Summer Beach Essentials — What’s In My Bag
Hello sun worshippers, sand dwellers & salty air lovers 🌊
When summer rolls in, there’s only one place I want to be: toes in the sand, oversized sunnies on, iced drink in hand. Whether it’s a spontaneous drive to the bay or a full day parked seaside, there are a few non-negotiables that come with me every single time. Think of this as your ultimate, elevated beach checklist—with a touch of beauty, function & a sprinkle of chic.
Let’s unpack my beach bag, shall we?
a few of my favorite summer beach necessities
striped shirt | hat | jellies | wrap skirt | lip spf | after sun | glow screen | shimmer spf | high spf | nuxe | notebook | speaker | waterbottle | beach bag | towel | earrings 1. A Massive, Chic Beach Towel
Preferably oversized & plush, doubling as a mini picnic blanket or kiddo cuddle zone. I love ones with stripes or muted terry textures that dry fast but still feel soft.
Pro tip: Turkish towels fold up smaller and dry quicker—bonus points for style.
2. The Bag
Woven basket or canvas tote. Must be roomy, wipeable, and ideally have a pocket or two. Right now, I’m loving a structured raffia tote that feels somewhere between Provençal market & Hamptons casual.
3. A Sun Hat With Some Drama
Wide brim is the vibe. Protection, but make it fashion. I love a linen bucket hat for breezy days, or a classic woven one with a ribbon if I’m feeling chic.
4. SPF (and then some)
I do not play around here. I always have:
A shimmer SPF ( if I’m being fancy)
Body SPF (i like to have a few different options, just because)
SPF lip balm
Aloe mist or after-sun cooling gel (trust me)
5. Hydration, Please
A big insulated bottle with lemon slices or cucumber mint water—because beach dehydration is real, and we're not here to suffer.
6. Snacks, Always
Call me a mom or just always hungry… but I’m the snack friend. Think: in season berries, watermelon, kettle chips, a little cheese & crackers moment. Something about salty beach snacks hits different.
7. A Good Read
A juicy paperback or a design magazine I haven’t had time to flip through. And maybe a notebook, because the beach is always where the ideas hit.
8. Portable Tunes
A tiny Bluetooth speaker makes a big difference. I keep the playlist light, breezy & fun—think Fleetwood Mac meets French café.
9. LIGHT LAYERS
Cotton button-downs or gauzy wraps—easy to throw on for sunset strolls or surprise breezes.
10. The Vibe
People make the place, so whether you’re having a much needed solo moment or with family and friends, pause to enjoy the little moments; sunset watching, shell collecting, sandy toes, sticky popsicles, and that warm, happy kind of tired that only summer brings.