Let's go to the beach: our favorite beach kit

The part of summer I most cherish is our annual beach trip to our beloved Dauphin Island, Alabama. Beach trips are sneaky prep-heavy: even though they're all about relaxing without an agenda, there's a lot of equipment required for salty, sandy fun. I'm a believer in buying things that not only function well, but also look attractive. Here are some of our beach favorites that we pack up every summer for Dauphin Island.

• Related: Don't go the fancy beach

1. Collapsible wagon: you can find cheaper collapsible wagons, but trust me—future you will be profusely grateful to present you for investing in a good wagon. We use this wagon often, especially at Mardi Gras, and we love how smoothly it rolls over mounds of beads and crushed plastic toys. The adorably chunky wheels are great for the beach, too. Other features that make this wagon our fave include a versatile handlebar, heavy-duty canvas, and pockets for your cans, spf, phone, and sunglasses.

2. Beach lounge chairs: These chairs combine the relaxation of laying on your towel with the comfort of lumbar support, and navy stripes always capture my heart.

3. Beach and pool football: we have ten thousand times more fun at the beach and the pool if we have at least one football to toss; if you don't have an endless supply of cheap footballs caught at Mardi Gras, we've also enjoyed this one with specially made for wet conditions

4. Waterproof playing cards: so great for quick games between wave jumping, or long tournaments of the most relaxing kind; we also have some otherclassic games in waterproof versions!

5. Fouta towels: we've purchased these several times for our beach kit, our apartment pool, and as bath towels for our guest bathroom; they're beautiful, chic, absorbent, and thin enough to wrap as a sarong and dry quickly (also come in loads of pretty colors and make a great gift!)

6. Beach mat (or outdoor rug): we have one on our patio and I'm could not be happier with how wonderfully it has weathered multiple Louisiana summers of thunderstorms and harsh sun in handsome style. You can fold or roll it up to create a comfortable kingdom on the beach, then give it a firm shake to eliminate sand—so much better than sticky towels. Hallelujah.

7. Spray spf: this is our sunscreen fave in a quick-drying, non-aerosol, clean-ingredient spray that works well and smells amazing

8. Bottle leak covers: now, now, no jokes (actually, go ahead and giggle—we all know what these look like); they are also life-changing for stopping spills from all those product bottles stashed in your bag

9. Mesh beach tote: have you seen a prettier beach tote? This one is also lovely, with a bit wider straps.

10. Sun shelter: so much more shade than a classic umbrella and enough room to preempt bickering over whose turn it is to sit inside

11. Tallow sun balm: there's a bit of a learning curve with tallow products, but once I figured them out, I've never looked back; I prioritize clean skincare products and this one is wonderful—a teeny bit goes a long way! Our dear friend also makes small batch organic spf products that you can order here.
    

    

12. Crochet coverup dress: surprisingly flattering, high-end looks, and well-made; also in a few other neutrals and some colors

13. Roll-up sun hat: I love this wrap-around style hat that allows to you to wear a ponytail or bun and packs easily; most recently I packed it for El Paso. Bow lovers may enjoy this one too.

14. Spf rash guard: you need to protect your skin from overexposure to sun—it's non-negotiable, and these quick-dry spf rash guards are eons easier to pop on and off than repeatedly slathering on lotion. Tip: even though it may seem counterintuitive, black will hide inevitable beach stains and hold up much better than the white version, or try one of the several colors available. I also like that like one is a tunic length to wear over your swimsuit without shorts and has a pretty hem detail.

15. Arch-support flip flops: if you love a flip flop but need more arch support, these are brilliant; choose from 14 neutrals and colors

16. Black swimsuit: this is my most-worn swimsuit that I own in black and white. It's legant, flattering, secure, well-made, and well-priced. This adorable scalloped style also looks great (ignore the weird product photos and go straight to the reviews)

17. My beloved Saltwaters: I always pack these, wherever I'm going. Saltwaters are from an era when things were made to last, hand-stitched of leather, rubber, and brass. They won't take any space in packing. Bonus: they mold to your feet with use and they're waterproof (these are my usual beach and pool sandals).

18. Favorite shorts: these are my platonic ideal of shorts—light as air, a genius longer back to keep you covered, a comfortable liner for security and convenience, zipper pocket, high and wide stretchy waist... I could go on. These are great shorts to get you through workouts and hot days, but I'm sharing here because they also make a good beach short. I have these in four colors; there are almost 50 available. Enjoy the hilarious model photos (I do not remotely believe this person is heading to the gym or to be active).

19. Sunglasses: sturdy, oversize frames in timeless tortoise will protect your eyes and make you look cooler than a faded 1970s beach photo; these are also fun if you like bright, summery colors

20. Waterproof EVA sandals: EVA and rubber means you can also take these on pool days and kayak trips (especially with the adjustable strap to keep them secure); the simple, sweet details like an espadrille-style sole means they'll be a versatile pick for summer vacation
    

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