Memorial Day marks the first time that most beaches are officially open for the season. While diehard surfers have been catching waves all winter long, the rest of us are looking forward to hitting the water without a full wetsuit. Whether it means a jaunt to Montauk or Malibu, a perfectly packed bag ensures you won’t forget any essentials. Add a reversible bikini to give the illusion that you’ve packed far more than you really did. Then throw in some slouchy tees, like the extra-long ones from Aritzia, plus a few thin layers for when it gets chilly. If you don’t already own your own board, skip renting those beginner foam boards in favor of an ecofriendly one that handles just as easily. Once night falls, go for a dressed-up look, including a coral Zara dress and stacked Madewell sandals, but consider this a weekend away from looking overly done — a swipe of lipstick and a large amount of sunscreen is all you really need. Click ahead to see all of these, plus more to get psyched for the first of many weekend getaways.
Extra long, super soft, and cut just loose enough from the body, these tees are all you'll want for the day.
Finding denim shorts with a slightly longer inseam seems to be a hard task these days. These offer enough coverage without making your legs look stump... Finding denim shorts with a slightly longer inseam seems to be a hard task these days. These offer enough coverage without making your legs look stumpy.
When you get bored of the melon side, flip it inside out and wear the blue instead.
Made from coconut husk fibers, this NSP long board is an ecofriendly alternative. Tote it from the car to beach with Baggu's surf sling, which will be... Made from coconut husk fibers, this NSP long board is an ecofriendly alternative. Tote it from the car to beach with Baggu's surf sling, which will be much more comfortable than trying to awkwardly fit it under your arm.
After your arms get tired of paddling out for those waves, a game of paddle ball or Bananagrams is an equally entertaining distraction.
Roomy and sturdy enough to fit a stack of magazines, a six-pack of beer, and your beach towel.
Lightweight and quick drying, these cotton towels won't take up much space in your beach bag.
Playing paddle ball on the beach calls for a sporty-meets-eighties preppy cap instead of a big floppy hat that will likely fly off your head.
A water-resistant SPF for the face and a good protective cream for the hair are essential when you're spending so much time in the water. For post-bea... A water-resistant SPF for the face and a good protective cream for the hair are essential when you're spending so much time in the water. For post-beach activities, a swipe of lipstick is all you need, and what could be more fitting than a line dedicated to Endless Summer, one of the most iconic surfer movies of all time?
By late afternoon, the sea breezes will pick up, so a thin layer will be necessary. You can always go traditional with the Baja hoodie, or just opt fo... By late afternoon, the sea breezes will pick up, so a thin layer will be necessary. You can always go traditional with the Baja hoodie, or just opt for a chunky knit sweater.
Fun colors and kooky-shaped sunglasses are meant to be swapped out daily, so pack a few options.
Big, clunky pieces feel heavy in the sun and get in the way when you're in the water. Swap them for delicate pieces, like talon-shaped studs or thin b... Big, clunky pieces feel heavy in the sun and get in the way when you're in the water. Swap them for delicate pieces, like talon-shaped studs or thin bracelets.
Instead of flimsy flip-flops, a pair of leather slides are as easy to wear but look more polished.
Pack all of your weekend essentials in a classic tote that folds up to a tiny square.
For those surfing on the East Coast, the water temperatures are still on the chilly side. A 3/2 wetsuit is ideal to keep you comfortable in the water.... For those surfing on the East Coast, the water temperatures are still on the chilly side. A 3/2 wetsuit is ideal to keep you comfortable in the water.
In case it does warm up too much for a wetsuit, simply throw on a rash guard that also doubles as extra protection against the sun.
Pair with your rashguard to prevent losing your bikini if you wipe out.
Most surfer towns are super laid-back, so dressing up for dinner would look like you're trying too hard. A simple coral dress paired with a low neutra... Most surfer towns are super laid-back, so dressing up for dinner would look like you're trying too hard. A simple coral dress paired with a low neutral sandal looks chic and not overplayed. For cool evenings, top it off with a white moto jacket.
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