With the gorgeous weather we’re experiencing in Europe right now, I’m pretty sure everyone is either at the beach or wishing they were! To help you get prepared (or enable your day-dreaming), here are my top 5 essential items to pack for a beach break.

1. After-sun care: As an Australian, I’ve been constantly taught about the importance of sun protection. I always wear SPF 50+ when I’m at the beach, but even with that, my oh-so-pale skin can feel a bit tender after a day outside. I’m a huge fan of Clarins After Sun Care range because it’s intensely moisturising to help prolong your tan, but it’s also cooling to provide relief in case you slip up and get burnt.

2. One-piece swimsuit: Don’t get me wrong, I’ve nothing against bikinis, but the humble one-piece can make a stylish alternative. I wore the Jets by Jessika Allen iconic printed bandeau swimsuit (pictured) this summer and I must say I felt like a gorgeous pin-up girl! Unfortunately this design is now sold out online but you can find equally pin-up worthy styles here, here and here.

3. Maxi Dress: A maxi dress with clean lines will be the MVP in your beach break suitcase. You can throw it on at the beach over your swimsuit and then you can dress it up with some jewelry or a great belt in the evening for dinner. I think Anthropologie’s Seared Colorblock Dress ($98) would be an on-trend multi-tasker.

4. Large scarf: A scarf that matches your maxi dress and/or swimsuit is a must-pack accessory. You can wrap it around your hips at the beach, throw it over your shoulders in the evening when those sea breezes cool it down, and even make it into a pillow when you lie back to read your book. I’ve picked Modcloth’s Gossamer Gyrose scarf in coral ($24.99)

5. Neutral flat sandals: You can’t go wrong with these shoes. They’ll work their way effortlessly from day to night and they’ll keep a little bit of summer working in your wardrobe once you’re back in the big smoke. I love Kate Spade’s Faylyn thong sandal (now $149.99)