Beach Bag Essentials

By Jill Provost for Completely You

My Fair Lady Stripe Hat

Everyone needs an oversized hat to don at the beach for those times when your nose is getting burned or you need extra shade to read your favorite novel. This floppy summer hat is made with SPF 50 material, to protect your hair and scalp from getting fried.

ShopDavidAndYoung.com, $30

Mossimo Large Straw Tote — Multicolor

Pack everything you need for a day at the beach — and then some — in this oversized straw tote from Mossimo. The chic Grecian-key design announces the arrival of summer with bright, bold colors.

Target.com, $35

Kenneth Cole Reaction Striped Hooded Cover-Up

This cute cotton cover-up will give your skin a much-needed hiatus from all-day rays at the beach. The empire waist with drawstrings gives just enough shape to not feel dowdy. Comes with two pockets at the hip and a hood.

Macys.com, $30

Where’d You Go, Bernadette?

This quirky comedic novel by Maria Semple tells the story of Bernadette Fox, a neurotic Seattle housewife who hates people. It is told through a series of emails, documents and narration by Fox’s daughter, Bee, who is trying to find out what happened to her mother, who disappears while planning a family trip to Antarctica.

Amazon.com, $10

Alba Botanica Natural Hawaiian Sunscreen SPF 30

This naturally moisturizing, lightweight lotion isn’t thick or sticky like other sunscreens — and doesn’t clog pores. It has a light, fresh tropical scent that isn’t overwhelming. Best of all, it isn’t tested on animals, and is paraben-free. Water-resistant, it protects against the sun for up to 40 minutes of swimming.

Vitacost.com, $7

is the managing editor of Completely You. She is a former senior online editor for iVillage and Good Housekeeping. Her work has appeared in several major online and print publications, including Everyday Health, Glamour, Woman’s Day and Women’s Health.