What does a day at the beach mean to you? Romantic walks along the shore, baring all (almost) in your new bikini, sunsets over the bay? Or perhaps it means sweaty sunbathing, salty hair and awkward bikini changes under an undersized beach towel?

Looking glamorous on the beach needn’t be a chore – a few simple fashion tips that anyone can follow will help you achieve that sexy, sun-kissed, surfer chic that will take you from beach to bar with ease.

Love your Locks

Just one day exposed to the hot sun and salty sea can cause havoc with your hair. Protect your head and hair with a trend-setting, stylish bandana or turban, wrapping your locks up in beautiful fabric, adorned like an African Queen. After Prada introduced this look to the catwalks earlier this year, many variants on this extravagant headwear have arrived on the high street from hair wraps to head bands. Protect your hair from the sun, sea and harmful rays that burn the scalp and look like a true bohemian beauty on the beach. Not only will you be making an incredibly on-trend fashion statement, you’ll keep your hair looking flawless – just unwrap and unleash your hair before hitting the bar.

TOP TIP – why not apply a deep conditioning treatment to your hair under your turban, washing off last thing in the evening? An intense treat for your hair is just what it needs after a few days drying out in the sun.

Accessorise your Beachwear

Every wise girl knows a trip to the beach is incomplete without some form of beach cover up – something floaty and fabulous to pull on over your swimsuit between sunbathing sessions. Present in every fashionable girls beach bag, the kaftan is quickly overtaking the sarong this summer as the perfect way to cover up on the beach. Traditionally, a full length and voluminous silhouette is best but new variants on the kaftan include shorter, straighter shapes, billowing sleeves and plunging, embellished necklines. Adapt your cover up from day to night by adding some clever accessories – wear a wide belt pulling the kaftan in at the waist for a sexy hourglass style or pull on some shimmering metallic sandals for a chic evening look.

TOP TIP – Choose light colours to keep cool in your kaftan, white looks fantastic against tanned skin and won’t show up sand and salt marks like darker fabrics.
Go Oversize

Make sure you choose your beach bag carefully. A day on the beach is a lot more high maintenance than a shopping trip – you’ll need plenty of space for the sun cream, sunglasses, towel, book, iPod, water – and what better excuse to find yourself a gorgeous oversize beach bag? Look for a simple bucket style, with short shoulder straps and avoid too many zips and pockets, saving the inner space for all your gear. It’s not just a large bag you need – super-size your shades too for a touch of 60’s glamour. Huge sunglasses look great, giving sun-strained eyes a touch of Hollywood style as well as the best possible protection from the sun (just don’t fall asleep in them or you’ll end up with some serious white bits.)

TOP TIP – There’s nothing glam about emerging from the sea with smudged mascara all over your face – invest in a reliable waterproof mascara or better still, try an eyelash tint for foolproof, sultry lashes.