Nothing crazy, just stuff that makes the whole scene look more put-together.

Timing matters too. That harsh midday sun is nobody’s friend. Early morning or late afternoon light is way more flattering and creates better photos naturally.

Don’t try to fit everything into one shot. Pick your focus—whether that’s you, your setup, or the overall vibe—and build around that. Less is usually more.

Number Six: Taking Photos Without Looking Ridiculous

This was honestly the hardest part for me because I felt so awkward about it. But here’s the reality: everyone’s taking photos now. It’s not weird anymore, and the people getting good results are just better at it.

Use your phone’s timer instead of asking random people to take pictures. You’ll get way better shots and you won’t have to explain what you want fifteen times.

Take way more photos than you think you need. I usually take like fifty to get three that I actually like. That’s normal. The pool creates amazing natural lighting and reflections, so use that to your advantage.

Don’t be afraid to get in the water for shots. Some of my favorites are taken while I’m actually swimming or just getting out of the pool. Those candid moments usually look better than obviously posed stuff.

Set up your phone, hit the timer, and just move around naturally. Don’t worry about perfect poses—just be yourself and let the camera catch you being comfortable.

Number Seven: Actually Feeling Good

This is the secret sauce that nobody talks about. You can have every single thing on this list perfect, but if you’re not comfortable in your own skin, it’s gonna show.

I used to spend entire pool days stressed about how I looked instead of actually enjoying myself. And guess what? That stress was obvious in every single photo.

The shift happened when I stopped trying to look like someone else and focused on feeling like the best version of myself. When I’m genuinely having fun—laughing with friends, enjoying the sun, not caring if my hair gets messed up—that energy comes through in a way that no amount of perfect accessories can fake.

Choose a suit that makes you forget you’re wearing it. Bring stuff that actually enhances your experience instead of just looking good. Take photos, but don’t let getting the perfect shot ruin your actual day.

Remember that confidence is free and shows up in every photo more than any expensive accessory ever will.

Making It Work When You’re Broke

Since not everyone can spend $300 on necessities for a pool day, let’s speak about money. The good news is you really don’t need to.

Be strategic about where you spend. Invest in a few key pieces that you’ll use constantly, and don’t worry about having every trendy thing.

Spend on: a swimsuit that fits perfectly, decent sunglasses, sunscreen you’ll actually use.

Save on: trendy accessories, multiple cover-ups, decorative pool stuff.

Some of my favorite pieces came from weird places. That straw hat everyone asks about? Thrift store, $3. The oversized white shirt I use as a cover-up? Stole it from my ex-boyfriend and never gave it back.

Build your collection slowly instead of trying to buy everything at once. Pay attention to what you actually use and what just sits in your closet.

Just Start Somewhere

If this all seems overwhelming, pick one thing. Maybe it’s finally getting a swimsuit that actually fits, or learning to take better photos, or just paying attention to which colors make you look good.

You don’t need to transform everything overnight. Work from the things that annoy you the most.

Those perfect pool days you see online? They usually involve way more planning, way more rejected photos, and way more trial and error than anyone admits. Nobody wakes up naturally perfect.

The secret is being intentional about small things that add up to something that looks effortless. Focus on feeling good first, and everything else will follow.

What’s your biggest pool day struggle? Still hunting for the perfect suit? Can’t figure out photos? Just want to feel more confident? Drop a comment—I love hearing about other people’s pool adventures and complete disasters.