RUFFLE WRAP DRESS / SNAKE SOLUDOS / ROUND TASSLE BAG / ROSE GOLD SUNNIES (under $10!)

I'm counting down the hours here until the official start of summer, and while I'll never have that same excitement as I did when I finished my last day of the school year as a teacher, I'm still pretty damn excited. Joe and I have a packed summer this year, which I'd usually be rolling my eyes at, but we have some great trips planned, lots of weddings to attend and fun events to look forward to. 

I wanted to use this post to talk a little bit about my summertime beach essentials. Living on Long Island, I have always been very fortunate to have been steps away from a beach my whole life. From sun up to sundown, I'd spend my days on the beaches out in Montauk with my girlfriends, watching the boys surf and seeing how long it would take to fry to a crisp without sunscreen (one of my biggest regrets now). 

For those who have to take more of a trip to get to the beach though, it's easy to over-pack your beach bag and end up with way more than you need. Here are all of the essentials that I never leave home without...

A Practical Dress

I almost always show up to the beach in a dress, and the reason I say practical is because I like to bring a piece that I could easily throw on and wear to a post-beach BBQ or drinks. I'm a big believer in buying multi-use pieces, so wearing a flowy maxi that doubles as a cover-up eliminates the need for having to stuff multiple outfits in your beach bag! 

I can't get enough of Free People's summer maxis and have linked a few of my favorites to the right!

Plenty of Suncare + Moisturizers

If I'm going to fill up my beach bag, it's going to be with one thing: suncare. Now that I'm into my late twenties, I am most definitely seeing the effects of all of those summers spent on the beach in tanning oil and SPF 4. I hate that I can't go back and do things differently, but preventing any further sun damage is v important to me at this stage of my life.

When it comes to suncare, Coola is my go-to. Not only are their products all-natural, but they are gentle on your skin and don't have that gross sunscreen smell. I also love to keep moisturized with Kopari Beauty's coconut products! 

Sunny Day Accessories

I wouldn't be caught dead leaving my house without sunglasses - and let me tell you - sunglasses can totally make or break your beach day. I also try to always remember to grab a hat. I never did this when I was younger because I wouldn't be caught dead coming back from the beach sans a face tan (yes I know how ridiculous that sounds), but today, I'm all about as much coverage as I can get. 

Headphones are another accessory I never forget to throw in my bag. While I'm usually at the beach with friends, there's nothing better than tuning out the mid-day chatter and tuning in to my favorite playlist!