1. Beach Towel

Likely the essential for any day by the sea, a beach towel will serve as your dining table, home away from home and respite from the inevitable post-dip chill. Best not to grab any old thing from your bathroom, then, but rather opt for a piece that will bring as much joy as the sunshine. With its sole focus being exactly this, The Longing offers vibrant, playful towels made from (in the brand’s words) ‘insanely soft’ organic cotton.

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2. A Cap

When it comes to summer accessories, few reign as supreme as the classic logo cap. Whether you’ve got one in your headwear rotation already or you’re introing a new warm-weather flex, you should definitely be throwing a cool brim into your beach-day bag. Finding something that works across a wide range of summer outfits is key. Go for neutral, versatile colours in the main – this style from Paris-designed, Morocco-inspired Casablanca is a perfect choice, as the brand’s aesthetic is rooted in clothes to be worn on long sunny days.

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3. Sunscreen

Say it with us: “I will wear my sunscreen.” A must-have for any day that you’re out in the sunshine, sun cream will allow you to enjoy the weather without the fear of a gnarly burn. This easy-to-pack option from skincare leader Murad is one of those ‘no excuse’ options as it’s lightweight, smells great and has SPF 30 – a serious trifecta of protection. And it’s not just for summer. Read our experts’ take on the best sunscreens to wear all year round.

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4. Sunglasses

Where sunglasses are concerned, it can be tempting to favour inexpensive pairs that won’t be missed when they’re lost or broken. But we’re here to tell you that investing in quality shades is worth it – not only do you get yourself a far superior product that will actually protect your eyes, but you’ll likely take far greater care of them and end up keeping the same pair for years to come. A timeless shape like these aviators from Jacques Marie Mage will stay with you season after season.

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