Now that summer has arrived and we can finally travel again, I can’t help but feel 1. super excited and also 2. very unprepared for a trip to the beach. A checklist always helps me be more organized, so I’ve put together a collection of 15 essential items to pack in my beach bag.
And since some of you might be having the same opposite feelings as I did after over a year at home, I thought I’d share my list with you.
Here are some suggestions on what not to forget when you head out to enjoy the sand and sun. Keep this list handy next time you pack for the beach!
1. Oversized beach tote
It all starts with a good tote that fits it all in, and roomy straw and cotton totes are always a great option! – Target Straw Tote Handbag | J. Crew Large Montauk tote
2. Hats
A must to keep the sun from your face, you can opt for a big floppy straw hat, a trendy bucket hat or just a baseball cap – J. Crew Textured summer straw hat | Target Straw Bucket Hat
3. UV protection sunglasses
Even on cloudy days, UV protection sunglasses are a must! – J. Crew Cabana oversized sunglasses | Target Aviator Sunglasses with Polarized Lenses
4. Swimwear
Whether you like bikinis or one-pieces, there are tons of options at a variety of price points out there! Just make sure you pick something you feel comfortable in – J. Crew Ruched one-shoulder one-piece | Anthropologie Sanctuary Scoop-Neck One-Piece Swimsuit
5. Beach towel
The bigger the better! You want something you can use to dry up, but also lie in the sun after – Utopia Towels Cabana Stripe Beach Towel | Kassatex Block Striped Beach Towel
6. Water bottles
Having water is essential to keep you hydrated while being under sun all day – CamelBak Eddy+ 20oz Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle | W&P Terrazzo Water Bottle
7. Hair ties
It’s hot, it’s wet, you might want to get your hair up. Hair ties always come in handy – scunci Neutral Knotted Ponytailer
8. Easy dress
For those days when you have to head out somewhere right after the beach, a great dress to just throw on and look a little bit pulled together is a must! – Madewell Striped Cap-Sleeve Wrap Dress | Anthropologie Seaside Cover-Up Maxi Dress
9. Camera
Having a camera handy is the perfect way to capture happy days at the beach! Sure, you can use your phone, but paper photos are more special – Fujifilm SQ1 Instax Square Camera | Fujifilm Instax SQUARE Monochrome Instant Film
10. Reading material
For relaxing days at the beach, a good read is a must! Are you a magazine or book type of gal? – Hello Gorgeous: 75 Fabulous DIY Facials You Can Do At Home
11. Sun protection
As sun rays can be damaging, never forget to pack natural sunblock! – Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Clear Sunscreen with Zinc | Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen Clear Spray SPF 50
12. Sandals
Even though flip-flops are always the first thing that come to mind, having a great pair of nude sandals is perfect to get you from day to night – Madewell The Boardwalk Lace-Up Sandal in Leather |
13. Cover-up
Nothing like an easy flowy cover-up to throw on and forget about everything else! This can also be an oversized scarf, a sarong or a tunic, depending on your taste. – Madewell Beach Cape Scarf | Urban Outfitters Paradise Printed Sarong
14. Cooler
Keep your water, fruit and whatever snacks you might bring with you nice and cool – Lilly Pulitzer Insulted Backpack Cooler
15. Sea salt spray
Nourish your hair and rehydrate it with a sea salt spray! It will look so much better after a long day in the sun and water – Herbivore Natural Sea Mist Texturizing Salt Spray
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That floral one-piece makes me want to wear one-piece swimsuits! Gorgeous