10 of the Best Accessories to Take to the Beach
Words by Eleanor Hibberd
Heading for sandy shores? You needn’t weigh yourself down with the kitchen sink – but there are some essentials you should check off your list before you leave. From the perfect basket bag to the best sun protection, these are the top 10 things you need to pack for a beach holiday.
1. A Basket Bag
If you invest in one accessory this summer, make it a basket bag. From woven-straw totes to wicker box bags, these quintessential holiday styles are not only perfect for the beach, but they have become the season’s most coveted accessories. Chalk this up to the annual Loewe Paula’s Ibiza collaboration, where island-inspired pieces (like this one made from Iraca palm) make it to the top of wishlists every year.
2. Sunglasses
Sunglasses are by no means reserved for summer alone, but chic shades do become our most reached-for accessories during the warmer months – and we wouldn’t dream of hitting the beach without them. This year’s trending pairs range from ’70s aviators and narrow ’90s silhouettes to retro Riviera-white frames like these by Jacquemus, leaving you plenty of room to find a shape that suits you best.
3. Salt Spray
Though we all long for beautiful beach hair, the salty sea breeze and sweltering sunshine can take its toll on your tresses. Keep a nourishing oil or treatment in your beach bag like this vegan-friendly Rahua salt spray, which contains guava to hydrate and soften, hibiscus to reduce UV damage and pink sea salt to preserve your scalp health and give you those effortlessly tousled locks.
4. Slip-on Sandals
When it comes to sandals for the beach, the less fuss, the better. Stick to slip-on styles like flip-flops, slides and espadrilles for ease – such as this pair by Manebí. The brand’s sustainably made footwear is handcrafted by artisans from natural jute and rubber, and comes in a bright array of colours to chime with your resort style.
5. Waterproof SPF
It’s said that the chance of sunburn increases at the beach, so a water-tight SPF 50+ is the single most important thing you can have in your bag – bonus points for one that’s formulated for your face, as well as body. Decorté’s Sun Shelter is among the best sunscreens on the market, specially made to resist water and perspiration as well as prevent collagen degeneration and boost your sun-kissed glow.
6. A Sun Hat
In tandem with SPF, nothing offers better UV protection than the shade. A sun hat – whether it’s an Eliurpí straw boater, a JW Anderson baseball cap or a Jacquemus bucket hat – will not only take your style up a notch, but it will keep your face and hair out of harsh sunlight. Cool in more ways than one.
7. A Portable Speaker
What’s a beach day without entertainment? Whether you prefer to lounge with a book or pick up a bat and ball, set the ambience with a Bluetooth speaker that will do your carefully curated playlist justice. Audiophiles will reach for Devialet’s Mania – the brand’s first beach-bag-sized speaker – with 360° sound, cross-stereo rendering and a 10-hour battery life.
8. A Beach Towel
Taking a dip, soaking up rays – in either scenario, you’ll need a beach towel. Fun prints by Loewe and Missoni Home give all the holiday vibes alongside block colours like those by The Longing. Keep size in mind. When it comes to beach towels, the bigger, the better.
9. A Cooler
Nothing beats the first sip from an ice-cold drink after a dip in the sea. Keep refreshments frosty with a cooler bag like this from the picnic pros at Business & Pleasure Co., which is insulated to keep everything at an optimal temperature, and looks good doing it – the brand’s stylish canvas exteriors are water- and UV-resistant, too.
10. A Water Bottle
Last but not least, your reminder to stay hydrated! This Anya Hindmarch bottle will keep an eye on your water intake – printed with the designer’s signature googly eye motif, it’s also insulated to keep its contents deliciously cold for up to 12 hours.
