Six Ways to Bring the Beach Home

Your mental summer to-do list went something like this: waves, sand, lawn chair, trashy beach read, fruity cocktail and sunscreen. But your actual summer to-do list—the one that waits for you on your desk or fridge—makes no mention of palm trees and lifeguard towers. If your summertime activities haven’t included a single grain of sand or even a hint of ocean air, we’ve got six ways you can channel Gidget and bring the beach home—no packing necessary.

1. Summer Scent: Demeter’s Salt Air perfume captures that perfect moment when you first open the car door and the sea breeze envelops you, tossing your hair about your face and welcoming you to that perfect beach day. With notes of marine, white floral, driftwood and salt, it’s light, clean and oh-so-transformative. Salt Air, Demeter, $16.99, perfumeworldwide.com.

2. Perfect Wave: You’re an expert at surfing the Web. Surfing actual waves? Not so much. You can still get perfectly imperfect girls-of-summer tresses sans dip in the ocean. Spritz a little Surf Spray in your hair, crumple and tousle, and you’ve got instant beachy texture. Surf Spray, Bumble and Bumble, $25.99, target.com.

3. In the Bag: Who says you have to save your bright, beach-ready tote for weekends at the coast? Grab a light, colorful bag in summertime hues (we love the sunset shades of this ultra-affordable Old Navy jersey bag), and pack in your daily essentials. When you reach for your wallet or cell phone while running routine errands, it will be a sunny reminder of more carefree days. Orange Ombre Striped Jersey Tote, Old Navy, $8, oldnavy.com.

4. Hat Trick: Instead of hiding behind a wide-brim sunhat, opt for a straw fedora. You’ll still shield your face from the sun, but you’ll do so in style. Yes, this look is all the rage with the young Hollywood set. Think you can’t pull it off? At a little more $10, this is an on-trend fashion chance that you—and your wallet—can afford to take. BKE Straw Fedora Hat, Buckle, $12, buckle.com.

5. Ocean Air: Wish you could open your windows to let in the sea air and sound of waves rolling into the shoreline? Burn Voyage has created a line of small candles that create big atmosphere in your home. With notes of green coconut, tiare flower, plumeria and pikaki blossoms, the line’s Beach Glow and Pink Sunset scents will bring back sweet summertime memories of Coppertone and salt water. Plus, each candle glows for at least 35 hours. Beach Glow Candle and Pink Sunset Candle, Burn Voyage, $26 each, shop.com.

6. Flip Flop Upgrade: With a color palette that’s reminiscent of driftwood, sea oats and sand dunes, these espadrilles are effortlessly chic. Thanks to the braided leather and woven jute, they’re begging to be paired with a long, airy maxi dress. Jodi Braided Flat Espadrille Sandals, Frye, $149, shopbop.com.