Beach Essentials

PACK THIS, NOT THAT

Heading To The Beach? You’ll Want To Bring These

By: Carrie Yotter

Elevated essentials only.

Me, in my bedroom after a recent trip:

SIGH.

My suitcase was sitting with its mouth agape in front of me, flashing its contents, half of which I barely disturbed during my trip. I sighed because… how many trips must I take before I learn how to pack the right way?!

Even with my best intentions – studying the weather forecast beforehand, literally laying out (too many) amazing outfits – I arrived at my sunny end spot basically displeased with my outfit choices. Most of them were crafted with just one activity in mind, which resulted in my having to make a few mad dashes back to the hotel to change…back into the same things. Which was good for my daily step count, but kind of the antithesis of what you want in a beach vacation.

The key to packing well (and light) – especially to a beach-y destination – is ensuring you’re comfortable, cool, and ready to adapt to ever-changing situations. To soak up the sun, your surroundings, with not much care of anything else.

With the help of some colleagues and their can’t-fail recs, here’s a list of elevated beach vacation essentials that will help you to go with the flow, truly.

YOUR SUIT, FOR STARTERS

Look-good, feel-good, do-good swimwear. free-est embodies an “every day any wear” philosophy which couldn’t define my beach plans any better. I’m wearing the Dixie Swim Shortie with everything.

THERE’S A SUNDRESS FOR THAT

Summer dreams are made of this – a billow-y cotton silhouette that’s equal parts cool (look) and cool (temperature).

A SHORT(S) STORY

Three words: HOT. HOT. COTTON.

In a classic and bold stripe.

TU-BE OR NOT TU-BE

I did not pick this because it bears my name. Though…great name. Tubes – especially this seamless, sumptuous style – are just so easy to throw on and go. And leave lots of room in my luggage.

BANDANA TOGETHER

Once relegated to a strictly Western or boho-themed outfit topper, the ever-cool bandana is back, and can be integrated into your look any number of ways – as a hair scarf, headband, wristlet, bag accessory, neck adornment… Perfect for a sunny getaway.

A 24/7 TEVA

The classic Teva, but molded from 100% waterproof ethylene-vinyl acetate foam (EVA). Perfect for beach to eats…and back to beach. Is there any outfit with which these fun, dappled sandals would not look great?

TAKE ME WITH YOU. LOVE, LINEN

Summer’s fave fabrication, in a harem silhouette that’s perfect for a lazy poolside afternoon or evening cocktails. I’ll take both.

SQUARE SUNNIES…ANYTHING BUT

I’ve always been a classic aviator person. But something about these thick squared-off frames gets me – they add a subtle “WOW” to my beachwear look.

TOTE-AL NECESSITY

When I think of “essential,” I don’t normally gravitate toward “big.” But, in this case, I want to ensure that I can keep all of my beach gear in one place. Roomy enough for a versatile cover-up, beach towel, SPF, an everything-goes hat…even a go-to makeup bag, tucked together in a sophisticated yet simple jute-woven bag.

TOP OFF YOUR DAY (AND NIGHT)

Breezy afternoons and chill evenings might call for just one more layer, so having a light jacket is key. The Madison City is just that thing – like a button-down with a little extra. Slightly oversized for easy outfitting and comfort.

Here’s that list for you again…

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