Is it just us, or does it feel like summer arrived faster than ever before? That’s right, the Fourth of July Weekend is coming up—and packing beach essentials is a must if you’re headed oceanside or lakeside to soak up the sunshine.
Of course, if you’re already near water and have all your beach essentials (and summer capsule wardrobe) on lock, bravo. But if you’re not as prepared and still plan on hotfooting it to the nearest shore to officially ring in the season, consider this a comprehensive guide to everything you’ll need for the upcoming long weekend.
From roomy beach bags and engaging reads to pretty swimsuits and airy summer dresses, start ticking items off your packing list with our summer must-haves, below. Oh, and don’t forget to shop the best Fourth of July sales of 2023—from fashion to beauty and everything in between—before venturing on your beach vacation.
Beach-bag mainstays
At the bare minimum, your beach tote should include a pretty towel or beach blanket and SPF (though more on that later). Some form of entertainment, like a book or a game, will keep you busy in between taking a dip and sipping coconut water with pruned fingers. An umbrella for shade is always welcome—as is an inflatable pool lounger or foldable deck chair to keep you horizontal at all times. Also encouraged to bring along: insulated water bottles (snaps for hydration!), a cooler bag to store valuables (ahem, lunch), and a water-resistant portable Bluetooth speaker for playing DJ.
Sun’s out, buns out
A beach trip? Without sunscreen? We would never. Cover all your bases with sun protection for the face and body, then bring a bottle of soothing aloe lotion for after-sun skin hydration. Add a few other essentials to the mix, like a nourishing body oil for an all-day glow, plus some moisturizing hair-care products to ensure your waves look smooth pre- and postdip. Not sure about you, but we can feel water drops glistening on our skin already….
Swimsuits and cover-ups
Half the fun—if not a solid 75%—of a beach day is deciding what swimsuit and cover-up to wear. Maybe your siren call comes in the form of a linen shirt or maxi dress casually covering up a one-piece bathing suit; maybe it’s a printed sarong or shorts over a strapless two-piece; or maybe it’s something more laid-back, like a graphic T-shirt thrown over a high-waist bikini. Here’s all three, just in case.
Snap-worthy outfits
If you want a look you can wear for 72 hours straight, we have a few ideas. Opt for a relaxed linen shirt and denim cutoffs if you’re going for a no-fail casual combo. Care for something more dressed up? Pair a puff-sleeve summer top with white jeans, or a plain T-shirt with a sequined mini skirt for a cool, unfussy vibe. Comfy walking sandals and summer sneakers tie it all together.
The finishing touch
From ’90s-inspired shades to summer jewelry and the perfect tote, we’ve got you covered with every accessory needed to complete your look on and off the beach. Think chic sun hats, beaded chokers, that’ll turn this weekend into your sartorial oyster.
