1. A bathing suit - duh! We love these adorable picks from Pac Sun that are also affordable: Each piece is less than $50 and right now if you buy one piece, you can get the other half free!
Reef Inca Trail Bikini Halter Top, $45, and Tie Side Bottom, $39; Billabong Isabella Bikini Triangle Top, $38.50, and Tie Side Bottom, $39.50; and Kirra Nautical Stripe Bikini Halter Top, $24.50, and Bottom, $24.50 at pacsun.com.
2. A cover-up - for when it gets windy or you need to give your skin a break from the sun, throw on one of these comfy and trendy pieces. We love this neutral-colored options with fashion-forward details, like fringe.
B. Righteous Romper Cover Up, $58 at inswimwear.com; Printed Kaftan Cover Up, $40 at topshop.com; and Roxy Mermaid Cover Up, $44 at zappos.com.
3. Sunglasses + a hat - keep your eyes and face out of the sun with these fashionable items. Sunglasses are a must to shield your eyes from harmful UV rays, and a hat will keep your face looking young and fresh. If you plan on spending the day on your beach chair try a floppy hat. For more active girls who plan on playing volleyball or running, we've got a style for you too!
Sunglasses: Leather Trim Aviators, $30 at topshop.com; A.J. Morgan Boom Rectangular Sunglasses, $25 at endless.com; and Juicy Couture Ju Squire Sunglasses, $98 at Sunglass Hut. Hats: OndadeMar Straw Hat, $66 at inswimwear.com; Toes on the Nose Hibiscus Trucker Hat, $30 at inswimwear.com; and American Eagle Cowboy Hate, $24 at ae.com.
4. Beach bag - a sizeable tote to carry all the other items you need: sunscreen, water, hair brush, a good book, and a snack.
