Sunshine & Waves: Lovely Beach Trends We Totally Recommend

Some people will try to tell you that there’s an age cutoff for denim shorts, but who needs that kind of negativity in their life? Not you! Beach bum jean cutoffs are the perfect seaside bottom. They’re easy to slip on and off, so you can easily jump in the water and then hit the smoothie stand right after. Cutoffs give you that cool, laid back Cali vibe that you wish you could embody even in the coldest of months. Look for some with little details like distressed pockets. Keep things light by choosing a pair in am medium-light to light wash. Save the dark wash denim for when the sun goes down and the fun times turn up.

A dress? At the beach? Why not! Okay, no one is suggesting you need to wear a ball gown, but dresses are a quick and easy way to cover up while chilling in the sand. Affordable boutique dresses take your swimsuit from day to night so you don’t have to go back to the hotel and change. You can choose one that dries quickly and is relatively plain. Or, you can go with one that’s a little dressier with the right accessories. Sleeveless t-shirt dresses are the best choice because they’re thin enough that they won’t stay soaked all day and all night. They go over your swimsuit effortlessly, and you’ll always look appropriate whether by the ocean or out at dinner.

#GirlsJustWannaHaveSun, but it’s also important to think about protecting your skin from too much damage. Hats are stylish and practical. If you plan to stay out in the UVs all day, it makes sense to wear a hat. No matter how much sunscreen you wear, it never hurts to have a protective backup. Right now, oversized straw hats are the hottest accessories this side of the sun. But you can also go for a more sporty look and don a baseball cap. The important thing is that your face and, ideally, your shoulders, are covered.

If eyes are the windows to the soul, then sunglasses are the window into your closet. These are not only practical for protecting your eyes against the harmful UVA/UVB rays, but they also tell a lot about your personality. A great pair of shades can make or break your outfit; even if you’re just in a swimsuit. With so many different styles out there, you can really pick a pair based on your mood. Aviators are always a classic choice, along with wayfarers. If you’re feeling a little more on-trend, you can look for round shaped sunglasses or cat eye. A great hat and shades combo is pretty unbeatable.

Sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks, water bottle, magazine, the book you keep promising yourself you’ll read, and your cell phone. With all the sand and water, you definitely don’t want to put all these beach necessities into your regular bag. A spacious tote can easily hold everything you need and then some. Which means it can finally contain that towel you always seem to forget and leave in your car. Plus, a beach tote can act just like a t-shirt dress cover up because it doesn’t look out of place by the water or at the boardwalk.

You probably won’t be wearing shoes in the sand but if you plan to run to lunch or use the public restroom, you probably are going to want to slip some on. A great pair of sandals just makes a day in the sun that much better. With your t-shirt dress, sandals, and straw tote, you’ll be giving off serious Palm Spring vibes no matter where you are. When you’re not wearing your sandals, you can easily toss them in your tote and you don’t have to worry about them.