How to Be Cool at a Pool Party

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: June 1, 2021 References Approved

You've been invited to an awesome pool party, and now you totally want to play it cool. Start by deciding what to wear. It's also good to think about how you'll act at the party. For instance, being confident is a cool trait. Also, don't forget the essentials like thanking your host.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Deciding What to Wear

1
Wear what you feel comfortable in to swim. If you don't feel comfortable in what you're wearing, that will show. Pick something in a color and style you love, and your confidence will shine through. Maybe you love an awesome tankini and shorts, or maybe you like to rock a one piece. Maybe you like short shorts or maybe you prefer board-length shorts. Just pick whatever makes you happy.^{[1]
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- Try a bright color to really stand out, such as turquoise or hot pink.
- Patterns can also add pizazz to your outfit. You could try polka dots, stripes, or even a funky plaid suit.
- You could also go classic and simple with a one-piece black suit.
2
Keep makeup simple. If you want to wear makeup to the pool, keep it simple. Most of it is probably going to wash off anyway, so you might as well go light. Skip the foundation altogether, if you use it, and just go with a primer. Any makeup you wear should obviously be waterproof so it doesn't run all over your face. Try a waterproof mascara and a waterproof lipstick in a light color.^{[2]
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3
Go for a messy look with hair. Once again, if you're getting in the pool, you don't want a super fancy hairdo. You can go for a messy, wavy look by spraying in a texturizer that adds waves. You can also twist your bangs up and then pin them back out of your face. Throw your hair up in a ponytail if that's more your style. If your hair is super short, just go for a wild, natural look, as it will soon be getting wet.^{[3]
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Wear something besides a bathing suit. When you arrive and leave, it's best to have something besides just your bathing suit on. Plus, there are likely to be games and food, and you'll want to have some clothes on for that. However, you can keep it simple. Throw on a t-shirt over your swim shorts or a coverup dress over your bathing suit, and you're good to go. Add a pair of cool sandals and shades to complete the look.^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Acting Cool

1
Arrive and leave for ultimate coolness. While getting to class early will win you points with the teacher, being the first person to a pool party probably won't earn you any cool points. Try arriving just at the party's start time or a few minutes afterwards. Similarly, if you're the last person to leave, you might be perceived as not knowing when it's time to go (uncool), so try leaving when you notice that the party is starting to thin out.^{[5]
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2
Be confident. Nothing is quite as cool as confidence. Confidence just means you believe in yourself and what you can do. At a party, confidence might look like approaching new people, trying a new cannonball, or joining in with the games instead of hanging back on the sidelines.^{[6]
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- If you're feeling a bit shy or unsteady, just remind yourself how cool you are. You could say (in your head), "I'm an awesome singer, and people want to be my friend because I'm funny."
3
Be yourself. Being yourself may, at times, seem contradictory to being confident if you're naturally shy. However, it's more an extension of being confident. Cool people are secure in who they are, and they have no problem letting other people see that. Don't be afraid to just be yourself.^{[7]
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- For instance, if someone cracks a joke you find funny, giggle to your heart's content. Don't be so shy that you hold back.
4
Have fun. Cool people don't let anything get in the way of having some fun. Get up and dance to the music, or start a cannonball contest. Invite people to have a limbo contest. Just have a good time, and invite others to do the same.
- Keep in mind, your fun shouldn't come at anyone else's expense. Don't make fun of people, or create a huge mess or inconvenience.
5
Meet new people. Don't just hang out with your same-old group of friends. Try mingling to meet some new people. If you're a bit shy, take a friend along with you while you mingle. That way, you'll have someone comfortable by your side, but you'll also be meeting new people.^{[8]
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- As you wander around the party, look for places you can introduce yourself to new people. When you see an opening, walk up and say, "Hi, I'm Jess. I don't think I've met you before."
- Strike up a conversation. You can start with something about the party, such as "It's a great day for a party, don't you think?" or "I really like the decorations. What do you think?"
6
Take a break if you need to. Not everyone is okay being around other people for hours at a time. If you feel like you're getting overwhelmed, look for somewhere to take a quiet break. If you're at someone's house, you can ask if there's somewhere you can sit for a minute. You could say you just want to get out of the sun for a minute.^{[9]
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- It's much cooler to take a break than to start getting irritated in the middle of a party because you're tired of people.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Dealing with the Essentials

1
Bring a gift. If it's a birthday party, of course it's nice to bring a gift for the birthday person. It doesn't need to be expensive. However, it should be thoughtful, meaning you think about what the person likes and find something they would like. Even if it's not a birthday party, it's nice to bring a gift for the host to say "Thank you!" You'll look cool if you make the host happy. For instance, you could bring a bouquet of flowers or cool gadget.^{[10]
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- It's also a good idea to thank the host both when you arrive and when you leave. A simple, "Thank you so much for inviting me!" is all you need.
2
Grab a bag for the basics. You'll probably need a bag for things like a towel, your keys, and your mobile phone. You might also want a change of clothes, and you'll definitely want your sunscreen. A hat might be a good idea, too, just in case you get tired of the sun.
3
Slather on the sunscreen. Burned skin and the possibility of sun cancer are decidedly not cool. If you think wearing sunscreen is "uncool," consider applying it before the party. You can also take a bathroom to reapply it partway through. Use a sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher with broad spectrum protection.^{[11]
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Community Q&A

Question

What food should I bring to the pool party?

Community Answer

Don't be afraid to ask the host what to bring. If they don't have any suggestions, finger foods are always a good option. You could bring chips, a fruit plate, or veggies and dip, for instance. Sugary foods like cookies are also popular.
Question

What if people don't like you?

Community Answer

Ask if you can bring a friend to the party so you know you'll have someone there to hang out with.
Question

What if I don't know how to act around older kids, teens and adults?

Delfina Giesenow

Community Answer

Be yourself, smile and don't draw too much attention to yourself unless you know you can handle it. Search for the most approachable people.