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The Perfect: Beach-to-Bar Look

Because it's 5 o'clock somewhere.

Headshot of Leah Melby ClintonBy Leah Melby Clinton
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Welcome to "The Perfect," ELLE.com's weekly roundup, where we lay out exactly what you'll need for the perfect outfit, shopping list, Saturday night, or whatever it may be. In a shopping landscape where the options are endless, consider it a complete snapshot of must-haves.

The perfect beach-to-bar look is one made up entirely of easy-to-pack pieces that are small enough to tuck into your beach bag for later to be pulled on over a sandy bathing suit. It's less casual than your regular cover-up and rubber flip flops, but rejects the idea of trying too hard. Here, the outfit and makeup to have on hand next time you want a post-surf cocktail.

1

Top

<p>Cooler than a basic white tee,&nbsp;this knotted tank is made&nbsp;with performance fabric that combats humid beach days.</p><p><span class="redactor-invisible-space" data-verified="redactor" data-redactor-tag="span" data-redactor-class="redactor-invisible-space"></span></p><p><em data-redactor-tag="em" data-verified="redactor">Aella Knotted Crop Top, $45;&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.aella.co/products/knotted-crop-top" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link"><em data-redactor-tag="em" data-verified="redactor">aella.co</em></a></p>

Cooler than a basic white tee, this knotted tank is made with performance fabric that combats humid beach days.

Aella Knotted Crop Top, $45; aella.co

2

Skirt

<p>A silky mini keeps legs bare and breezy and&nbsp;takes up approximately zero space in your beach bag.</p><p><em data-redactor-tag="em" data-verified="redactor">Dodo Bar Or Mini Wrap Skirt, $385; </em><a href="http://www.matchesfashion.com/products/Dodo-Bar-Or-Milo-paisley-print-mini-wrap-skirt-1097007" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link"><em data-redactor-tag="em" data-verified="redactor">matchesfashion.com</em></a></p>

A silky mini keeps legs bare and breezy and takes up approximately zero space in your beach bag.

Dodo Bar Or Mini Wrap Skirt, $385; matchesfashion.com

3

Spray

<p>Spritz skin with a refreshing mix of coconut water, hibiscus petals, and rose for a quick hit of&nbsp;moisture (and a scent that can double as a light perfume).</p><p><em data-redactor-tag="em" data-verified="redactor">Herbivore Botanicals Hydrating Face Mist, $16; <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/herbivore-botanicals-rose-hibiscus-hydrating-face-mist/4240893?cm_mmc=google-_-productads-_-9383578433_-_-96704835&amp;rkg_id=h-69ae5d4136e75751709a445355a69bb8_t-1499432594&amp;adpos=1o1&amp;creative=57187860713&amp;device=c&amp;network=g&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIt83x1p331AIVRVgNCh0SHAqxEAQYASABEgKhhfD_BwE" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link">nordstrom.com</a>&nbsp;</em></p>

Spritz skin with a refreshing mix of coconut water, hibiscus petals, and rose for a quick hit of moisture (and a scent that can double as a light perfume).

Herbivore Botanicals Hydrating Face Mist, $16; nordstrom.com 

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4

Sandal

<p>A classic sandal shape is cocktail hour-ready with the addition&nbsp;of gumball-sized pearls.</p><p><em data-redactor-tag="em" data-verified="redactor">Tory Burch Melody Ankle Strap Sandals, $325; </em><a href="https://www.shopbop.com/melody-ankle-strap-sandals-tory/vp/v=1/1512738172.htm?folderID=13441&amp;fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&amp;os=false&amp;colorId=11739" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link"><em data-redactor-tag="em" data-verified="redactor">shopbop.com</em></a></p>

A classic sandal shape is cocktail hour-ready with the addition of gumball-sized pearls.

Tory Burch Melody Ankle Strap Sandals, $325; shopbop.com

5

Earrings

<p>Jewelry is the quickest (and lightest) way to dress up a beach look; sleek hoops are unfussy and&nbsp;work with any getaway style.</p><p><em data-redactor-tag="em" data-verified="redactor">Robert Lee Morris Large Teardrop Earrings, $175; </em><a href="http://robertleemorris.com/Product/1345?dept=1345" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link"><em data-redactor-tag="em" data-verified="redactor">robertleemorris.com</em></a></p>

Jewelry is the quickest (and lightest) way to dress up a beach look; sleek hoops are unfussy and work with any getaway style.

Robert Lee Morris Large Teardrop Earrings, $175; robertleemorris.com

6

Bag

<p>Use a small bag to keep your necessities sand-free during the day. When the clock hits 5, ditch your tote in the car and bring this fruit out solo.</p><p><em data-redactor-tag="em" data-verified="redactor">Sarah's Bag Watermelon Shoulder Bag, $590; </em><a href="http://www.themodist.com/en/accessories/bags/watermelon-beaded-shoulder-bag/001252407.html?cgid=accessories-bags" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link"><em data-redactor-tag="em" data-verified="redactor" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link">themodist.com</em></a></p>

Use a small bag to keep your necessities sand-free during the day. When the clock hits 5, ditch your tote in the car and bring this fruit out solo.

Sarah's Bag Watermelon Shoulder Bag, $590; themodist.com

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7

Lip Color

<p>A 2-for-1 product is ideal when beach bag space is at a premium. Go with a poppy hue that works on lips and cheeks.</p><p><em data-redactor-tag="em" data-verified="redactor">Clinique Pop Oil Lip &amp; Cheek Glow, $19; </em><a href="http://www.ulta.com/pop-oil-lip-cheek-glow?productId=xlsImpprod13641057" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link"><em data-redactor-tag="em" data-verified="redactor">ulta.com</em></a></p>

A 2-for-1 product is ideal when beach bag space is at a premium. Go with a poppy hue that works on lips and cheeks.

Clinique Pop Oil Lip & Cheek Glow, $19; ulta.com

Headshot of Leah Melby Clinton
Leah Melby Clinton
Leah Melby Clinton is a writer, editor, and serious shopper who loves discovering new labels, detailing the best ways to build a wardrobe, and interviewing interesting people.
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