In Michigan where I live, with long, dark, and cold winters, we LIVE for the summers. Seasonal depression lifts and you are your best self again. It is literally the energy of this song.
When Memorial Day weekend rolls around, a very special thing happens and that is: your neighborhood pool opening. Adults and kids alike are giddy.
I’ve been dreaming of this moment all year and despite having woken up to 30 degree weather here this morning, my spirits are high and I am ready for 9 p.m. sunsets and good vibes.
Frankly, the weather forecast for me this weekend is not looking good. BUT! Even if the weather doesn’t cooperate, Memorial Day is still the start of summer and thus, the start of pool (or beach) season.
Let’s pack our pool bags:
THE BAG:
I love a straw bag like the one I included above. You can also find lots on Etsy — just search “French straw market bag” or “Moroccan shopping basket.”
Obviously you also can’t go wrong with a Boat & Tote or the Lands’ End equivalent. Monogram with your name or something fun!
You also need an insulated bag or cooler to bring your grillables and cold beverages (ie. one of my favorite wines in can form). We have a Yeti, but anything will do.
GALS:
Swimsuit: For the last 5 years, my favorite swimsuits have been from Youswim, a Hunza G equivalent. I’ve worn them through pregnancy, postpartum + breastfeeding, and my normal size. I prefer them to Hunza G (which I also have) because they’re more affordable and the fabric is a little thinner and less heavy, while still very flattering. They’re high cut making my legs look longer, while still covering my bum (important & not always easy to find these days lol). Highly recommend!
Coverup: I love an oversized white button down as a swim coverup because it looks crisp and effortless, while also offering coverage and can serve as your top on the way home after you’ve changed out of your wet suit. I love my Frank & Eileen one, but have heard good things from Jennifer Cook about this Gap one. I’m also into this spin on a classic from Abercrombie (pictured above; the brown is cool too). When I want a bottom, I’ll wear my Comme Si boxer shorts. These J.Crew ones look cute too (would buy to wear oversized).
Sun protection: Ofc you need great sun protection. For sunblock, we use Supergoop for the whole family (and as I write this, there’s currently a 20% off sale!) I love a baseball hat always, especially for the pool and this one from my brother’s brand Known to All is no exception! I’ve also heard amazing things from great sources about this straw hat. And idk about you, but Warby Parker is just doing it for me in this phase of life: cute, no branding, solidly made, I can try them on in-person, and they’re not $$$ for when my kids inevitably drool all over them and then drop them from several feet up in the air. This is the pair featured above and they’re under $100.
Sandals: I don’t try to bring nice sandals to the pool. I like a rubber flip flop I can shower in post dip, like these square toe Havaianas that I bought last year and can’t wait to wear again. I am also eyeing these (although idk if I’d shower in them?)
Towels: I love anything colorful that screams POOL! BEACH! We love ours from Brooklinen, which have since been discontinued but these are v cute. I would get all different colors to mix & match.
Life is good.
KIDS:
I'm obsessed with everything from the latest resort wear Zara collabs. This is the one for girls and this is the one for boys (although obvi mix & match however you like). I have built quite a cart for my kids from these drops. If I had an older girl right now, she would be getting this swimsuit (pictured above) with these shorts. They also have towels!! And this tote?!
Boys: For boys swim trunks, I like classic stripes that are inexpensive and easily sourced, like this pair from Carter’s. If I were to go fancy with kid swimwear (which I haven’t, but IF!), I’d get something from Minnow (eg. I love these!) Finish with a solid color rash guard to match, like this one from Target.
Girls: This will the first summer my daughter goes in the pool (last summer she was a newborn!) so I am not fully equipped in the girl swim category. But, I am eyeing Hanna Andersson and Mini Boden (which my friends say both have great quality & long-lasting girls suits). Also, the ruffles on the straps of this suit make me very happy.
Toys: These reusable water balloons were a big hit last year. So were these torpedos for the kiddie pool.
GUYS:
My husband has yet to find a bathing suit that he likes so do us both a favor and leave a comment with any recs so that I can be done hearing about it!
And with that, I’ll leave you with a playlist to get you vibing:
Happy start of summer to you!
xx Ariane
Vilebrequin swim trunks for men! A splurge but they last (and some have a surprisingly pleasing ‘invisible’ patterning that shows up when they get wet)
Bonobos. come in multiple lengths, and Vineyard Vines Chappy swim trucks (lighter fabric, quicker drying than Bonobos)