Style by the pool should be easy.
And it is! Although you may initially think that life by the pool is just some sunscreen, shoes and a bikini {or six if you’re me and need variety} we need to make sure we remember all the life happenings that occur before, in between and after we get to the pool or beach. Meaning, start thinking of those crucial times to and from your hotel room, the frequent bathroom break or even a quick break for lunch. We’ll need to throw on something.
To make it easy for you, I’ve created a list that I swear by when styling attire that’s just plain easy by the pool or beach. Plus! Who wants to make the dreaded trek back up to your room because you forgot something?! Not me. Here are my essentials for making a day by the pool or beach a complete breeze.
The essential beach bag.
Can’t hold all your items in your hands! This is where purchasing a cute straw or woven bag is essential. It not only complements your beachy // poolside vibe, but doubles as a bag you can carry the entire trip. I’m of course obsessed with the Ark Bag {Yes! It does fit a bottle of sunscreen!}, but I’m also really digging these bags here {similar here for less}, and here.
Swimwear.
Of course, your main look by the pool each day will be a great bikini or that essential one-piece. When I go on a warm weather vacation, I need variety in my swimwear as I like to mix it up my look each day, so I always bring along a variety of styles. Plus, maybe I consumed too much wine the night before, now I’m bloated and need to be a little more tucked it?! Hey, it happens. That’s why we bring options! As a rule of thumb for a seven day vacation, I will typically bring one to two bikini bottoms {usually one high-waist and one normal rise} and about four to five tops that I can mix + match each day. Don’t forget that essential one-piece for the ultimate look! Some of my all-time favorites I never leave home without are these amazing high-waist bottoms, this versatile top or this edgy twist on an otherwise sportier top. I’ve included a few more options below that I need to pick up ASAP!
An easy flowy dress.
I don’t know about you, but the last thing I want to do when it’s hot AF out is to throw on a pair of binding shorts. Gross. With that said, I always make sure to pack an easy flowy dress for my days by the pool or beach. Dresses that are lightweight, comfortable and made of quick drying material are essential for this! After all, this is your key piece in achieving your by the pool look. Remember, we want pieces that will take us from pool to potty in a quick second. I purchased this maxi dress for my Lanai, Hawaii trip {Be sure to check out my Travel Guide to Lanai here!} and wore it every single day. No lie! Having an easy flowy dress is a key versatile option that’s crucial for your warm weather vacations. I’m also really loving this stripe version and if you’re a pant over dress kinda gal, this is a great lightweight pant option.
The hat.
Whether it’s a panama hat or a killer large brimmed sun hat, I’m all about covering my face in the hot sun. I actually prefer a hat to sunglasses as I’m always too nervous I’ll get a sunglass tan on my face and be that person. Aside from getting a strange looking suntan, I truly don’t want my face exposed anymore. Sure, I put on sunscreen, but that doesn’t always do the trick; especially when you’re in a warmer climate that’s close to the equator. I brought this larger brimmed hat along with me on our Hawaiian vaca, but you’ve also seen me sport my panama hat back in this post here and here. I’ve included some additional hats at all price points that I believe are equally as good of options for your easy by the pool look.
The sandal.
When choosing a sandal that’s perfect for your day by the pool or beach, make sure to choose a style that’s easy and durable. Do not wear that new strappy sandal you just purchased that could easily get ruined if it gets wet or sandy. Think of a sandal that’s a classic flip flop or easy slide. I wore this sandal every day in Hawaii and it was perfect for all occasions. I’ve included some additional classic options below.
Sunscreen.
Yes, this may be an obvious need when you’re by the pool or beach, but I also want to stress why it’s incredibly essential to have along with you in your beach bag or in all reality, whenever you’re spending a good amount of time outside. My personal favorite sunscreen when I’m by the pool, beach or lake is Coola. It’s an organic sunscreen spray that smells delish and doesn’t result in sticky hands or skin after application. I’ve also heard really good things about this sunscreen too and I’m dying to try it out!
Materials that help you relax.
Okay, so this isn’t exactly contributing to your by the pool look, but think about those magazines you’ve been wanting to catch up on or a good book you haven’t had time to finish. Now is your chance! A day by the pool or beach is all about spending time with your loved ones, relaxing and just being. This means, ditch the phone and leave it in your room for the entire day. I dare you! Trust me, it’ll only feel difficult to disconnect for the first day or two, but then leaving your phone will feel completely normal. Unplugging is my secret weapon in achieving full relaxation on a beach vacation.
How do you create your own style by the pool or beach?! What are some of your essentials?
Xx, Amanda
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