Summer is here, and it’s time to hit the beach. When packing your Juicy couture Blake straw tote – yes it’s a summer must-have – make sure to include the following beach essentials:

Swimwear

The number one spot goes to swimwear of course. You’ll be spending most of your time on the beach in them. Choose anything from string bikinis to maillots. Style.com recommends:

Diane Von Furstenberg string bikini

La Perla beaded swimsuit (ideal for night, simply pair with a stylish sarong or wrap).

Talbots V-neck halter maillot (perfect for conservative types or girls who just love the classics).

Footwear

Since you won’t be spending every single minute in the water, you might as well pack some nice and stylish footwear. Style.com’s picks:

American Eagle tribal sandals

Roger Vivier sling back wedge with chip buckle detail

Old navy espadrille flat

YSL plastic sandals

Other beach essentials

Cover-ups

If you’re not ready to make waves in the water yet, walk around the beach in a linen tunic. It covers you up nicely yet is still sexy. Style.com recommends Club Monaco linen tunic.

To protect your face and eyes from the sun, wear a stylish beach hat. Style.com suggests Ana Sui’s calico-trim fedora.

Lounging

Get a nice summer tan on Pottery Barn’s sundial beach towel or relax on Corner House Antiques’ wicker beach chair. Throw in Nature & Decouvertes’ colorful outdoor pillows for added comfort.

Cooking and storage

You have to eat at some point. Pack all of your foodstuffs in Hammacher Schlemmer ingenious and handy 14 mph cooler.

What’s hanging out at the beach without barbeque right? Grill your mini-burgers and kebabs on Anthropologie’s retromodern mini grill.

Now that you’ve got all the beach essentials down pat, all you need to do is grab your suntan lotion and go.

Images source: Style.com