Hooray, summer is, for all intents and purposes, here! This is my favorite time of year and I so look forward to hanging out at the beach and soaking up the sun. Having spent 30-some odd summers down at Windansea, I have a checklist of five basic essentials that I go through every spring to make sure I’m beach ready. First and foremost is the bathing suit. I know this is probably everyone’s least favor-ite thing to shop for (mine included), but living in San Diego makes it is a necessity. And you don’t need just one — I recommend having two or three for your summer season. Fit, comfort and style are all important. Just like clothes and accessories are always changing, so are swimsuits. Thankfully we have several styles to choose from these days. For the more modest crowd, the maillot (one piece) has made a huge comeback. Many designers from Michael Kors to Marc Jacobs are doing amazing designs (my favorites are the one shoulder or cutout versions). Swim dresses are also popular and every season Juicy Couture provides several options of this rouched, skirted and extremely forgiving and flattering suit. Another version of a one-piece is the tankini, and it has gotten a slight update. Instead of being fitted to the body, they float and flow this season. Mix in a whimsical print and some jewels, and this suit has gone from matronly to interesting. If modesty is not your thing, then the bikini is what you desire. Local company ViX (www.vixswimwear.com) has an amazing line of bikinis that fit and flatter most body types. Its triangle tops are comfortable and the cups can slide for adequate coverage. If that’s not enough, they offer all bottoms in two styles: Brazilian and full. ViX’s prints and solid colors are well done and current with the trends that are happening in fashion — I’m currently eyeing their peacock-print bikini (Paraty Bia tube top $92 and Bia tube bottom $92) to round out my collection. Most of their suits come with their signature “tube” hardware that looks like jewelry for that extra splash of sassiness and sophistication. Now that we have our suit picked out, let’s focus on cover-ups. Shorts and T-shirts just won’t cut it any more with all the chic options that are out there. I love a great tunic in a wild print. They are lightweight so they dry quickly and keep you polished at all times. If June gloom has you worried, do a heavier version in terrycloth. Other great styles are caftans, ponchos, drawstring dresses and rompers. Two down, three to go … A great tote that holds everything is next on the list. Size is really key here, as I’m usually lugging around a towel (or two), reading materials, water, sunscreen (my family and I love Headhunter) and snacks. A zip pocket is also necessary to keep keys and phones safe. Once I have met those requirements, I focus on aesthetics. I love straw this time of year, and other interesting materials I have been seeing are neoprene (www.dvf.com), recycled sails (www.seabags.com) and classic canvas (LLBean.com). A great tote can get expensive, so really think about how hard you are going to be on it, how long you expect it to last and what you are willing to pay. Flip-flops are number four on my list and something all San Diego natives have, but fashion never settles for average. That is why I’m wild about Jellies. No, I’m not talking about the ones that were around in the 1980s — these days everyone has a version of a jelly flip-flop. You can find them in all varieties from plain-and-simple to versions decked out with bows, studs or flowers. They are comfortable, take forever to look shabby and can easily transition from beach to everyday use. Price points vary from $95-$295 but well worth the extra cash. Not willing to convert, Havaianas do a good job of combining comfort and style in their line. They even have some fancy versions with Swarovski crystals ($200). Last and certainly not least is a fabulous sun hat. This might be the most important accessory. After all, keeping your skin protected and wrinkle-free is always in style. The Fedora is all the rage right now and everyone from Banana Republic to San Diego Hat Company has a version. It has been around forever and looks great on guys and girls. If you are looking for more coverage, I would go with a wide-brimmed or floppy sun hat. They come in all kinds of fabrics from ribbon to cotton and straw, and the prices will vary according to fabric and designers. For example, a beautiful straw hat from Eric Javitz can run anywhere to $350-$425, but it is gorgeous and if you take care of it properly you will have it for many summers to come. Not looking to break the bank but still want coverage? There are plenty to satisfy. Helen Kaminski does a cotton bucket hat for $95, San Diego Hat Company does a ribbon crusher from $50-60 and at these prices, you can use it all summer and move on to something else next year. I also like these types of hats because they travel easily, can get wet or be washed without any fuss. Another option that I love is a wide-brimmed visor. On hot days, it’s nice to not have your head completely covered, trapping in all the heat. They also roll up so travel is a cinch and are at a more reasonable price point ($54-$145). I hope this helps to get you beach ready. No matter where you are or what you are doing you can always look your best. Enjoy this summer season and hit the beach (or pool) with confidence. After all, it’s everyone’s best accessory. — Sabrina Heft has been a fashion consultant in San Diego for several years. Along with consulting, she is the creative director and lead stylist for The Gap at UTC. [email protected]