Summer is officially in full swing, and whether your upcoming itinerary involves a far-flung tropical escape, active family beach days, or lazy weekend afternoons lounging poolside, the right essentials can completely elevate your experience. This season, we are looking past the basic, predictable gear and focusing on smart, high-performing, and beautiful items that bring effortless ease to warm-weather living.
From award-winning sun safety to sustainable beach bags and chic resort wear, here is our highly curated editorial edit of everything you need to pack for a stylish, stress-free summer.
Editor’s Choice: Summer Essentials
Why Light + Grace is Perfect for a Beach + Summer Guide
Born on the California coast, Light + Grace is designed for days that begin by the sea and unfold naturally from there. Crafted with precious metals and sustainably selected natural gemstones, each piece is lightweight, versatile, and effortless to layer, making it as beautiful with a linen shirt and sandals as it is with an evening dress.
Whether strolling along the shoreline, wandering through a favorite seaside town, or gathering with friends as the sun sets, Light + Grace is designed to move with you. Timeless, refined, and thoughtfully handcrafted, each piece becomes part of the memories you create and the moments you'll carry with you long after summer has passed.
Be the Light Necklace (above left): One of Light + Grace's signature designs, our Be the Light Necklace is created to accompany women through the many moments that shape a life, from the everyday to the extraordinary.
A luminous Labradorite, Bringer of Light, is thoughtfully paired with Pyrite + Precious Metals to create a piece that is as effortless to wear as it is meaningful to own. Versatile at 30”, wear it long + layered or double wrap it to wear between the throat + heart chakras. Labradorite lifts, protects and connects us to our intuition. Pyrite, the Stone Of Manifestation, grounds, protects and keeps us focused to manifest our intentions + abundance.
Elegant on its own and beautiful layered with other favorites, Be the Light transitions seamlessly from a morning walk along the coast to dinner under the stars. Handcrafted in Los Angeles using carefully selected gemstones and infused with Reiki, it is designed to become a trusted companion and a cherished part of your collection.
Sea Shimmer Necklace (above right): Inspired by the changing colors and light of the sea, our exquisite Sea Shimmer Necklace brings together luminous Labradorite, the Bringer of Light, a palette of golden greens and blues, that feels both fresh + timeless. Silk knotted and delicate, it picks up everyday wear and is striking enough for special occasions, its an effortless touch of color + texture to every look. Also, versatile (at 30 or 40”,) this stunner can be worn long, double wrapped at the décolletage or multi wrapped at the wrist. Whether worn with a linen dress, a swimsuit and sun hat, or an evening ensemble, Sea Shimmer layers beautifully and travels with ease. Handcrafted in Los Angeles and infused with Reiki, it reflects the relaxed elegance that defines Light + Grace.
Handcrafted in Los Angeles using precious metals and carefully selected natural gemstones, Sea Shimmer layers beautifully with other Light + Grace favorites and is infused with Reiki to create a piece designed to be worn, treasured, and enjoyed for years to come.
Shop: Lightandgracedesign.com
SnoozeShade Plus Extra Stroller Sun Shade
When it comes to traveling or spending long days outdoors with a baby, sun safety and nap schedules are always top of mind. Enter the SnoozeShade Plus Extra—the ultimate lightweight, universal stroller sun shade that snaps on in seconds with zero tools required. It effectively blocks up to 99% of harmful UV rays while keeping your little one completely cool and comfortable.
Why It’s a Must-Have: What truly sets it apart is its air-permeable mesh, which blocks 94% of ambient light. This means your baby can sleep peacefully through loud beach trips, busy park visits, and chaotic airport days. As the UK’s best-selling sun shade for 17 years—trusted by royal families and celebrities alike, including Kate Middleton—it bridges the gap between SPF clothing and total outdoor sun protection. It is practical, elevated, and an absolute necessity for any parent on the go this season.
Shop the Look: Snag yours on Amazon
SuperBee Large Beeswax Wrap Bag
If there is one universal summer annoyance, it is finding a soggy, leaking plastic bag at the bottom of your beach tote. The SuperBee Large Beeswax Wrap Bag is the multitasking powerhouse that replaces single-use plastics entirely. Handcrafted from natural beeswax-coated organic cotton, this ingenious bag is entirely water-resistant, completely washable, and folds perfectly flat into your luggage when not in use.
Why It’s a Must-Have: It seamlessly goes from the beach to your tote bag to the laundry line. Use it to stow the kids' damp swimsuits after the last ocean dip, protect your fresh fruit and snacks from the sand during a picnic, or isolate damp travel towels in your suitcase on the journey home. It is sustainable lifestyle design at its absolute finest.
Shop the Look: Explore SuperBee
👙 Resort Wear & Seaside Style
Saint Somebody – Underwater Love One Piece (Leopard)
Finding a swimsuit that delivers runway-worthy style without sacrificing comfort or support is the ultimate fashion holy grail. The Underwater Love One Piece by Saint Somebody solves the dilemma beautifully. Rendered in a classic, fierce leopard print, this best-selling silhouette is crafted from the brand’s signature sculpting fabric and features seamless construction, adjustable straps, and integrated bust support for a flawlessly smooth fit.
Why It’s a Must-Have: It is engineered to beautifully support both smaller and larger cup sizes while offering elegant, medium leg and rear coverage. We especially love the brand's dedication to body inclusivity, making this stunning piece available in sizes 4 to 24.
Shop the Look: Shop Saint Somebody
🧴 Smart Sun Protection & Advanced Skincare
Nammu Hats – UV-Protective Swim Hat
Traditional beach hats have a habit of blowing away the moment a coastal breeze picks up, leaving your scalp vulnerable to the sun. Nammu Hats offers a brilliant, sleek alternative with their high-performance UV-protective swim hats. Offering premium UPF 50+ protection, these hats are meticulously engineered to stay firmly and comfortably on your head even while swimming or diving through the waves.
Why It’s a Must-Have: Originally conceptualized to protect active kids, it has quickly become a favorite for adults who love water sports, surfing, or active family beach days. It successfully bridges the gap between style and heavy-duty sun safety, ensuring you can stay out on the water all day with absolute peace of mind.
Shop the Look: Discover Nammu Hats
SunSolveMD – ZnO+ Mineral Care CORRECT + FADE SPF 50
Your summer skincare routine is only as good as your sunscreen. If you are looking for a formula that goes beyond standard UV filters, SunSolveMD’s ZnO+ Mineral Care is a game-changer. This dermatologist-developed mineral sunscreen provides robust broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection while actively treating the skin beneath it.
Why It’s a Must-Have: Powered by a patented Mela-Fix™ Complex and SolveDNAReverse™ plankton extract, this multi-correctional formula is explicitly designed to visibly brighten the complexion and fade the appearance of stubborn hormonal pigmentation and dark spots. It protects against future UV rays while actively reversing past sun damage.
Shop the Look: Shop SunSolveMD
Elevated Beach Totes & Coastal Aesthetics
GALE STUDIO Elevated Bags
A truly great bag should be just as thoughtful, beautiful, and well-constructed as the items you choose to carry inside it. Founded by Rebecca Gale Noah following a stellar career in luxury wholesale and her own journey into motherhood, GALE STUDIO is a luxury-inspired accessories line creating gorgeous, elevated canvas and leather bags.
Why It’s a Must-Have: These silhouettes are masterfully designed to transition seamlessly from morning beach trips to work travel, daily errands, and weekend getaways. Mixing durable, premium materials with timeless silhouettes and optional personalization, these are heirloom-quality pieces meant to be carried, gifted, and loved for years.
Shop the Look: Explore GALE STUDIO
MINOT – Coastal Bloom Set
If you want to bottle up the serene magic of a coastal New England summer and bring it directly into your home, look no further than MINOT’s limited-edition Coastal Bloom Set. This beautifully curated lifestyle bundle brings together three elements: a premium luxury scented candle, a breezy organic cotton beach cover-up, and an exquisite watercolor art print.
Why It’s a Must-Have: Each item in the set is directly inspired by relaxing seaside afternoons, salt air, and airy coastal aesthetics. It serves as the ultimate self-care indulgence or a deeply thoughtful gift for anyone who permanently leaves their heart at the beach.
Shop the Look: Discover MINOT
🇺🇸 Festive Gatherings & Patriotic Spirits
Custom Ink – America250™ Commemorative Gear
Celebrate a historic national milestone while bringing an authentic, patriotic touch to your upcoming summer gatherings with official America250™ merchandise from Custom Ink. Whether you are hosting a neighborhood block party, a family reunion cookout, or simply setting up camp for a local parade, these commemorative pieces effortlessly blend functional summer design with a celebratory spirit.
Why It’s a Must-Have: The edit features two festival essentials. First up are the America250™ Patriotic Malibu Sunglasses, showcasing a distinct, vintage distressed American flag pattern across the frames. They beautifully combine a classic retro aesthetic with modern eye protection for sunny days outdoors. To match your look, pair them with the America250™ 12 oz. Big Game Plastic Stadium Cups (available in bulk cases of 500). Sturdy, reusable, and built to handle the excitement of any backyard tournament, these cups give history buffs and sports fans alike a fun, collaborative way to toast to the holiday.
🧊 Smart Ways to Beat the Heat
Tommy Bahama Pet Frandy Jacket | K9 Wear
Your canine companion deserves to look just as stylish as you do on your next beach boardwalk stroll. The Tommy Bahama Pet Frandy Jacket, brought to you by K9 Wear, brings the ultimate island vibe to your dog's wardrobe for just $29.99. This lightweight shirt is completely reversible—giving you two tropical looks in one—and is designed with effortless Velcro neck and belly closures.
Why It’s a Must-Have: Beyond looking adorable, it prioritizes your pet's comfort and features an integrated slip for easy leash attachment. Available in sizes XS to XL and coming in three gorgeous prints (blue bandana, navy floral, and coconut floral), your pup is guaranteed to be the best-dressed dog on the coast.
Shop the Look: Shop K9 Wear
Sweaty Melons – Cool Cantaloupes
When the mid-July humidity peaks, staying cool can feel impossible. Cool Cantaloupes by Sweaty Melons offers a discreet, high-tech way to lower your body temperature fast. These reusable, freezer-ready cooling packs are contoured to tuck completely out of sight inside your sports bra or bralette.
Why It’s a Must-Have: Filled with 98% purified water in a completely medical-grade, non-toxic casing, they deliver up to 20 minutes of intense, refreshing cold relief. They are an absolute lifesaver for crowded music festivals, sweltering amusement parks, or long, humid afternoons on the sand.
Shop the Look: Shop Sweaty Melons
