With the 4th of July only a week away, it seems like everyone we talk to is getting ready to head to the beach. Whether you are still going with your parents, taking your own kids, or somewhere in between, there are a few things that should always be in your bag when you are on your way to put your toes in the sand. This week, we’ll touch on a few of our favorite beach items that we are sure you will love. First out of the gate is a great swimsuit. What would a trip to the beach be if you didn’t have anything to wear into the water? If you are only packing one suit, we recommend the Microstripe Swim Short ($69.50) by J.Crew.

While we could probably spend a whole week on swimsuits alone, we decided to focus on one that not only looks great, but can serve multiple purposes if need be. Made of a quick drying Nylon/Cotton blend, the Microstripe Swim Short is a suit that can seamlessly transition from a dip in the ocean, to a cocktail at the beach side bar without issue. With a 7 inch inseam, these shorts are a touch shorter than regular club shorts, but for the beach that is probably how things should be. To make sure everything stays in place, there is a snap at the waist, velcro fly, and a zippered back pocket. Because these shorts are only available online, you may want to act fast if you want to make sure you have a pair in hand prior to heading to the coast.