• Intelligencer
  • The Cut
  • Vulture
  • The Strategist
  • Curbed
  • Grub Street
  • Subscribe to the Magazine Give a Gift Subscription Buy Back Issues Current Issue Contents
    Subscribe to New York Magazine
  • Subscribe
  • Profile
    Sign Out
The Cut
  • Style
  • Self
  • Culture
  • Power
Style
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Shopping
  • Design Hunting
  • New York Weddings
  • Parties & Red Carpet
  • Fashion Shows
  • Cathy Horyn
Self
  • Health & Wellness
  • Motherhood
  • Advice
  • Sex & Relationships
  • Science of Us
  • Horoscopes
  • Ask Polly
Culture
  • Books
  • Television
  • Movies
  • Music
  • Celebrity
Power
  • Politics
  • Work
  • Money
  • Rebecca Traister
More
  • Latest Stories
  • Video
  • About Us
  • The Cut Shop
  • nymag.com
  • New York Magazine
  • Intelligencer
  • Vulture
  • The Cut
  • The Strategist
  • Grub Street
it's summer!
June 29, 2015

Everything You Need for a Day at the Beach, Minus the Suit

By the Cut

Share

  • Share
  • Tweet

While a lot of thought and anxiety goes into choosing a bathing suit, the fact is, unless you’re surfing, most of your time at the beach isn’t spent in the water. Your towel, your book, your chair, your sunglasses — these become the anchors for your beach experience and style. So grab Maggie Nelson’s The Argonauts, hide under a giant straw hat from Chance, and drink your contraband rosé. From flip-flop upgrades to sunbrellas, totes to Tupperware, click ahead for all the goods you need for a perfect day on the sand.

View
1 / 13 Photos
A Giant Sun Hat Glamorous and helpful for hiding unruly beach hair.
Flip-Flop Upgrade Less controversial than their thong cousins, slip-ons and espadrilles evoke chic photo shoots from Cannes of yore.
Sunglasses That Add Some Color or a Pattern If you love a simple, all-black one-piece but want a little something to make your outfit more intere... Sunglasses That Add Some Color or a Pattern If you love a simple, all-black one-piece but want a little something to make your outfit more interesting, try these.
A Cool Bag Not Just for the Beach Get a bag you can also use more than three months out of the year. COS's white tote can double as a weekend bag... A Cool Bag Not Just for the Beach Get a bag you can also use more than three months out of the year. COS's white tote can double as a weekend bag, while Loeffler Randall's perforated silver box-tote can pull double-duty for the weekdays.
A Nice Big Towel Whether you like thick terry or lightweight cotton, you probably need a better version than the free Budweiser beach towel you s... A Nice Big Towel Whether you like thick terry or lightweight cotton, you probably need a better version than the free Budweiser beach towel you still have from college.
A Comfortable Chair to Relax In Back support is your friend. You can go fancy with a sleek modern version or opt for a fun printed chair. And if ... A Comfortable Chair to Relax In Back support is your friend. You can go fancy with a sleek modern version or opt for a fun printed chair. And if you're schlepping a ton of stuff, this backpack chair folds up neatly and can be worn on the shoulders for easy transport.
A Smarter Way to Hang Out in the Sun Pretend you're at a resort on the Amalfi Coast, even if you took the A train to Rockaway.
Our Version of a ‘Beach Read’ Catch up on a few of the Cut's current favorites: If you're seeking a satisfying memoir, Maggie Nelson's The Argona... Our Version of a ‘Beach Read’ Catch up on a few of the Cut's current favorites: If you're seeking a satisfying memoir, Maggie Nelson's The Argonauts touches on love and gender, while Sally Mann's Hold Still combines striking photos with a complex family history. On the fiction front, The Girls From Corona del Mar by Rufi Thorpe tackles growing up with your best friend, and Karolina Waclawiak's The Invaders explores a wealthy beach community through the eyes of an aging trophy wife and her troubled stepson. 
A Better Way to Transport Your Snacks If you happen to be on a beach that permits grilling, this small portable barbecue is a great way to have y... A Better Way to Transport Your Snacks If you happen to be on a beach that permits grilling, this small portable barbecue is a great way to have your own private cookout. Otherwise, pack up delicious food in stackable Tupperware and don't forget the insulated thermos — it's a good way to sneak in some chilled wine.
Fun Distractions for When You're Tired of Reading Don't spend the entire time trapped in your chair with your nose in a book. Get up and play a q... Fun Distractions for When You're Tired of Reading Don't spend the entire time trapped in your chair with your nose in a book. Get up and play a quick game of paddle ball or venture out into the water for silly photos. And if you'd rather play something more unusual, try Hanabi — it's a cooperative card game that's fun and quick.
A Sleek Rashguard (Even if You Don't Surf) These long-sleeve shirts not only provide protection from the sun but also offer up added warmth if yo... A Sleek Rashguard (Even if You Don't Surf) These long-sleeve shirts not only provide protection from the sun but also offer up added warmth if you're in an area where the ocean tends to be a bit chilly. And if you prefer, you can wear it instead of a traditional bikini top.
A Non-Caftan Cover-up For those of you who want something more revealing or body-conscious, a sleek midi dress works over a bathing suit. Madewel... A Non-Caftan Cover-up For those of you who want something more revealing or body-conscious, a sleek midi dress works over a bathing suit. Madewell's features fun little tassel details, while Prism's slinky red dress can also be worn on a night out. 
A Chic Sarong Whether you knot it at your waist or get creative and turn it into a minidress, a pareo is another alternative to the caftan that f... A Chic Sarong Whether you knot it at your waist or get creative and turn it into a minidress, a pareo is another alternative to the caftan that feels appropriately tropical.
1 / 13

Tags:

  • it's summer!
  • goods
  • shopping
  • summer fun
  • slideshows
  • at the beach
  • sunglasses
  • hats
  • caftans
  • dresses
  • sarong
  • More

More Galleries

campaign trail Jan. 28, 2021
 The Best Fashion Campaigns From Spring 2021  This season’s best from Prada, Versace, Miu Miu, and more. 
By Florence O'Connor
in memoriam Dec. 30, 2020
30 Incredible Fashion Moments From Pierre Cardin  Remembering a creative visionary. 
By Andrew Nguyen
rest in power Dec. 23, 2020
A Photo Memorial for an Iconic Model  She passed away suddenly at the age of 50 this week. 
campaign trail Nov. 18, 2020
‘Tis the Season for New Fashion Ads  See the best ones from Gucci, Prada, Versace, and more. 
By Emily Burns
nyfw spring 2021 Oct. 26, 2020
How a Great Collection Comes Alive  Christopher John Rogers launched its first-ever online shop, along with a new campaign. 
By Andrew Nguyen
campaign trail Sept. 24, 2020
See the Fashion Campaigns for Fall 2020  From Prada, Michael Kors, Celine, Louis Vuitton, and more. 
By Andrew Nguyen
nyfw spring 2021 Sept. 22, 2020
See the Coach Spring 2021 Collection  Worn by Megan Thee Stallion, Kate Moss, Cole Sprouse, and more. 
By Andrew Nguyen
fashion Sept. 16, 2020
The Stunning Awkwardness of Face Masks on the Red Carpet  Celebrities tried to make the best of a strange situation at the 2020 Venice Film Festival. 
one word one shot Sept. 15, 2020
72 Designers on Their Spring/Summer Inspirations  Just in time for Fashion Week. 
By the Cut
red carpet Sept. 8, 2020
This Red Carpet Was Totally Surreal  But also amazing. See all the looks at the Venice Film Festival. 
By Emilia Petrarca and Andrew Nguyen
in memoriam Aug. 31, 2020
Remembering Chadwick Boseman on the Red Carpet  His style was bold, risk-taking, and always impeccable. 
the wedding files Aug. 21, 2020
The Design-Minded Couple Who Didn’t Want to Try Too Hard  The bride got a wonderful surprise the morning of her wedding. 
By Kaitlin Menza
the wedding files Aug. 14, 2020
A Costa Rica Wedding During the Rainy Season  Thunder roared during the toasts. 
By Kaitlin Menza
the wedding files Aug. 7, 2020
A San Francisco Wedding at a Big, Empty Pier  The bride changed into crushed-velvet pants for the disco-infused reception. 
By Kaitlin Menza
the wedding files July 31, 2020
An Elopement Among the Lupines in Iceland  The late afternoon was spent snapping photos near waterfalls and black beaches. 
By Kaitlin Menza
the wedding files July 24, 2020
A Pennsylvania Potluck for 280 People  “I looked at her for the first time and had this feeling like, You. I know you.” 
By Kaitlin Menza
milan fashion week July 22, 2020
Behind the Scenes at Gucci’s Virtual Show  Instead of models, members of the design team sported the eccentric collection. 
By Andrew Nguyen
the wedding files July 17, 2020
A Dance Party Under Puerto Rican Palm Trees  Bad Bunny blasted and pitorro flowed. 
By Kaitlin Menza
the wedding files July 10, 2020
A Zoom Wedding Only Two Digital Creatives Could Produce  The couple coordinated multiple video segments, breakout rooms, and a dance party. 
By Kaitlin Menza
the wedding files July 3, 2020
The Anti-Spectacle Wedding That Turned Into a Spectacle  Brooklyn Bridge Park was the site of their first date, proposal, and wedding. 
By Kaitlin Menza
  • Style
  • Self
  • Culture
  • Power
  • Newsletters
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Help
  • We’re Hiring
  • Press
  • Trademark
  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Ad Choices
  • Do Not Sell My Info
The Cut is a Vox Media Network. © 2021 Vox Media, LLC. All rights reserved.