Recently I found myself packing for a long weekend trip to a beach destination where the only activity on my itinerary was to sunbathe, swim, and repeat. It was an ideal getaway to relax and unplug. But being the digitally native millennial that I am, naturally, I began with packing for my beach trip by considering which items would be the most Instagram-worthy. I can't help but admit that for most trips I go on, I pack at least a few items that are guaranteed to be photogenic.
So when it came time to put my suitcase together, I made sure to pack specific items like a large straw hat and a netted tote bag that have proven over and over to be Instagram winners. Sure, I swam and laid out my fair share, but I also made time to snap as many photos as I could of the beach outfits I styled. Curious to know what to pack for the beach so you can also get ample content to refresh your Instagram feed (or just for fun)? The following nine items are a must-pack in my book.
Sarong
Throw on a sarong over your swimsuit for to and from the beach or to cover up in the shade.
Available in sizes 34 to 42.
Available in one size.
Large Straw Hat
Practice safe sun and look incredibly stylish while doing it.
Beach Cover-Up
Be sure to pack a beach cover-up that's just as cute (and photogenic) as the suit you wear beneath it.
Available in one size.
Available in sizes
Net Bag
Netted totes have pretty much become "Instagram gold" these days. Show off all your aesthetically pleasing beach essentials in one.
Chain Belt
Maybe not the most practical if you're trying to work on your tan, but you can't deny how cool a vintage-inspired chain belt looks layered over a colorful swimsuit.
Retro Sunglasses
Sunglasses are an obvious must for the beach, so grab a unique pair and get to snapping.
Printed Scarf
There's something undeniably retro about wearing a silky scarf alongside your beach attire. Wrap one around your head or tie it in your ponytail as an extra accessory.
Coordinating Accessories
Coordinating the color palette of your beach picnic might be just as important as the Insta-worthy items that you arrange for it.
Colorful Beach Towel
Since you're bringing a beach towel anyway, pack a bright one that won't intrude on your perfectly planned Insta.
Pack these items for your next beach day and you're sure to get the best photos out of your adventure.
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