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


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.
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