It’s that time of year when we pack up our bags and head to the
beach for the day to enjoy those warm sunrays and the refreshing
sound of the lapping water.
So what constitutes a good beach wardrobe. Well there are
certain essentials that none of us forget. On goes the swimsuit
and bathing suit cover, flip flops on our feet.
Beach bag has been packed with the essentials – sunglasses,
floppy hat, towel and a good book. Great – got the basics
covered but what about the rest.
So if we are so prepared for a day at the beach, why is it by
the time we get home we look pretty worn. Here are some helpful
tips to make your day at the beach fun and keep you looking
fashion fresh all day and all the way home.
First before you leave home, if you’ve got long hair pull it
into a high pony tail or fun knot. Use some funky hair
accessories that will stay in place when you’re swimming. Try a
fun colored bobble or some firm fastening clips in bright summer
colors.
If you pull your hair up your neck will stay cool and you’ll
look fresh all day with your neat hairdo.
Second slather yourself in sunscreen before leaving the house,
then toss the sunscreen in your bag so you can reapply after a
swim or every few hours.
A sunburn is not only unhealthy and painful, it’s unattractive,
so don’t let yourself turn into the lobster of the day. Your
sunscreen should be a SPF of 15. It doesn’t hurt to use a strong
SPF on your face or your entire body if you burn easily.
Your beach bag should be large enough to hold your supplies for
the day. Why not get something fun and fashionable to keep you
looking fashion fresh. Make sure you’ve got all the daily
essentials in your bag – sunglasses, sunscreen, a good book, a
floppy hat, some lip gloss, and any other makeup touch ups
you’ll want.
If you plan to wear eye makeup make sure it’s waterproof. Stay
away from heavy foundations. If you must apply something use a
bronzer moisturizer. It’s also a good idea to bring lip balm
with an SPF15 to protect your lips.
It never hurts to put some moisturizer in the bag. Include a
snack and plenty of fluids. It’s important not to get dehydrated.
Okay great we’ve got the basics covered now what about the
wardrobe basics? If you’re planning to wear a swimsuit it’s
usually easiest to put it on at home, that way you’re not
chasing down change rooms.
So great – first on goes the swimsuit. Now what to wear for a
cover? Well you’ve got plenty of choices. A tank top and shorts,
tank and skort, or a nice light cotton dress all work well over
top. Choose something that’s easy to put on and take off, and
choose fabrics that breathe to keep you cool.
I also suggest including a long sleeved cotton blouse just
incase you start to burn you can protect your shoulders and arms.
If you’re planning on heading out later in the day without
returning home you might want to toss a pair of jeans or long
skirt into your bag.
If your outing is going to extend into the evening you’ll want
to include a sweater for the cooler evening air.
If you’re worried about your evening wear getting sandy or wet
at the beach, then place them in a separate bag and leave them
in the trunk of your car. That way you are guaranteed they’ll
remain fresh.
My favorite beach look is this. And what’s perfect is it keeps
me looking fashion fresh throughout the day and takes me right
into the evening. First I like a swimsuit that’s got lots of
support and is bright and cheerful.
I throw a fitted tank on top and throw on a loose flouncy long
skirt. The long skirt serves me through the evening and also
works great to cover up if I’m starting to burn. I choose a
lightweight material in a darker color with a pattern that
accents the colors in my swimsuit.
Flip flops are my footwear. Depending on where I’m heading after
the beach I choose either a basic pair or one of my funky pair
with rhinestones or crystals. Easy to walk in, feet breath, and
terrific for an evening out.
I keep a fitted light weight sweater in my car, and take a long
sleeved cotton blouse down to the beach. I usually choose a long
sleeved and long length blouse because it’s versatile. I can
knot it to create a short blouse, wear it long as a beach cover,
and put it on if I start to burn on my upper body.
I usually choose white or a soft pastel depending on my other
colors. I like white because it’s cool to wear and refreshing to
look at. Every year I buy a fun new beach tote that’s big enough
for the beach but not too big as to take it with me for an
evening out. I like a fun bag that’s full of character.
Since I always feel naked without my jewelry I wear fashion
jewelry to the beach. That way should I loose something I won’t
be out a lot of money and I won’t feel so bad. I like to keep
the earrings simple and elegant.
I may or may not wear a necklace. Often I’ll toss a funky wood
necklace in the bag to add to the evening outfit. I like to wear
a couple of fashion rings just to add the finishing touches. Now
if you’re fussy about tan lines you’ll probably want to forgo
the rings. I toss my watch in the bottom of my bag so I can put
it on later.
That’s it – simple is the key. Keep your beach wardrobe choices
simple but fashionable. Think ahead so you can go from beach to
an evening out without hassle. Remember to always make your
fashion statement!