By
Sher Matsen
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
ponytail 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
skirt, 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!
About
the author - Sher Matsen, Sher has been serving customers for over
20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of
information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff
industry professionals. Please visit us at Estate
Jewelry International.