With summer just around the corner, fashion magazines, television and the the Internet are full of stories about this year's hottest swimwear and accessories to wear to the beach. Since the media keeps us well educated about what to wear to the beach, how about a list of what not to wear while there? Every summer when I'm at the beach I see hundreds of people make what I consider are serious beach fashion faux pas. From skimpy Speedo's to saggy diapers, fashion blunders abound at the seashore. To help you not make the same mistakes here's a list of ten things you or your family should definitely not wear to the beach this summer.
Ten Things You Should Never Wear At The Beach
1. Diapers
Please, please don't let your young children run around the beach in a regular diaper. The saggy baggy diaper look just isn't attractive. Not only do they look horrible, the diapers get packed full of sand and water which is uncomfortable for your child. It's also unsanitary as the diaper's contents can leak out polluting both the the ocean and sand. If your child is still in diapers and you plan on coming to the beach this summer definitely invest in some water-proof swim diapers.
2. Sunblock Across Your Nose
Back in the 50's nearly everyone had a big stripe of heavy sunscreen across their nose and sometimes their shoulders to help prevent sunburn. Since then millions and millions of dollars have been spent on creating better and more transparent sunscreens so there is really no need for anyone to sport a huge white stripe of unsightly sunscreen across their nose while at the beach this summer.
3. Street Clothes
There is nothing comfortable or attractive about wearing your street clothes while taking a dip in the ocean. Sand and seaweed get caught in the weirdest places and your clothes weigh a ton. Not to mention that afterward the day is over you have to wear them home. If you're planning on heading to the beach this summer take a few extra minutes to grab a swimsuit.
4. Speedo's
Guy's please don't wear those tight little Speedo's to the beach. I've never met one person who thought they looked attractive except maybe the guy wearing them. Now if you're going to be on a beach in the south of France and want to fit in go ahead and wear a Speedo since most European men do, however here in America Speedo's just don't make the cut.
5.Underwear
Believe it or not I see several adults as well as children taking a dip in the ocean in their underwear every time I go to the beach. Not only is it unattractive but underwear is unlined, can become translucent when wet and generally doesn't stay on as well as a swimsuit when you get hit by a big wave. So unless you want to bare it all leave the underwear in your bag or at home and put on a swimsuit before heading down to the beach.
6. White Swim Suits
Nothing shows off a summer tan like a white swimsuit. However, if you plan on getting in the water at all be prepared to show off a lot more than your tan. When wet, white swimsuits become transparent giving everyone else at the beach a free show whether they want one or not.
7. Big Shirts
Ladies, big dumpy t-shirts at the beach don't hide anything except that cute swimsuit underneath. If you're feeling a little self conscious about your body and don't want to show a lot of skin invest in a cute cover up that shows off your best assets and draws attention away from those areas what you don't feel comfortable showing.
8. Provocative Swimsuits on Young Girls
As a mother of two little girls I cringe every time I see girls as young as 7 in provocative swimsuits at the beach. Not only do these type of suits promote sexuality in young children they can also attract negative attention from boys and even pedophiles. Save the low cut swimsuits and padded bikini tops for when they are much older. To prevent your daughter from complaining about your choice of a more modest suit let her choose some cute accessories dress it up.
9. Thong Bikini's
Thong bikini's need I say more? Seriously if you feel the need to show off that much skin then you might as well do everyone a favor and head on over to a clothing optional beach.
10. Lots of Bling
I can never figure out why women come to the beach wearing lots of jewelry. Not only do they run the risk of losing their jewelry in the sand, after being in the sun for a couple of hours jewelry can get hot and leaves unsightly tan lines. If you want to add a little sparkle to your beach attire leave the bling at home and show off your glamorous side with a pair of rhinestone studded shades, sparkly sandals or a shimmery suit.