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!