With the heat turned up to boiling point, wouldn’t it be nice if we could live in swimsuits by the sea?

 

This is exactly what fashionable barkada Samantha Lopez, TC Alvarez, Rorie Carlos and Ana Laygo share today, up close and personal.

 

What is the swimwear du jour, what are the best cover-ups for a poolside party at night? How to pack the essential beach wardrobe with attention to fabric and color and flattering cuts? Kaftans, sarongs in every guise, tankini or maillot, the possibilities are endless and so chic.

 

Also the maintenance and washing of all of the above? All packed in the new Samsonite summer carryon luggage, so lightweight and hassle-free.

 

The four are in wash-and-wear pieces from Natori collections at Rustan’s Makati. Fun under the sun is as easy as a summer breeze if you stick to your comfort zone and choose your swimwear and cover-ups according to your core personality. This may be your last resort.

 

Pam Gonzales Lopez

 

What are the essential wrinkle-free items you pack in a carryon for a weekend vacation on the beach?

 

A nice versatile cotton-knit shift dress you can wear on the beach during the day and for drinks at night

 

A neutral-colored one-piece swimsuit you can also use as top

 

Denim shorts are a fail-safe item.

 

Cute knit cover-ups

 

What must-have cosmetics do you take to the beach?

 

Sunblock with the highest SPF for body and face

 

Tanning lotion

 

Evian mist

 

Concealer and lip and cheek tint

 

How do you choose your swimsuit? What are your favorite cover-ups and accessories for AM to PM beach events?

 

I choose my swimsuits depending on my body type, and the ones that give you less tan lines. I usually stick to classic cuts and hues. I’ll probably throw in a nice colored print for fun.

 

A short kaftan is an easy cover-up. As for accessories, gold bangles and loop earrings are good enough for day and night.

 

Your secrets on how to pack for the beach, and how do you unpack (tips on washing and upkeep of these garments)?

 

I make sure I have the basics, and since most of the beach stuff anyway is light, it’s easier. I usually pack garment bags for dry and for wet garments.

 

When unpacking, I hang everything and keep all my swimwear in the drawers, that way it’s easy access.

 

I just rinse all used swimwear with soap and water and hang it to dry.

 

What is your look for summer, classic or colorful?

 

Definitely classic. I’m always drawn to anything and everything classic. Maybe the colors will vary from lighter shades of beige and whites to pale pinks and blues. I really like my clothes to breathe—nice flowy dress, long or short.

 

Summer dressing shouldn’t be all about the trends. You should be able to mix and match according to your mood, the weather and other variables. At the end of the day, summer should be all about you!

 

Ana Laygo

 

Must-haves I pack: Mesh cover-up, maxis. They are so light, cool and easy to care for. Looks great, too.

 

Cosmetics: Sunblock and lip balm

 

I use one-piece suits that are strapless and have drape in front to hide my tummy! Suits with control are also great.

 

Always rinse all your suits, cover-ups in cold water. Don’t hang them to dry but lay them out on towels.

 

Look for summer: Colorful. Summer means fun.

 

TC Alvarez Sibal

 

Essential wrinkle-free items I pack: A lot of jersey separates. They are easy to pack. No worries about wrinkles and easy to wear!

 

Must-have cosmetics: Moisturizer and sunscreen!

 

How do you choose your swimsuit? Your favorite cover-ups and accessories for AM to PM beach events?

 

Swimsuit with a lot of punch. Fun prints but at the same time the suit gives ample coverage. I like bringing long and short caftans to the beach. Very versatile! Great for lounging by the pool and great for dining.

 

How to pack for the beach, and how to unpack: To keep your swimsuits from fading or from the elastic getting brittle, don’t wait till you get home. After using, immediately soak in cold water and use mild soap to rinse off the salt!

 

Look for summer: Definitely, it’s all about color. The brighter the better! Mixing prints and bold colors is the way to go!

 

Rorie Carlos

 

Essential wrinkle-free items: I don’t really worry about wrinkled clothes as I always pack a portable steamer. I love wearing maxi dresses or caftans because they can go from day to night.

 

Must-have cosmetics? I try to bring things that are waterproof, in cream form or have SPF. For an upcoming trip, I’m packing Benefit The Porefessional, Stila HD Stay All Day 10-in-1 HD Beauty Balm, Guerlain Terracotta Tinted Moisturizer, Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes, Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Color, Bobbi Brown Sheer Color Cheek Tint, Lancome Hypnose Waterproof Mascara, Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm, Clinique Airbrush Concealer, Nars Multiple Bronzer and Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Lipstick in #376.

 

How to choose swimsuits: I prefer monochromatic, ’40s-style swimsuits. I think they’re chic, timeless, and hide a multitude of sins. For cover-ups, I am obsessed with robes, tunics and caftans from Two Chic, Natori and Anokhi.

 

Secrets on how to pack for the beach, and how to unpack: My secret is: More is more! I was never a light packer and I believe it’s always better to be prepared for anything and have extras of everything. As soon as I arrive in the hotel or resort, I instantly claim one side of the bathroom, arrange all my skincare products and toiletries, then I hang my clothes in the closet and steam them.

 

Summer look: classic or colorful? I do the all-black, cruise chic look and the colorful, bohemian luxe route. I just add chunky accessories, oversized sunglasses and bejeweled or gold sandals.

 

Oh, and I never leave home without a wide-brimmed hat.