Summer Accessories - pool and beach - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Shopping

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Summer Accessories - pool and beach

BrieN

Veteran

Looking toward summer, I am trying to update my swim capsule. Have had luck with a coverup and rash guard, and have a suit on order. I need a big bag to carry the essentials in (towel(s), sunscreen, book, hat, etc) - my old bag is too small for what I'm cramming in there. I am also trying to figure out what to wear on my feet. I know flip flops are fun and practical at the beach, but wondering if there are other good ideas for around the pool - maybe even something flattering? I've never thought through these kinds of items before - I have very little confidence that I know what to look for.

Do you have any favorites for beach/pool attire and accessories? Any thoughts welcome.

Shopping

17 replies

Latest reply was from kkards

Olive Green

Veteran

Couple of things have been staples for years. Birkenstock EVA sandals are good poolside and waterproof. And rather pretty, especially the Gizeh.
I use canvas totes, LL Bean totes are good and some come lined and insulated. Monograms available.
I wear board shorts and a tankini these days, as the laces on the shorts are very comfortable, more so than wet elastic.
A nice pair of sunglasses and done.
I find I love a pattern in swimwear, like it’s “not Clothes”

BrieN

Veteran

Olive Green: I like those Gizeh sandals you mentioned - I would not have known to look at EVA. great suggestion - very practical.

I am also a board short enthusiast. I like pattern on my bathing suits but realizing that I don't like florals for some reason - or at least I haven't found one that I like.

Do you wear a hat of any sort?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

BrieN, I updated my entire beach and pool capsule two years ago for two weeks in Greece!

This is what I learned post trip:

I needed a MUCH wider brimmed hat. I got that there. Indispensable. Find #1.

A wrap was useless for my needs. I never wore the one I brought because I needed sun protection when walking around. I wore the striped shirtdress cover-up a LOT! Find #2. Should have brought another.

The pants you see in Find #4 worked well over my swimsuit as a set WITH a shirt. I wore the citron one. Find #6.

My swimsuits were perfect, and I felt great in them

Beach bag was fab too!

Wore my little white gladiator sandals as beach shoes. They were easy to clean and dried fast. (I don't wear flip flops).

View Info

View Info

View Info

View Info

View Info

View Info

Holywell Tote Bag

View Info

Top Pick

21

Bella-Vita Ira Strappy Sandal

View Info

Top Pick

9

Sal

Veteran

Now this is one of my most favourite capsules because I adore the beach!!

I like EVA birkenstocks the best to wear on the beach, and to and from. I go to sandy beaches and these cope really well. We tend to go to the beach 2 times a day for a swim and go home in between (it's a 5-15 minute walk) rather than camp down for hours at a time under an umbrella (NZ beaches are different to Europe).

I agree with Angie, a wide brimmed hat is essential.

I have a straw bag - mine is in need of an update soon. I have two swimsuits, two cover ups and a large shirt that I mix up. I also have a rash shirt and short bike shorts that I wear if doing something where I will be exposed for longer than a swim ie kayaking, jet ski etc..

I have other tops that I take and wear more at the beach than I do at home but I mostly wear these for strolls or evening drinks etc..

Have fun!!

Irina

Veteran

We came back from beach vacation 5 days ago.

I was happy with my pool/beach capsule. It’s not new, it is my third vacation with these items.

Two swimsuits, two cover ups (linen), Columbia sporty sandals. I usually take a fabric bag to carry essentials, this time I took a flannel one in black and white. I wear a black bucket hat.

This post has 3 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

BrieN

Veteran

Angie: I am not surprised you have such a pretty swim/beach capsule! That hat is amazing. I own several very broad brimmed hats but they are all a little dorky - I really like the one you found.

Interesting about the wrap - i took that to mean a sarong kind of thing? I love the idea of those but like you, I think I would reach for more sun protection when away from my umbrella.

Sal: My gosh - walking to the beach twice a day - just like that? That's amazing. I appreciate knowing that the birkenstocks are good for walking. I be they have amazing beach items in your part of the world.

Irina: I like those Columbia sporty sandals. They look like they may have better support than a typical flip flop. Your capsule looks so polished.

Serious question - how do you all fit all the beach gear into those tote bags - are they bigger than they look? I think I need the family size bag just for my own personal belongings. I always feel like stuff is either just crammed in there or overflowing.

Sal

Veteran

Brie, it's honestly not all that far. Where we stay is 150m from the beach, sometimes we just swim there and sometimes we walk to the patrolled area which is 500m. But I think NZ beaches are quite different to North American and probably how we vacation is different too. I walk down in my swimsuit with a cover up over the top. I don't have two cover ups in finds but they are more kimono style. I think since we have been going to the family house for 50 years I am quite shameless too.

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

View Info

View Info

Birkenstock Essentials Arizona Waterproof Slide Sandal

View Info

Top Pick

4

View Info

BrieN

Veteran

Sal - you've got me dreaming of a warm climate vacation. That photo! Looks absolutely heavenly.

Roberta

Veteran

I'm on my way to Florida in a few weeks to visit an old friend, and am bringing my trusty Crocs sandals (surprisingly cute!) and a straw hat. My pool bag is a big tote with a zipper pocket inside that holds all my gear easily. I also like water shoes if the beach is at all rocky. My hat has taken a lot of folding and squishing and still looks great. I also have a pullover gauzey thing that gives me a little SPF but mostly is worn between the car and the sand.

Crocs Women's Kadee II Strappy Sandals

View Info

Top Pick

1

Creative Green Life Stylish Tote Bag for Women & Men - A Foldable Extra Large Tote Bag with Zipper You’ll Love for Years

View Info

Top Pick

2

Wallaroo Hat Company Wallaroo Women's PETITE Victoria Sun Hat - Perfect for smaller heads!

View Info

Top Pick

20

Irina

Veteran

Brie, I don’t carry much, maybe we are minimalists when it comes to the beach. I get a water bottle, snorkeling gear, beach towel, a linen scarf, a pouch with sunscreen and lip balm, keys and phones. Usually, the tote is not too full. I’m thinking of getting a second beach towel instead of a scarf.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Like Irina, I don't take much. Beach towel, phone, keys, drink, book, sunnies, snacks! I'm wearing the rest.

BrieN, yes - I meant a sarong wrap. I have this one - Find below. I was using it more as a scarf to protect me from the sun than a sarong - and thanks for the kind words!

Roberta reminded me. Hat must be packable! Like your gold Crocs

View Info

Lisa

Veteran

I haven't uploaded my entire swim capsule in the finds yet, but I included a few pieces that I own.

I like a cover up that goes over my head for the beach/pool and I like long sleeves for coverage (I burn easily). When I go into the water I put on a long sleeve rashguard (mine are old but the one I included in the finds is really nice) and board shorts (I've had La Blance board shorts for more than 10 years, they are wonderful!).

I wear a bikini underneath everything, because I find it more comfortable than a 1 piece with all the layers I'm always wearing.

I usually wear flip flops to the pool and beach. If I'm doing something active I wear water shoes. I wear a baseball cap and sunglasses too.

My bag is a large tote which holds: towel, sunscreen, kindle, wet wipes, paper towels, water, keys, money, and a snack.

La Blanca Painted Lace-Up Cover-Up Tunic

View Info

Top Pick

1

La Blanca Island Goddess Halter Bikini Top

View Info

Top Pick

2

La Blanca Island Goddess Hipster Bikini Bottoms

View Info

Top Pick

2

La Blanca 3-Inch Board Shorts

View Info

Top Pick

1

La Blanca 3-Inch Board Shorts

View Info

Top Pick

1

La Blanca Beachside Bay Half Zip Rashguard

View Info

Top Pick

1

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Sally, I want to come to that beach!

It actually looks like some of the sandier beaches I know on the Atlantic and Pacific, though the ones near me tend to be more pebbled.

I don't have any great advice that you have not already received, except maybe you need two totes? A large water bottle, big towel, and a book can take up quite a lot of space. My parents used to bring several totes and a cooler when we head to the beach for a day. Plus an umbrella.

But some of the LLBean totes are really big, so....

Jenni NZ

Veteran

What I take to a beach depends on how far away it is and how close I am to either a car to get extra things out of, or a hotel room if it’s a tropical tourist holiday at a hotel or resort.
So in late December we stayed 2 nights in a holiday home owned by friend of a friend, overlooking a beautiful beach. It was a bit of a walk so I chose to take a non-fashionable backpack this time. If closer I have a small tote, bright yellow so I can see it on the beach if out swimming. It also has a small zip pocket.
I wore “beach shoes” this time, had recently sprained my ankle and they felt more supportive than flip flops.
I think maybe my swimsuit was underneath the shorts and singlet? I had towel, wrap, sunblock, phone, water bottle and book in the pack. Bonus pic of hubby and our friend’s dog Charlie, my favourite dog in the world. I’m not really a dog person but I adore Charlie. He is getting a bit old and arthritic My hubby is his vet.

This post has 4 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Bijou

Veteran

I am at the beach every week and my go to shoe is Birkenstock EVAs - waterproof and comfy for walking, I have them in pink (in Finds) and also navy blue. I have a large straw beach bag and love how it holds everything. My most used cover up is a towel poncho that does double duty as a towel and post-swim cover-up, I bought one by Seafolly - but I am sure lots are available.

I always wear long sleeves and a sun-hat pre and post swim. Having gear that is functional and easy to maintain makes all the difference.

View Info

View Info

View Info

View Info

View Info

Sisi

Veteran

Fun thread! You have already had excellent advice. What can I say?
Instead of a beach tote I lately started using a sturdy canvas backpack. It has room for everything and my hands are free. I go to the beach wearing bikini, flipflops and an old casual cotton dress as beach coverup. I have a wardrobe hole for pretty coverups and would like something more supportive and "dressy" than flipflops. The sandals posted by Roberta and Bijou are beautiful!

kkards

Veteran

For a beach bag, I love a bags made from old sails. You know it’s waterproof, it’s super lightweight and can be cleaned easily.
i like a bucket hat for the beach, but not a cotton one as they are to heavy. I’ve been wearing this Uniqlo one for a couple of years, its lightweight and washes well.

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Women Uv Protection Bucket Hat

View Info

Top Pick

3