Anatomy of a Stylish Beach Trip: 5 Pieces Every Fashion Girl Owns

If you've read any of our five million swimsuit stories this year, you probably have your bikini purchase already sorted. But if you're headed to the beach anytime soon, you'll need a few accessories in addition to your cute new swimsuit. How else are you going to hide your stash of White Claw and store your gobs of sunscreen?

Even though I'm a Southern California native, I'm never really organized when it comes to beach accessories. I usually empty out an old canvas tote I got for free and haphazardly throw things in there. But since I want to be a bit more put-together this summer, below, I'm rounding up the five accessories every fashion girl brings to the beach. 

1. Cute Beach Chair and Towel

Sorry, your old bath towels just won't cut it at the beach. Not only are they too small, but they're also definitely not as cute as these beach towels below. 

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(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

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(Image credit: @aimeesong)

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(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

2. Beach Tote

Don't you love it when fashion can be practical? A roomy tote is a foolproof buy for your next beach trip. 

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

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(Image credit: @tamaramory)

3. Colorful Umbrella

I don't know if it's the pale Irish girl in me, but going to the beach without any shade is my idea of hell. Bring a cute umbrella to offer some much-needed respite from the summer sun. 

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(Image credit: @kellytalamas)

4. Sun Hat 

Another practical, functional beach accessory: a sun hat. Whether you opt for a traditional straw hat or a cute canvas bucket hat, don't forget to protect your face from harmful UV rays. 

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(Image credit: @ali_tate_cutler)

5. Swimsuit Cover-Up

Last but not least, a swimsuit cover-up is always a good idea if you don't want to be shimmying into your skinny jeans after a dip in the ocean. Choose light, breezy pieces that you can easily put on and take off. 

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(Image credit: @sarennya)

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Associate Director, Fashion News

Erin got her start as a Who What Wear intern over 13 years ago—back when the site only published a single story per day. (Who What Wear has since increased that number twentyfold.) She graduated magna cum laude from USC, which is how she ended up moving to Los Angeles from her hometown of San Diego. In college, she also interned at Refinery29, where she was promoted to editorial assistant and then assistant editor. After nearly three years at R29, she came back to WWW in 2016, where she currently holds the title of Associate Director of Fashion News (as well as the unofficial title of resident royal expert—in case you haven't noticed her numerous Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton stories). She spends her days trying to incorporate her idols, Anna Wintour and Roger Federer, into as many stories as possible. Outside of work, she loves tennis, classic rock, traveling, and smothering her dog with affection.