It's almost the Friday, and you're getting ready to head out to the beach for the weekend. Barbecued burgers, salty ocean water, and full-to-the-brim glasses of rosé are so close you can taste them, but you have no idea what you're going to wear. Packing for a two-day trip can be super stressful, especially when you only have a few hours after a long workday to get everything together (and somehow manage to get a manicure/pedicure, a new bathing suit and a bikini wax) before tomorrow's departure. Instead of having to schlep around all kinds of unnecessary junk, streamline your Friday through Sunday outfits by planning ahead and only bringing the the pieces you absolutely need. Your time by the ocean should be effortless and relaxed, and your weekend style should reflect that attitude. To achieve the "I'm super laid back, but still chic as hell" look, you only really need a few (OK, 10) things.
Other things to remember, in addition to your fabulous outfits, in order to make this your best beach weekend ever: sunscreen, salt spray (to maintain your ocean waves all day long), tinted lip balm, and an after-sun moisturizer for your face and body — don't worry, you'll have plenty of room in your carryall tote to fit it all if you follow my rules and only pack these 10 essentials.
1. A Colorful Sarong
A sarong is the most multifunctional article of clothing, ever. You can wear it as a skirt, a dress, a top, or a hair accessory (and in countless other creative ways), plus it doubles as a beach blanket so you don't have to lug around a towel all day. Insert "Sarong? No, so right." pun here.
2. A One Piece That Doubles As Daywear
There are countless ways to wear your bathing suit all day long so you'll never have to think about changing your outfit. Opt for a neutral suit that matches with everything you brought — go with white if you really want to make your tan pop!.
3. A Cozy Long-Sleeved Shirt
Since you'll want to make the most of your weekend and spend every possible minute on the beach, pack a long sleeve shirt to throw on when the evening breeze hits and the day starts to cool down. Nothing feels better on top of tan skin than a breezy cotton shirt.
4. Jean Shorts
Your #jorts will get you through the weekend in comfort and style. Throw them on with your long sleeve shirt for a casual day time look, or wear with your one piece for something a little sexier.
5. A Breezy White Sun Dress
Not only does white make you look ultra-tan, it is the perfect summer color to wear all day long. Bring a white sundress that you can throw on over your bathing suit during the day, and dress up at night with beachy statement jewelry.
6. Flat Sandals That Go With Everything
I'm a firm believer that there is no need for heels on a beach weekend — flats should be acceptable everywhere you go. Choose a nude, strappy pair, embellishments optional, that you'll be able to wear to the beach and straight out at night.
7. One Piece Of Statement Jewelry
Dress up your casual sundress, and even your one piece, with a fabulous piece of jewelry. Pop on a necklace, bracelet or earrings (you only need one) and you're ready to head straight from the beach to the bar.
8. A Sun Hat
Protect your face, and update your look, with a sun hat that will be chic with every outfit in your beach bag. Choose a classic straw hat that goes with everything, and pair with the sunnies of your choice.
9. Killer Sunnies
Sunglasses are an absolute must for a weekend at the beach. Choose a rimless pair that won't give you tan lines on your face (I, for one, am the queen of waking up on the beach with a raccoon tan) and that coordinate with your suit and hat.
10. A Carryall Tote
The good news is that since you only have 10 things with you, you won't need a huge bag to get you through the weekend. Pack in something that doubles as a beach bag, and you're ready to go.
Images: lemlem, marysiaswim, solidandstriped (2), chloe, samedelman, manrepeller, taylortomasihill, illesteva, babblingbrookestudio/Instagram
