When I'm Packing for a Beach Vacation, There's Only One Non-Negotiable Accessory

The summer hat should be a non-negotiable accessory. Hear me out. This is a kill-two-birds-with-one-stone kind of accessory. And honestly, I wish I wore them religiously in my teen years (hello sun spots!). Now in my adult life, I'm well aware that the summer hat pulls together an outfit quickly; keeps you shaded from the sun; and protects your skin, all at the same time (some styles excluded).

Summer is the season of straw for me, although I also like a cotton wide-brim, even a chic baseball cap at times. The summer hat—weather straw, cotton, or cap—goes from the hiking trail to the beach to a nice lunch out, and is also perfect for gardening outside—all of the summer activities you’ve lined up for yourself. My particular style embraces a straw hat, whether wide-brimmed, short-brimmed, and visor.

First up, the wide flat-brimmed straw hat. Janessa Leone makes the most delicious options; I've sworn by them for years. These are the hats I wear when I’m doing anything in the sun, from gardening to running errands. They make the most simple of outfits a little bit chicer and more rounded out. Next up, the bucket hat. To be honest, I don’t like most bucket hats. In fact, some of the only passable options are from Toteme, Janessa Leone, and Loewe. A packable version is always included in my vacation suitcase.

This wouldn’t be a summer hat story without the lifeguard hat. My entire family wears these around the beach. Easy to pair with any beach look, this is a styling piece that requires minimal effort—it goes with everything! The best version to date is one I found on Amazon, can you believe?