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The Beachgoers Style Guide to Summer 2024

Hats, sunglasses, towels, chairs and all the accessories you need to look and feel cool

By

Lois Joy Johnson,

 
AARP
Comments
Published June 20, 2024
A collage of a woman wearing a pink dress, a beach bag, sandals, sunglasses and a beach chair
Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Kohl's; Target (2); Mango; Home Depot; Getty Images (4))

So you applied your new sunscreen, have on your “I can’t wait to wear it” swimsuit and are ready for a sun-sational day. Really? Did you forget about last year’s disasters? The flimsy flip-flops, the soggy-when-wet towels, the fancy straw tote that hated sand and water, and the trendy but cheapo sunglasses that wrecked your beach-read plans? And don’t get me started on the cover-up situation! Whether you’re a pool lover, deck diva or sand-and-shore fan, here’s how to survive summer safely and in style.

Mango Acetate Frame Sunglasses in Black; Chico’s Aviator Sunglasses in Black; Privé Revaux Sunset Place Sunglasses in Black
(Clockwise from top left) Mango Acetate Frame Sunglasses in Black; Chico’s Aviator Sunglasses in Black; Privé Revaux Sunset Place Sunglasses in Black
Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Mango; Prive Revaux; Chico's)

1. Choose classic sexy sunglasses with UV-protected lenses.

Every summer, inexpensive look-alikes of high-priced designer frames beckon. They may seem like a bargain, but the lack of UV protection in these dupes leaves the delicate eye area vulnerable to skin cancer and the eyes at risk for macular degeneration. When sunglasses and sun-specific readers don’t specify UV protection, or vaguely claim “UV protection” without a percentage, assume they don’t have any, or at least not the level you need. Look for those that say 99 to 100 percent UVA/UVB lenses and 100 percent UV protection (or UV 400 — it’s the same thing) like the Mango Acetate Frame Sunglasses in Black ($36, mango.com) or the Foster Grant Sunday Drive Driving Glasses ($33, fostergrant.com) and opt for generously sized frames that adequately cover your eyes and the surrounding skin.

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All sunglasses focus attention on the upper face and away from saggy jawlines and deep expression lines around the nose and mouth, but some shapes use optics to go a step further. Angular, square or rectangular frames seemingly firm and sculpt a round or full face; oversized cat-eyes appear to enlarge and lift eyes, and emphasize cheekbones like the Privé Revaux Sunset Place Sunglasses in Black ($50, priverevaux.com); and teardrop-shaped aviators like the Chico’s Aviator Sunglasses in Black ($90, chicos.com) that balance facial proportions and flatter just about everyone with a racy, cool look that never seems dated.

Shade & Shore Mesh Tote Handbag in White/Black; Mark & Graham x Steele Waterproof Zip-Top Tote in Large True Blue; Oscaurt Large Beach Tote in Light Green; KPX Mesh Beach Bag With Pockets in Khaki
(Left to right) Shade & Shore Mesh Tote Handbag in White/Black; Mark & Graham x Steele Waterproof Zip-Top Tote in Large True Blue; Oscaurt Large Beach Tote in Light Green; KPX Mesh Beach Bag With Pockets in Khaki
Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Target; MARK & GRAHAM; Walmart (2))

2. Get an easy-to-carry, holds-everything beach-safe bag.

Can’t resist fancy straw bags with designer labels and a chic attitude? Save them for everyday use, not for keeping your sunscreen, water bottle and wet swimsuit away from your phone, Kindle and cover-up. Be practical. The best beach totes are washable and sand- and waterproof, with interior and exterior pockets for organization. If you prefer security and a neat look, choose a large, lightweight opaque bag with a zipper top and flat bottom like the Oscaurt Large Beach Tote in Light Green ($14, walmart.com) or the Mark & Graham x Steele Waterproof Zip-Top Tote in Large True Blue ($109, markandgraham.com) so it can sit unsupported. For easy sand sifting and speed of access, a sturdy mesh bag like the Shade & Shore Mesh Tote Handbag in Black or White/Black ($10, target.com) or the KPX Mesh Beach Bag With Pockets in Khaki ($13, walmart.com), are better options. Some pockets are a must for either style, but how many will vary. Both make ideal storage containers when the season is over or can take on a repurposed life as travel totes or reusable grocery shopping bags.

Sonoma Goods for Life Women’s Tiered V-Neck Midi Dress in Pink Theme; Old Navy Crinkle Gauze Maxi Skirt in Black Jack
(Left to right) Sonoma Goods for Life Women’s Tiered V-Neck Midi Dress in Pink Theme; Old Navy Crinkle Gauze Maxi Skirt in Black Jack
Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Kohl's; Old Navy)

3. Find a confidence-boosting postbeach cover-up.

It’s not all about the swimsuit. Sorry but your old oversize tee, faded pareo or just-about-covers your derriere button-down won’t work anymore, not when poolside restaurants and impromptu after-sun invites beckon. Many cover-ups are too sheer, too tight or too skimpy to realistically go from beach to barbecue when there’s no time for a shower and change of clothes. This is when you must think outside the box and not get hung up on the actual cover-up category. One of the best solutions is a breezy dress in a light, breathable cotton gauze fabric like the J.Jill Cotton Gauze One-Pocket Shirtdress in Wild Orchid ($129, jjill.com), the L.L. Bean x Summersalt Cloud Gauze Midi Dress in White or Deep Sea ($79, llbean.com) and the Sonoma Goods for Life Women’s Tiered V-Neck Midi Dress in Pink Theme or Teagan Blue ($35, kohls.com) that can handle being rolled, folded and stuffed in your beach bag without coming out wrinkled. Just pick a length that makes you feel comfy — anything from above the knee to maxi. Another option is a cotton gauze pull-on skirt in a midi or maxi length like the Old Navy Crinkle Gauze Maxi Skirt in Sapphire Sky or Black Jack ($32, oldnavy.gap.com) that can be worn with any tank, T-shirt or your swimsuit. Before leaving home, stash a small freshen-up kit in your beach bag that includes deodorant, a decorative hair elastic or clip, some wipes to remove sunscreen residue and sweat, a travel-size roll-on fragrance and a multitasking cheek-lip makeup stick.

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Goodfellow & Co. Carson Two-Band Slide Sandals in Black and Navy Blue
Goodfellow & Co. Carson Two-Band Slide Sandals in Black (left) and Navy Blue (right)
Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Target (2))

4. Wear stylish foot-healthy beach sandals.

Who doesn’t love the chance to walk barefoot at the beach or pool and show off freshly polished toes? The answer is anyone who’s experienced scalding hot sand, hidden rocks, shells, shards of glass or plastic, or foot fungus, thanks to an unhygienic locker or restroom floor ripe with germs. But don’t reach for thin-soled rubber flip-flops (save them for pedicures) or polished leather sandals (keep these for street wear). There’s a reason for the popularity of so-called pool slides in waterproof materials, with supportive footbeds and a slip-on design like the Goodfellow & Co. Carson Two-Band Slide Sandals in Black or Navy Blue ($8, target.com), Crocs Classic Sandal 2.0 in Gold, Latte or Black ($30, zappos.com) or the Freedom Moses Cheetah Slide Sandal in Sand Leopard Print ($30, dsw.com). They come in a range of looks from sophisticated to sporty, but all can get you safely through sandy treks, wet common areas, restrooms, seaside take-out stands and after-beach activities slip- and splinter-free. Many provide contoured, cushioned support for those with mature bony feet, weak arches or plantar fasciitis or tendonitis. When trying on sandals, make sure the footbed’s shape matches your foot’s arch for better support. If there’s a gap, keep looking.

Lands’ End Long-Sleeve UPF50 Swim Tee Rash Guard in White; Coolibar Hightide Long-Sleeve Swim Shirt in Bold Yellow; Tirrinia Wide-Brim Straw Hat in Beige
(Left to right) Lands’ End Long-Sleeve UPF50 Swim Tee Rash Guard in White; Coolibar Hightide Long-Sleeve Swim Shirt in Bold Yellow; Tirrinia Wide-Brim Straw Hat in Beige
Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Lands' End; Coolibar; Target)

5. Buy sun-safe clothing … it’s now essential.

If you’re 50-plus, applying sunscreen daily and on repeat is a must 365 days a year. When it comes to summer (and vacations in the sun year-round), you’ve probably been wondering if you should buy a UPF rash guard and a wide-brimmed hat to replace an ordinary T-shirt and baseball cap. The answer is easy: Yes! UPF is short for ultraviolet protection factor, and when it’s embedded in the fibers of clothing and hats, it creates an effective barrier that won’t wear off, sweat off or require reapplication during the day. A long-sleeve rash guard like the Lands’ End Long-Sleeve UPF50 Swim Tee Rash Guard in White or Gray Heather ($45, landsend.com) and the Coolibar Hightide Long-Sleeve Swim Shirt in Bold Yellow or White ($69, coolibar.com) slips right over a swimsuit like a lightweight tee and can be worn in and out of the water (it’s quick drying and sweat wicking), allowing you to safely skip constant sunscreen application on your arms, back, chest and torso and to avoid a burn in these areas.

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While we all love baseball caps, they offer limited protection and none to vulnerable areas like the sides of the face, the ears and the neck. The better option? Choose a sunhat with a wide all-around brim of at least 4 inches. For those who need even more shielding from the rays, double the benefits with a wide-brimmed hat that features UPF protection too, like the Tirrinia Wide-Brim Straw Hat in Beige ($12, target.com). Remember: Sun is not your chemically treated hair’s best friend. You’ll be saving your face and your highlights.

Exclusivo Mezcla 30"-x-60" Microfiber Cabana Striped Large Beach Towels in Pink; Winado Blue Aluminum and Polyester Adjustable Beach Chair; Sun Squad 59"-x-70" Outdoor Beach Mat in Sun Belt Stripe; KingCamp Low Sling Beach Chair
(Left to right) Exclusivo Mezcla 30"-x-60" Microfiber Cabana Striped Large Beach Towels in Pink; Winado Blue Aluminum and Polyester Adjustable Beach Chair; Sun Squad 59"-x-70" Outdoor Beach Mat in Sun Belt Stripe; KingCamp Low Sling Beach Chair
Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Walmart (2); Target; Home Depot)

6. Rest, read, relax and people watch in style.

Many people wait all year for this aah moment. One additional way to make it even more enjoyable is to level up your beach accessories with features that enhance your comfort. Whether the beach trip is solo, duo or a family event, and whether you prefer to sit or recline, determines your choices. Make light, portable and mess-free your mantra. Start with a sand- and waterproof nylon beach blanket like the Sun Squad 59"-x-70" Outdoor Beach Mat in Sun Belt Stripe ($22, target.com), or large microfiber towel like the Exclusivo Mezcla 30"-x-60" Microfiber Cabana Striped Large Beach Towels in Pink or Yellow ($17, walmart.com) to define your space and keep all your belongings in a designated spot. Find one that folds up into a trim, nonbulky bundle. Microfiber beach towels go from wet to dry in minutes and roll up into a slim tube to save space. Choose a color, stripe or print that makes finding your space a snap.

If you love a chair for snoozing, eating, reading or people watching, choose one that’s supportive but lightweight to carry and features extras like cupholders, built-in pillows or sunshades, and pockets for essentials like the Winado Blue Aluminum and Polyester Adjustable Beach Chair ($57, homedepot.com) and the KingCamp Low Sling Beach Chair ($50, walmart.com). And be certain to test out the weight, so you can manage carrying it easily: They average 7 to 10 pounds. Some have shoulder straps, while others can be slung on as backpack, leaving your hands free for other items.

Lois Joy Johnson is a beauty and style editor who focuses on women 50 and older. She was the beauty and style editor at Ladies’ Home Journal and a founding editor of More magazine. She has written three books: The Makeup Wakeup, The Wardrobe Wakeup and The Woman's Wakeup.

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