It may be frigid in Chicago, but that didn't stop me from putting on a tropical one-piece suit and heading to "the beach" this weekend! Fortunately (given the negative temps), The Beach Chicago is actually an *indoor* immersive art installation at Navy Pier that is free and open to the public.
I'm excited to tell you all about it, and also share with you some super cute one-piece suits I've rounded up that are perfect for your next vacation!
Pink palm print suit | Pink sunglasses (similar)
(I linked my swimsuit finds at the end of the post)
What is The Beach Chicago?
The Beach Chicago is a pop-up art installation that brings beach season to Chicago in the dead of winter. The "water" is an enormous ball pit -- filled with more than one million recyclable balls. The free exhibit is all white everything. In addition to the ball pit, the clean design includes sling chairs, beach umbrellas, a lifeguard chair, and pier.
The Beach Chicago is a great free activity for families. There were tons of kids playing in the ball pit when I was there. You can also expect people simply coming to view the installation and seize the fun photo opportunities. This exhibit was created New York-based design team Snarkitecture.
Photos by: @icon3studios
If You Go:
It all takes place in the Aon Ballroom at Navy Pier. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
Dates:
There are only a few days left to visit before the pop-up beach ends. Go early to beat the lines.
Wednesday, Jan. 30: 3pm – 8pm
Thursday, Jan. 31: 3pm – 8pm
Friday, Feb. 1: 11am – 8pm
Saturday, Feb. 2: 11am – 8pm
Sunday, Feb. 3: 11am – 5pm
What to Wear:
Swimsuits are optional! (Ok, swimsuits are completely unnecessary!) Most people wear their regular clothing, but you will be asked to remove your shoes. Nonetheless, if you're looking for a new suit, I got you covered!
18 One-Piece Swimsuits
Bikinis are taking a backseat to one-piece suits this year, and for good reason. They are chic, flattering, and can be even sexier than a two-piece suit.
I bought the pink palm print suit during a trip to Target and it will be great when Kam and I go to Miami next month. (BTW, I definitely did not go into the store for a swimsuit, but you know how it goes with Target runs. At least this was less than $30!)
A plain white suit is super chic, especially when it's done in a modern cut. I always get compliments on my white suit, which I originally bought for my bachelorette party in Chicago's "play pen" two summers ago, I but still get a lot of use out of it.
Whether you are in the market for a fun budget-buy like this leopard print suit ($25), or looking to splurge on something sexy yet sophisticated like this deep V mesh number -- I've rounded up 18 fabulous one-piece swimsuits for your next vacation.
Under $100
Above $100
Sunglasses
Be sure to check out my round up of fun things to do this winter in Chicago!
Photos by: @icon3studios www.icon3studios.com
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I need that pink swimsuit.