The Beachgoers Style Guide to Summer 2024

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.

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.

(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.

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.

(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.