By Kaitlin Andorfer

It’s that time of year again when everyone is itching to break out the bathing suits, dust off the old tote and hightail it to the beach. For some, the thought of the beach conjures up feelings of anxiety about stripping down half way to their birthday suit and parading around like they’re totally comfortable with it. But for a fashionista, a day at the beach is just another excuse to slip on some cute accessories and turn heads by stepping onto the sand in style.

Whether you’re in the Hamptons or lounging by the neighbor’s pool, there are a few musts when it comes to stylish water wear. The first step is to find the perfect Sports Illustrated-worthy swimsuit.

When selecting a suit, the first thing to consider is your body type and what will be flattering to you. A word of caution:Wwhat looks fabulous on Gisele may not be equally smashing on everybody.

To de-emphasize a voluptuous bottom, a brazilian cut bathing suit will slim down the bottom, whereas a full cut one will draw attention to your bottom and make it look wider. Avoid those ultra tight swimsuits that will pinch your skin and make it appear flabby, even when you’re not. If your stomach isn’t beach ready, you might want to try a tankini like the cute striped one from Juicy Couture. You can wear the top with shorts to create a beachy outfit or roll it up to catch some sun on the tummy.

Only the flashiest trendsetter will polish off their suit with a strand of bright red wooden beads or some colorful lucite bangles from www.summeraccessories.com for just a few dollars.

Cut off shorts are a must for summer. Daisy Duke-esque jean shorts look casual and cute when worn with a triangle top bikini and flip flops. You can snag a pair of beach ready, worn, rainbow pocketed jean shorts at Hollister for $35. Embroidered, flowy tunics work great for a quick bathing suit cover-up and will transform you into an oasis of a goddess figure in the heat.

Back again this summer is the ever-so-popular mangled, straw, western inspired hat made popular again this year by admirers like Jessica Simpson and Bon Jovi. It will give you an ultra sexy earthy edgewhile keeping those cancer causing UV rays off your face.You can pick one up at American Eagle for less than $20. The hat looks hot on guys, but some disagree.

“I think some girls can pull off the whole straw hat thing and look really hot,” Colby St. Clair, a freshman Film Production major, said. “I think unless a guy is a cowboy, he shouldn’t be seen in one of

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those hats.”

Another item a trendy girl never heads to the beach without is a pair of flashy sunglasses. Say goodbye to those small, clear glasses, because this year big and dark is in! Large, oval shaped glasses that cover the face are a huge must have. From Ray Ban to Chanel, the glasses have at least doubled in size since last year.

Also, the classic aviator is always a winner. Silver or bright colors like red and blue make the aviator all the more eye popping and is sure to be adored by all.

“My aviators go with almost everything, while making me a little more individual because not many people wear them. Plus, they were $4.” Sam Spector, a sophomore print journalism major said.

And last, but certainly not least, an outfit is only as good as it’s shoe. Sparkly flip flops or metallic beaded Birkenstocks are as hot as the weather is bound to be and can be picked up at Target for just $15.Silver and gold grecian style sandals are also a summe must. For the guys, the epitome of practical fashion has arrived. Reef just came out with a new men’s sandal that even has a bottle opener on the bottom of the shoe to enhance beach pleasure.