If you’ve ever lugged a giant beach towel, novelty inflatable and half a library to the beach, all the while balancing a big bag of paprika crisps on top of your cargo then congratulations, you are officially British.

But much like looking in someone else’s fridge, seeing what other people pack for the beach is oddly intriguing.

Even more curious is what the fashion pros that occupy our Instagram feeds store in their beach bag. Exactly how do they make everything look so picture perfect?

To find out, we asked four fashion insiders what they bring to the beach.

The list: 

Rosehip oil
It calms and regenerates skin after time in the sun. I apply it as soon as I’m done at the beach. 

Sandals
I go for a very chic and simple leather flip flop - my favourite ones are only £40 and are great quality.

A good guilty-pleasure read 
Either Normal People by Sally Rooney or Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler. They’re both amazing real-life romantic stories with an edge of passion.

Sunglasses
These Oliver Peoples frames go with everything and are lightweight enough not to annoy you when it’s super hot.

The list:

Out-there shades 
A coloured lens is my new obsession, they also make everything look a little brighter, especially with this current London weather.

A floaty sundress
I’m a huge fan of dresses, in all seasons, but for holiday I opt for linen or super light chiffon.

Swimsuit
This Seafolly burgundy costume is a beauty and one of my favourites as it’s minimal and chic. 

A big shopper bag
You need a basket bag to carry all these babies in, and Wood/Grey have the best of the best, also the owner is a total babe.

The list:

A big beach bag
Preferably one that I can throw everything I own in and more. It’s great for shoving in water, towels, and whatever else you might need.

Sunglasses with high UV protection
Always, always, always! I love me some costume sunnies that are a bit out there, but when I’m really spending the day at the beach I have to have my trusty Ray-Bans.

A good facial suncream
Of course an all over suncream is important, but a facial suncream is particularly important when you’re at the beach. My favourite at the moment is NUXE Sun High Protection Fondant Cream For Face SPF 50.

My Kindle
I got a Kindle for Christmas and it’s my new holiday essential. It’s so good because I don’t have to worry about my pages getting wet when I come out of the sea. I’ve just started reading The Couple Next Door because I’ve heard so many good things about it.

A kaftan
A thin kaftan to throw over yourself after you’ve been chilling on the beach is such an essential for me. When it’s getting a bit too hot or the mosquitos are starting to come out, a nice sheer kaftan can cover you up easy peasy.

A huuuge beach towel
It’s got to be one of those massive round ones that double up as an actual towel too. The bigger the beach towel, the more space you have for potential new friends to join, right?

The list:

A straw hat
It hides out of control beach hair, protects you for the rays and looks great too. 

A high waisted bikini with bandeau top 
I hate tan lines so always opt for strapless bikini tops, and I love a high waisted pant as I think they’re so flattering.

Elemis Superfood Kefir-Tea Mist
A beach day saviour! It’s so cool and refreshing to give yourself a little spritz on the beach.

An oversized linen shirt
They’re lightweight, easy to throw on and looks so good over a bikini. 

A good read
Last summer I read Dolly Alderton’s Everything I Know About Love on the beach and loved every minute.

Whatever your beach essentials, make sure you start with Seafolly swimwear.