Image Credit: Elle Macpherson photographed by Gilles Bensimon, 1986 ELLE Cover
“This way to the beach” says the ubiquitous sign. But when you’re headed in that direction over the age of 45, how does one prepare? I am sharing here some of the tricks I’ve picked up along the way (which is a very different list than it would’ve been at 25 or even 35), so I can just chill out and embrace the adventure. I’m not promising any paradigm shifts, but perhaps there’s something here that’ll help you enjoy your time “sur la plage” that much more.
Starting at the soles. Beach vacation pedicures are a conundrum. You have a lot more time with exposed toes, so it makes me happy to see them looking lovely. But the beach - and surfing in particular - can really beat up a polish job. I broke up with toxic gel a long time ago, so my little hack is to opt for a light metallic hue. They tend to really hang in there and don’t show chips. On this trip my beige-y mermaid toes were a good vibe, almost neutral.
Here’s a key addition to your pre-packing prep. Get your lashes and brows tinted before you head off for your trip. As a result I wear zero makeup while away, just a spot of tinted moisturizer with spf (I like Coola’s in Golden Hour) and a bit of a glossy lip when (if) I go out at night.
When I travel I check a bag. Packing light doesn’t make someone an inherently better person, okay? I understand the obvious upside en route, but when I arrive at the destination I like to have my stuff. When friends and boyfriends have teased me about this, I respond: “Just wait. You’ll see.”
Sure enough, they inevitably partake in my sunscreen, snacks, aloe, use that extra pareo I tucked into my luggage, enjoy the tunes from my bluetooth speaker - and then ask to read the book I just finished instead of staring into their phone. I am graciously benevolent so I share, and quietly enjoy my magnanimity.
That said, I wanted to up my organizational game for travel. I recently upgraded my toiletry bags (one medium, one large) to hold all ze skincare, suncare, hair care as well as stuff for bumps, scapes and bites. Stuffed inside are these little magnetic product holders. They’re big enough for a fairly long trip without being bulky. The whole situation makes me feel grownup in a good way.
From bundled up airplane passenger to barefoot and beachy with a little help from my friend - self-tanner. Can be kind of dicey picking a tanning product that won’t look cheezy or leave me smelling like a chemical bath. Before this trip, I used St. Tropez’s Bronzing Water, which quickly imparts a nice golden glow and has a neutral scent.
While I have no sartorial rules for myself per se, I have gotten to the point where I don’t want to wear a miniskirt with swimwear. It doesn’t feel elegant, but I also don’t want to wear a voluminous muumuu circa Mrs. Roper (Three’s Company, IYKYK). So I am now deeply devoted to the midi, particularly those with a waistline sitting just above my belly button. As example, I scored this crazy toucan situation in Greece and it’s become a favorite for tropical destinations. Plus: pockets.
In general, swimwear shopping can be challenging, at best. I highly recommend checking out local swimwear stores when you’re visiting beach destinations. They often have a lot of inventory, feature local designers you wouldn’t score at home and you are able to mix tops and bottoms (I am rarely the same size in both). In Puerto Rico, I stopped into the longest-running locally-owned surf brand / store, Playero, and grabbed this comfortable, basic black bikini.
On tropical trips, I mostly live in one-piece bathing suits under sarongs or skirts. Personally, I am drawn to sporty-sultry swimwear silhouettes that remind me of Elle Macpherson being shot by Gilles Bensimon in the late 80’s. See goddess status image above. To me she looks strong, healthy and very womanly.
One of my go-to sources for bathing suits is Dos Gardenias, which I discovered while living in Malibu. Here I’m wearing their neoprene number, which gives a bit of Bond Girl (currently available in black regenerated nylon), and a wrap from Ulla Johnson which I got mid-winter in Manhattan just because I loved it and I’ve worn it about 200 times. Here’s something similar.
As far as footwork goes, stash the Havianna’s. I opt for these washable, waterproof Birks that are super lightweight but have plenty of support for my daily long walks, and are gentle on the wallet.
Of course none of this matters more than just relaxing and being present. I remember hearing my friend who is a prominent fitness expert get interviewed about what makes a beach body. He said, “You put on a swimsuit and go to the beach.” Part of what’s great about getting older is being confident in myself as I am, including my penchant for checking a bag. That’s demi-elder wisdom.
Note: Thank you for reading. If you found this at all helpful (or amusing), please give it a like or drop a comment below. And if you know someone that might enjoy my perspective, kindly forward it along. Your participation is everything.
Never thought of light metallic hues for nailpolish but now I can’t get it out of my head! Loved reading this piece, just wanted more photos, more tips, more everything!
I love this substack. Thank you for writing it. Will be using all of these tips and tricks.