Everything I Pack in My Beach Bag for a Cool Girl Summer

Obsessions from VERANDA's Style & Market Editors

View in Browser     CATHERINE SMITH Style & Market Editor Hi, friends! Summer is in full swing and things are officially heating up. With the Fourth of July this weekend, I've got one thing on my mind—turning on my OOO message, catching a salty breeze, and, of course, sneaking in a swim between Wimbledon sets (yes—I'll be the one livestreaming under the umbrella). With a few more beach trips on the horizon, I'm giving my bag a little seasonal refresh. From chic sun protection to fun accessories, here's what I'm tossing in to stay cool and covered with just the right amount of style. xo, Catherine My Beach Bag Essentials BEACH BAG MVP This tote hasn't left my side all summer. From tennis courts to lake days, it's made the rounds—and now it's heading to the beach for its final sandy exam. Spoiler: It'll pass with flying colors. The detachable pouch is perfect for stashing your keys and cards. STAR POWER SUNNIES Slip on these berry-toned beauties and watch your inner celeb come to life. The color is bold, the shape flatters every face, and you can bet I'll be wearing them well into fall. ONE VERY CHIC SUIT I'm a sucker for a good one-piece, and this one has it all—espresso tones, flattering ruching, a halter neckline, and the sweetest little rosette detail for good measure. It's a classic, with just enough oomph to turn heads. MY HAT TRICK If I'm outdoors, I'm in a hat—no question. This wide-brimmed, packable cutie has SPF built right in, and the chambray is the fresh summer twist I didn't know I needed. Want to catch those sun-kissed highlights? Go for this straw visor instead. THE COOLEST TOWEL ON THE BEACH Ready to up your beach chair game? This moody, sunny stunner is equal parts playful and polished with stripes that give major laid-back, cool-girl energy. You'll have the best-dressed lounger on the sand, guaranteed. GLOWY SPF At this point, you know I don't mess around with sun protection, and this mineral sunscreen makes reapplying a breeze. My summer secret? A swipe of SPF blush for that glow on the go (yes, it's a thing, and yes, it's amazing). And don't skip the lips—you'll thank me later. CARDS ON DECK There's always room for a deck of cards in my beach bag. It's the perfect way to turn downtime into playtime—ideally post-swim, under an umbrella, with something ice-cold in hand. Follow Us Unsubscribe | Privacy Notice | CA Notice at Collection Veranda is a publication of Hearst Magazines. ©2025 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This email was sent by Hearst Magazines, 300 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019-3779