Six of My Summer Essentials

The mercury has finally risen, and the pool is open. Sloane would swim every day if she could. Twice per day if it was possible. So this list of Summer Essentials is geared toward the pool.

One. I have purchased so many affordable summer hats over the years from Old Navy, Nordstrom and the like. $50 for a straw hat that is too rumpled to use again the next summer. But no more.

This Cuyana Open Weave Ecuador hat with its wide brim, breezy style and neutral band is the one I’m selecting. At just-under-$100, it isn’t cheap, but hopefully, I’m still wearing it in 2035. Or at least 2028.

Two. As a 42-year-old (for one more day) woman, I wear a bit of makeup to the pool. If 26-year-old influencers can use filters on Instagram with their “natural makeup” tutorial, I can put on a bit of skin tint to go for a swim. But wearing makeup makes reapplying sunscreen difficult, so I’m glad this Shiseido stick sunscreen can be applied under or over makeup with no white cast and no cakey look. Need an affordable alternative? e.l.f has one for <$15.

Three. As you know, the Andie Malibu saved me from the throes of boring Mom swimwear last year. I own three. But this season, I wanted something in a punchier color, so I chose this raspberry Tulum suit. I love the criss-cross back and the scoop neck. It’s not as compressive (ie: shaping) as the Malibu, but it still looks great on.

Also, on the Andie sizing, I find it runs just slightly small. The size guide says I’m a medium, but I’m just happier in a large. Better to be comfortable in the suit than have the “comfortable” with the number on the tag, you know what I mean?

Lastly, I wear nipple covers under all my swimsuits. I’m just not in the mood to have headlights at the pool. And I’m told that if you struggle with your navel being visible through your suit, a nipple cover will smooth that out also.

Four. I have a confession to make: I do not always make time to get a wax in the summer. So sometimes going to the pool requires more coverage. Luckily, these Baleaf board shorts are there to save me. They have a 5″ inseam, flat front styling and run up to 3x. They also come in a bunch of colors. And they mostly dry in the time it takes to change and redress a toddler.

Five. Your jewelry is not safe at the pool. Let me say it again for the people in the back: If you are wearing jewelry you care about to the pool, you are making a mistake. Instead, pick up a pair of water resistant hoops. They look great with a wet bun or sun hat. And you can find necklaces, anklets, bracelets and more that are pool friendly at Nordstrom Rack.

Six. Clogs might seem like a strange pool choice, but let me explain. Have you ever slipped on a pair of hot leather sandals that have been sitting out on a pool deck? I have. So I bought a pair of plastic-Birkenstocks, they’re a great shoe for walking by the pool, but they kill my feet if I wear them for longer than a 45-minutes. So I put my “summer slippers” these Rothy’s clogs in the car to make the drive home and any post-pool errands easier.

So what are your summer essentials, the products you feel like just make life in the warmer weather easier?

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