My Beach Packing List + The Lululemon Swimwear I’m Obsessing Over

The most critical item in a beach packing list – the swimsuit!

I hate swimsuit shopping – I actually hate swimsuits in general. I mean, I’ve basically declared the sun my enemy (skin cancer sucks), so the thought of stepping out into the sunshine wearing little to nothing literally makes me cringe.

But we are headed to the beach in a few weeks…and one must have a swimsuit for a beach vacation. So, off I went to find a swimsuit. I stumbled upon Lululemon’s swimwear line and thought hmmm…this could work! I was shocked by how easy these pieces are to wear and how much I loved them.

And also – let’s just talk about the fact that I’m now on the internet in a swimsuit. When Tammy & I started this blog, I swore I would never do swimwear. Less than 3 months later, and here I am. It’s crazy how much this blog has helped me to embrace my imperfections.

Do I have cellulite? YES. Is my tummy perfectly toned and taught? NO (I mean, this tummy carried 3 babies). But I’m happy, healthy and strong. And, I’m proud of this body!

The Lululemon Swimsuit That I Love

Top (Wearing M) | Bottoms (Wearing xs) | The Hat

The Top – It covers my chest which I love (I do NOT want even a drop of sun there) + the straps are adjustable which is a total win. It’s comfortable and I can run and play without any worry of slippage. I am typically between a small and medium in swimsuit tops (32D), and I am a solid medium in this top. It does run small – if between sizes definitely go up and if you are broader, I would also consider sizing up. It comes in multiple other colors including a pretty blue/white stripe.

**NOTE: Ugh, this top is mostly sold out. I’m so bummed, but I will be stalking Lulu’s site for restocks and will let you guys know ASAP. Also, I linked a few other amazing alternative tops below.

The Bottoms – The bottoms are fantastic. I love the extra high rise and cut of them. They are just cheeky enough to be a smidge sexy, but I am most definitely covered. The ones I am wearing are labeled medium coverage. They hold me in and stay put. These are currently fully stocked and would look amazing with any of the swim tops that I linked below.

Top (Wearing M) | Bottoms (Wearing xs)

It’s almost impossible to tell from these pictures, but the top is actually a seersucker fabric and the bottoms are a solid. They look great together – zero issue, and I actually love mixing and matching them. The matching seersucker bottoms are here, but this pair is cheekier (labeled skimpy) – whereas mine are medium coverage.

Add a Rash Guard

Rash guard (TTS, wearing xs) | Bottoms (xs) | The Hat

I’m obsessed with this rash guard. It’s the perfect slouchy t-shirt fit without the tight neck that a lot of rash guards have. I especially love it knotted for a little added sassiness. Also, I’m wearing the halter swim top underneath and it is super comfortable. I love it so much, I also ordered it in black.

The Other Lulu Swim Pieces I Love…

Or This Pretty One-Piece…

The Rest of My Beach Packing List

1 – Easy Tops: A cami, graphic tee & tank

We are mostly in our swimsuits or very casual at the beach. These three tops are easy, comfortable and can get me thru the entire trip. Some of my most-worn tops this Summer.

2 – A Long Sleeve Tee or Sweater for Cool Evenings
(Pick 1)

We will be in Florida so these probably won’t be necessary, but depending on where you are, the beach can definitely get chilly in the evening. These would be my top choices to throw on at night.

See my review on Kule tees here, and the Sweaty Betty sweater styled here.

I don’t actually own the pink one, but I’ve been drooling over it for weeks. There are also matching shorts! The shorts are fully stocked at Bloomies, and there are a few sizes left at KULE. They are priced higher at Bloomies, but I’m betting that if you called they would price match.

3 – The Shorts

These are the shorts I’ll be packing for the beach. The gauzy shorts are Rails – I actually have them in black (see my article styling them here), but I am loving the white, especially for the beach. The denim shorts are my Mother Tomcat’s (size up 1) – they are soft, stretchy and comfortable. Both of these shorts are perfect for the beach.

4 – A Chic Coverup

I ordered the white one and will report back as soon as it arrives. I’m super picky about coverups…this is classic and a little sexy. It has a borrowed from the boys vibe that I adore.

If you prefer a sarong, this one is gorgeous and a great price too – in both black and white.

5 – A Breezy Dress (or two)

Ok you guys – these are the three dresses that I’m debating between for our trip. I’m having a hard time deciding!

The Jenni Kayne dress – THIS may be the perfect dress for Summer. Simple, comfortable and chic. A cotton/linen blend that comes in navy, white, black and a taupe color. Love!

The off-the-shoulder one – Perfect for the beach, simple and sexy – and could easily double as a swimsuit coverup. (Update! I tried this one in white and it is very sheer. I would recommend going with the black in this dress or wearing a bathing suit underneath.)

The short Reformation one – 100% linen gorgeousness. Love the simplicity of this one.

6 – Waterproof Birks + Flat Sandals

I ordered the silver birks! I have been hearing amazing things about these waterproof birks for a couple years now. Tammy has them and swears by them for the beach + she leaves them outside year round to take the dogs to potty and says they’re still like new. Sold! And a great price.

And the tie-up sandals are my favorite this Summer. I really only take flat sandals to the beach and these are perfect for dinner or drinks out with a dress or cutoff shorts.

7 – Cute Pjs

How cute are these for the beach?! To lounge and sleep in… Love!

8 – A Packable Beach Towel

A pretty beach towel that’s easily packable is a must! These look great – and there are so many colors to choose from too.

9 – Sunscreen

You know I’m going to push the sunscreen – these are my favorites. But if you are going to be active, on a boat or in the water a lot… go for the big guns….here.

Under a UV protected umbrella, these all work great! And don’t forget to protect your lips – I am loving this SPF lip balm! I just ordered more for the whole family.

10 – A Beach Tote + Small Bag

You do not need this tote Rachel, you do NOT need this tote…repeat. I want this tote! It’s so dang cute for the beach and can easily be packed in your suitcase. I’ll likely also pack my Clare V –  great for dinners out and easily packable too.

11 – A Hat & Sunnies

I actually tried this hat on at Neimans when Tammy was in town but didn’t bring it home. And…I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I later ordered it from Bloomies, and I’m so happy I did.

I’m a super fan of Rag & Bone’s fedora, which is perfect for everyday. But there are times when I want a little more coverage (the beach, park, outdoor concerts etc). This one is perfect for that – providing UPF 50 and ample coverage (while still being very wearable). It’s one size fits most (Tammy wears a L in hats and found it a bit snug). A great investment piece!

And these sunnies are some of my most reached for…they are so light and easy to wear. They also work perfectly underneath a hat!

That wraps up my beach packing list – if you have a beach vacation planned, I truly hope that this takes the stress out of packing. And if you guys would like any more packing guides, let us know. We’d love to help!

Cheers to toes in the sand!
Rachel

Related Articles:
My Dream Swimsuit by Cover (SPF50+)
Best Sunscreens for Face…And Everything Else!
Beachwear For Over 40…The 10 Items In My Bag!