You might be reading this blog while sipping hot chocolate by the fire as the weather starts to turn from brisk to downright chilly… And so, a day at the beach probably seems like another world away! But with so many of our island friends planning tropical vacations in the next couple of months, I thought it would be so helpful to remind you what to pack for a day of sandy toes, salty hair, and frozen cocktails. A day at the beach in the West Indies is a day well spent! And to ensure you have a perfect day under the sun (in chic island style) I created a simple list of my top 5 essentials you’ll need to take with you for a day at the beach.
Read ahead.
1. SPF
A good SPF should be at the top of your list! I wish someone had told me this 20 years ago: too much sun exposure can strip your skin of moisture and causes wrinkles... My absolute fave is Rodan & Fields ESSENTIALS Face + Body Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50. Click to SHOP the R+F website and if you want to give me a little bit of love, please search consultant Kim Van Loo during checkout 🥰
2. Sunglasses
Make sure you bring a pair of sunnies to block the harmful rays. I have always loved a bold pair of Maui Jim’s but since my eyesight has started rapidly declining, I have recently moved to prescription sunglasses from my local eye doctor but I always choose an extra large style that is polarized for full spectrum protection!!
3. Beach Tote
A roomy bag that will hold all of your supplies like a book, snacks, towel, drinks, a wet bag for your damp swimsuit, and an extra set of clothes is ideal. At West Indies Wear, we have a gorgeous range of pure cotton beach bags in all your fave island colors and prints. They are vibrant, roomy enough for all your beach essentials, and feature genuine leather straps to keep you looking extra chic. SHOP our beach bag collection
4. Sarong
One of my favorite styling pieces for a day at the beach is a bright, cotton sarong. It’s the ultimate versatile piece: you can wear it as a coverup, lay on it instead of a bulky towel, keep your hair in place by wearing it as a head wrap, keep your napping baby out of the harmful suns rays by draping over the stroller, and more!! As you probably already know, I really love fun, bright prints that you can mix & match with your full outfit. Here's our HUGE range of pretty sarongs.
5. Outfit Change
As the light starts to fade, an outfit change is a no-brainer! Your day might take you from the beach to dinner and having a cute outfit available without the hassle of having to go back to your room, is super convenient. I recommend packing airy pieces like a pair of comfy cotton pants and your fave tank top, or really anything that doesn’t need to be ironed! Just unravel, shake out, throw on and you’re ready to head to the beach bar!
As my gift to you, I am giving you 15% off 2 of my all-time fave beach pants this week! Use coupon code: ComfyBeachPant15 when you SHOP my Enchanted Pants & Ocean Floor Pants. Offer expires at midnight on Sunday 10/30 💙
At the beach, time slows down. The breeze dancing through the palm trees and the tranquil sound of waves calmly lapping against the sand can almost fool you into pretending it’s another lifetime. One where there are no worries, no chores, no to-do lists. One where you can be completely present. Completely living in the NOW. I hope you have an incredible day at the beach, my sweet island friends!
One Love,
