What to Wear at the Beach

Not sure what to pack for your beach-based vacation? It all depends on where you stay. Some beaches are youth-oriented, which means you're likely to be surrounded by near-nude young bodies in search of fun and sun. Don't try to compete unless you're in the same age range; just get out of the way and make a place for yourself under a palm where no one will notice. Two-piece string bikinis are likely to rule at these resorts, especially during many colleges' spring break in March and the increasingly popular September or October fall break at Southern locales like Virginia Beach, Daytona, or Miami Beach, among dozens of others.

You may prefer the dress code at a more sophisticated setting, like Myrtle Beach, where visitors include families and professional people seeking a few days of rest and relaxation. Here you will be comfortable wearing the latest summer fashions modeled in trendy magazines like Esquire or Vogue. A conservative one-piece or mischievous two-piece with a suitable cover while in transit to the shore may well be the norm during the tourist season. Sleeveless summer smocks or short shorts with tied-waist tops may supplement the trim figures boasting the latest swimwear.

For the more adventurous beachcomber, the semi-clad sun worshippers of St. Tropez and other Mediterranean coastal regions will provide more to see than just local sites. You may even rub elbows, or more, with international celebrities who jet to these glamorous locations to showcase their buff bodies and toned tans.

If you plan to visit a popular or quiet beach and you're not sure what to wear, ask the hotel clerk to recommend a dress code in advance of your arrival. Or check out the locals before going shopping to find your own look in a new outfit before heading for the sand and the waves. In the long run, it won't matter what you wear as long as it's accompanied by a smile.

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