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 make it to the top of wishlists every year. New for 2024, this Puzzle Fold tote might be our favourite iteration yet – thanks to its origami-like design, it folds completely flat for easy packing.

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 highlights include retro aviators – this tinted Le Specs pair conjure up California in the ’70s – cool-girl narrow ’90s silhouettes, and chunky colour-pop frames.

We all long for beautiful beach hair, but the salty sea breeze and sweltering sunshine can take its toll on your tresses. Keep a nourishing treatment in your bag like this vegan-friendly Rahua detangler, which moisturises your strands to prevent breakage and damage, as well as providing a UV defence barrier with Morete oil – a must for colour-treated hair.

Related reading: The Best Beauty Essentials to Pack for the Beach

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 ranges from neutral raffia to colourful crochet to chime with your resort style.

It’s said that the chance of sunburn increases at the beach, so a robust SPF is the single most important thing you can have in your bag. If you’re blessed with skin that doesn’t easily burn, Institut Esthederm’s Adaptasun range is specially formulated to deliver a deeper tan, while still protecting you from sun damage and photo-ageing. If you’re not interested in tanning, Shiseido’s Expert Sun Protector range is literally water-tight – its UV protection veil is actually strengthened with exposure to heat and water, and even self-repairs when scratched.

Related reading: The Best Sunscreens to Wear All Year Round

In tandem with SPF, nothing offers better UV protection than the shade. Sitting somewhere between dramatic straw hats and sporty baseball caps, bucket hats are this year’s beach MVP, whether it’s raffia Lack of Colour, crochet Prada or canvas Jacquemus. As well as being a perfectly packable size, it will take your style up a notch, and keep your face and hair out of harsh sunlight. Cool in more ways than one.

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.

Taking a dip, soaking up rays – in either scenario, you’ll need a beach towel. From this reversible, Riviera-style striped Jacquemus number (exclusive to Harrods) to Missoni Home’s signature zigzag prints and Loewe’s anagram design, your towel of choice can soon become part of your aesthetic. Remember to keep size in mind – when it comes to beach towels, the bigger, the better.

Nothing beats a beach snack or the first sip of an ice-cold drink after a dip in the sea. Keep refreshments frosty with a trusty Harrods cool bag, bringing a slice of home with you wherever you go in our signature green canvas.

Related reading: 10 of the Best Picnic Accessories

Last but not least, your reminder to stay hydrated! There’s good reason why the Stanley Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler is so revered – the vacuum insulation keeps your water cold for 11 hours, or two days when iced. Plus, the narrow base may be designed for cars, but it just so happens that it’s perfect for burrowing into the sand for a makeshift cup holder.