We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with LaurenConrad! The TV personality, writer, designer, and style maven started LaurenConrad.com, a social networking site that features daily posts by Lauren on all of our favorite topics — fashion, beauty, food, party planning — and Lauren will be sharing her latest fashion finds with Fab every month. First up? We get the skinny on Lauren's beach day basics.


The sun is shining and the seagulls are singing (or more accurately, combing the beach for your sandy leftovers)—it’s summertime! You may have your swimsuit du jour squared away along with the perfect pair of sunnies, but the question remains: Are you really ready to hit the beach?

In addition to my door side “go” bag (see In the Bag: Prepped & Ready for all the details), there are a few key fashion items I keep around for hanging beachside…


Classic Cut Offs
Every gal needs a good old pair of cut off jean shorts. For me, denim cutoffs will always be a summer staple. They are as timeless as they are California cool. Lately, I’ve been wearing Levi’s because I like the looser fit and higher set waist. The Levi’s 501 cut works well with most body types. Other cute cut offs I found online include Madewell’s cuffed Midi Shorts or Urban Outfitter’s Urban Renewal Shorts.

Neutral Sandals
I cannot stress how important it is to have a great pair of neutral sandals. Your wardrobe choices are exponentially multiplied when you’ve got a pair of shoes that go with almost everything in your closet. A few of my favorites are the sandals I designed for my LC Lauren Conrad line for Kohl’s, Tory Burch’s Emmy Flats, Topshop’s Hoopa Sandals, and Aldo’s Dauster Flats. And for those of you who plan on treading into the sand, I suggest keeping a pair of Havaianas Slim Flip Flops handy (I like the sand grey and light golden color combo).

Keeping reading . . ..

White Camisole
When I’m beach bound, I love to layer on an easy, lightweight camisole. In fact, I love them for a variety of occasions… Splendid makes a great basic camisole as does Sparkle & Fade.

RELATED: Ingredients For a Stellar Summer

A Killer Cover Up
If sand or water will be involved in my day, I always pack a cover up. They add the ideal dose of chic to any summer outing. I like simple striped versions and also sheer floral prints. Lace and crochet cover ups are also nice and have been popular this season. I also found this sweet Diane von Furstenberg romper that would make for an easy all-in-one oceanside ensemble.

LBB
Well, hello LBB (as in Little Black Bikini)! For a no-fuss beach trip, I keep a little black bikini around. That way, I can easily match my outfit and cover up if I’m in a hurry to get out the door. L*Space makes a great black bikini with the best fit. Like a LBD, every girl needs a LBB (oh, and a LWD too).

Floppy Hat
I always pack an oversize hat for the beach. J Crew does the best floppy hat. It's the perfect size and it travels well. Keeping your face safe and out of the sun is a must. For more tips on combatting the sun, be smart and check out my Hello Sunshine blog.

Oversize Tote
A classic straw tote with leather handles will last you years. Club Monaco has a lovely striped tote bag that’s big enough for your towel along with the rest of your beachy necessities.

What are your beach day basics?

XO Lauren

P.S. In case you missed them, take a look at my Swimwear Guide along with my Summer Sunglasses blog for more beach day basics.

More stories from LaurenConrad.com:

Tuesday Ten: The LWD

Style Note: Resort Recap

I Really Love My: Miu Miu Crisscross Platforms

Chic Peek: Being Bouquet-ed