The economic tide may be a little uncertain right now, but don't let that stop you from planning a beach getaway this summer. Whether you're riding the MTA out to Coney Island or jetting off to the Virgin Islands, don't just bring any old thing to the beach. Here's how to schlep that sunblock in style.
Beachwear = Ready to Wear
When it comes to beachwear, sophisticated travelers need cover-ups to assume double—even triple—duty. Simple sarongs don't make the grade when an afternoon working on your tan seamlessly shifts into a night of showing it off. Leave it to the goddess of island chic, Diane von Furstenberg, to create jersey cover-ups like this Ora Cover-Up in Parrot Diamonds (1) ($255) that just as easily double as evening frocks.
Day-Glo
Neon's making a major comeback, but you can leave the day-glo sunblock at home. Sporting electric hued footwear is much more appropriate for 2008, and these bright flip-flops (2) from surfer brand Quiksilver ($11.95) provide just enough flair to help make waves wherever you go.
Final Straw
Socialite-turned-designer Tory Burch is no stranger to the Hamptons beach set. Her rattan clutch (3) ($275), featured in a variety of island colors, is a hot item for days spent shopping and nights on the town. Takin’ it to the beach? This Newport News Straw Beach Bag (4) ($34 on sale) mixes beachy straw with sexy metallics—and it comes complete with matching flops. Hats make great accessories for sandy situations. If you're looking for sun protection that's both durable and chic, try this fedora (5) from beachwear designer Heidi Klein ($90). It's a fashionable remedy to bad hair days, too.
Sun Screened
True beach bunnies take their time on the sand seriously, so don’t cheap out on dime-store beach gear that gets ripped to shreds by the first strong breeze. Eschew typically tacky umbrellas for a stylish white Fiberbuilt Beach Umbrella (6) ($278). These commercial-grade babies are built to last. Or shade just your face and eyes with this ingenious Casanova Sunlounger (7) in bright yellow ($425). Made of lightweight textaline and steel, it’s easy to tote down to the waterline.
Prints of Tides
Old Navy's wallet-friendly, bold patterned towels (8) are an easy choice for beachgoers of all stripes ($12.50), and a Giraffe Beach Towel (9) ($26.50) (the must-have animal print of the season) comes from a surprising source—Lands End. This awesome wave-printed cotton tote (10), hand-drawn by local artist M. Carter, may just become your go-to summer bag. ($34 at In God We Trust). Toss in MUJI's light-as-air mini speakers (11)—they're collapsible—for some beach tunes ($42). Just don’t blast the Kanye too loud.
