If you are over 50 hitting the beach (or the lake in our case), can be intimidating. None of us want to wear the dreaded swimsuit or get too much sun if you are already paying for years of sun abuse (like me). But we don’t want to miss out on the fun either. We want a swimsuit with enough coverage and enough support that doesn’t look like something grandma wore. I haven’t purchased a suit in a couple of years for this reason. I just ordered this one from Athleta and it is my new best friend (well no swimsuit is my best friend but this one comes close). This is what I love about it. It has neck support and it clasps in the back for extra support. Did I mention it also has a high neck? My chest has had way too much sun over the years.
The bottoms I purchased were the shirred “full tide” bottoms. The keyword here is “full tide” (translation it covers the bum). I love that you can buy these separately (whose bum is the same size as their boobs anyway?). I am not getting any sponsorship from Athleta, I just found a suit that works (kinda).
We all need a great hat that shields our head and more from the sun. My favorite (because it is packable and lasts) is the Provence 12 from Helen Kaminski. The brim can be worn up or down.
It is pricey I know. I was gifted a couple of years ago because I could not afford them (which I still wear) from my dear friend Sharon. If you have the money and want something packable that will last, this is a fabulous hat. If you are the sort of person that loses hats and doesn’t want the investment, this hat from Target great looking. I picked up one for my daughter. If someone sits on or spills wine on it who cares it is $12.99.
A great pair of flip flops that have some traction and don’t slide off your feet are necessities. These Havianas from Amazon wear like iron. They have other versions but this one is the sturdy, non-skid version. I still have a pair I occasionally garden in (the bottoms are worn and wonky) and they are at least eight years old.
Now let’s talk sunscreen. Some are outrageously expensive and some of the cheaper versions are just as effective. How do you know which to purchase without being a total sucker? I subscribe to Consumers online but do I read it cover to cover no. I googled sunscreens and up came a Huff Post article (via consumers) on the best sunscreens. The overall winner was La Roche Posay Anthelios La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Face and Body Sunscreen Milk SPF 60 with Cell Ox Shield. It is $36 at Walgreens. I am not sure if I am taking the plunge (we have a lot of people sharing sunscreens at the lake). The sunscreen in the number two position is Equate Sport Lotion SPF 50 on Amazon for $9.86. If you are lazy like me and love the spray versions, guess who’s is number 1, Trader Joe’s Nourish Spray Sunscreen SPF 50+ Broad Spectrum . It is available on Amazon if you don’t have a T’J’s nearby.
For sunglasses, I am sure everyone has their favs. I need to order a pair with (progressive lenses), but if I could still see I wouldn’t pass up a pair of Rayban Wayfarers (always a classic)
This beach bag from Jadetribe is super cute and is currently on sale.
Lastly, how about a great coverup that actually “covers up”? I am giving this Michael Stars number a shot. The model is 5’9 and it comes below her knees so at 5’4 it should hit mid-calf on me. Enough coverage but not so long that I will be tripping over it.
For fun here is a more budget-friendly option. This halter tankini suit is also from Athleta (on sale and flattering as well). I ordered this one too and think I will keep it as well. It also clasps in the back. I did not include a budget-friendly swimsuit because I don’t think there is a budget-friendly version that suits an over 50 figure (not enough support or substance), and I don’t think the haviana flip flops (at Amazon) are expensive enough that you would want to get cheap ones that fall apart (been there). Love this great kaftan from Target. How could you go wrong for $29.99? Great straw tote ($39.99) also from Target. The equate sunscreen can be found on Amazon, and the cute aviator sunnies from Nordstrom are $14. If you drop them in the lake there will be no tears!
We are headed to the lake over the 4th for a whole week with family and our little Summer Harper. We can’t wait. She is changing so quickly I can hardly stand it. I just returned from a quick visit. She is seven weeks old is smiling and starting to coo. Is she the cutest little bug you have ever seen or what? I know crazy grandma..
Have a Great Weekend!
That photo of Summer! So adorable! Keep sharing those photos Grandma! I’m going to try the sunscreen.
my mind is on your darling grand baby, soooooo big! she is precious.
excellent tips on going to the beach, not in my future but worth remembering!
debra
Cindy, that baby, let’s cover that first, so so cute!! The best thing, isn’t it, to have such a precious little one to hold and kiss all over?! The necessities are right on target. I love the Kaminski hat ( honestly, it will last forever- my bag by them is 30 years old and still looks new!) and I love the cover up.
Thanks for some great tips, I agree with all of you, just because we want to cover up a little at the beach or lake at our age a little, doesn’t mean we don’t want to have fun AND look great! xo Lidy
Such a practical and sweet assortment of the necessities for summer… love the two tiers of options! Your granddaughter is scrumptious… what a wonderful July 4th it will be! Your blog and the Contessa’s should win a Grand Prize for the Ageless Style series, and each of you, individually, for creating blog havens that are beautiful, informative, inspirational, (and so much fun 🙂 I am 62 years old and have published two children’s books and working on a third… later in life I have discovered that writing, like any other interest or passion, IS ageless.
Happy summer!
DA thank you so much for your kind comments and support. Good Luck with that third book! Keep us posted!
Yes, it is Summer time. She is absolutely adorable. Have a wonderful 4th. As for swimsuits, I gave that up years ago and after years of sun worshipping in my teens and early 20s (baby oil and iodine years—so genius, no?), I cover up and always wear long sleeves and hats. Sunscreen feels more suffocating to me than covering up. Love Helen Kaminski hats. I have some I bought years ago and they are still look great. Can’t wait to see Summer in a hat and sunnies.
Hi Cindy!
New to your insta and blog and loving both.
Do you have a link to the tankini you purchased from Athleta? I can’t find it on their website.
Thanks!
Karen
California
I love the suit, and the entire beach outfit you put together. I agree that as we age there are certain parts of our body that look better with a bit more coverage!
Amen to that comment Candi! Thanks for stopping by!
I’ve been using the LaRoche-Posey sunscreen for years. Here in Florida, I always make sure to put it on my face, neck and chest. It works. You might try applying some to those critical places at home and bring the less expensive brands to share and use on your arms and legs.
That is great advice. I have some ordered from Amazon! Thanks for the tip Kathy!
That baby is à croquer–cute enough to gobble up.
On the raffia hat, a tip: the little tie serves a purpose–you can tighten the hat with it so it doesn’t fly off in the wind!
I have a two-track swimsuit strategy: there’s the one-piece that’s good for swimming (actually I am a terrible swimmer and mostly do water aerobics) and that I wear only in the evening when I don’t have to worry about the sun. Then there’s the sun armor, which I break out for daytime, especially when we hit the beach: swimshorts (with pockets!) that are far shorter than anything I would wear IRL but that cover my bum and ensure that little crescent of skin on the hip doesn’t get burned; a bikini top (for support) and a mega-SPF long-sleeve, high-neck rash guard. I like to think I look like a fierce beach volleyball player or surfer. Also, in the water I prefer shorts to a skirt. I’m neither thin nor fat, and the shorts actually are way more flattering than regular bikini bottoms without giving off old-lady-trying-to-be-modest vibes.
I love that feature on the hat…I should have mentioned it. Another reason it is such a great hat. I love your swimsuit strategy. The things we have to do at our age!!
Ahhh, Summer… so darn cute!!! When she is a little older, can we kidnap her and have Tommy get us into Disneyland???
Love the Athleta bathing suit. I regret the last suit I bought…too much chest exposure.
Cindy,
This is great. I’ve been taking our visiting family to the beach, I could definitely use the cover up, ended up wearing shorts and a t-shirt!
Happy summer! Your granddaughter is adorable.
Karen
there is something about the baby that reminds me of Steve!! Maybe it is her eyes??? I can’t quite tell. Who do you think she looks like? She IS definitely beautiful….I agree! Love your blog today. Love to all of you. Brenda
Hey Brenda! You know she may have those Hattersley eyes…you may be on to something!! I think she looks like Darius but she does have Jen’s mouth…it will all change next week..ha!