The countdown to summer vacation is nearly coming to a close, and we can finally dump our books at buyback and hit the beaches. With the heat and humidity, we’ll be wearing much less, meaning there’ll be more concern for air conditioning rather than for haute couture. (Because we were just so concerned with Christian Dior and Chanel in the first place.)
Before you go about wearing your faded “Ithaca is Gorges” shirt with your favorite pair of ratty sandals, remember that summer is prime time for meeting new people. Many people complain about the dire state of dating at Cornell, so take advantage of the different pool you might be wading into at the beach, or even at your summer MCAT class, by looking good at all times. If you and Joe Stranger happen to head to the shore together, here’s a guide to some summer essentials that’ll have you looking picture perfect when you and he lock lips passionately in the crashing waves like that one scene in From Here to Eternity.
Tunic
This can serve as a light cover for your tarty swimsuit, or it can be worn on its own with a pair of casual capris. Go for the $44 white three-quarter tunic with delicate red embroidery at the Gap.
Sunscreen
Never, never go without sunscreen. Slather it on even if it’s foggy or raining, because the rays are still going to get you. You’ll thank yourself later when those hot girls gone wild shrivel into orange, wrinkled hags because of their careless sunscreen-lessness. MD Formulations Total Protector provides SPF 30 coverage, available at Sephora for $22.
Sunglasses
You can instantly go from Jennifer to J. Lo with a pair of flashy sunglasses. Count on the showy styles of Versace to turn you into vampy vixen in no time; the $114 pink gradient pair should do the trick.
Sandals
You probably have an old, reliable pair already, but the feminine $118 ribbon sandals from Anthropologie will draw attention to your nice, smooth stems, and that’s always a good thing.
Hat
Again, this will provide some more ammo against those harmful UV rays. The $17.50 floppy straw hat from American Eagle Outfitters will carry out the dual task of prettifying and protecting you.
Tote
You’ll need to carry all the equipment around with you, and nothing does it better than a colorful beach bag. They come in all fun designs and hues, and they’re relatively inexpensive as well! The $16.50 large floral canvas tote from Old Navy will have that goodnight kiss right in the bag.
Archived article by Sherry Jun