By KASONNI SCALES

INTERMISSION BAYWATCHER

Summer has ended, but the spirit of the season still lives on here at Intermission with a look at beach fashion and essentials from up and down the coast.

I thought I would begin with a PSA:

Yes, it is the most basic attire for a day at the beach, but swimsuit malfunctions are pretty common. Have you ever seen someone with a bathing suit top without enough lining... after they have been in the water? Yes, and it was white too. But do not be afraid, there are a few basic tips that your mother might have forgotten to mention. First, before purchasing a bathing suit make sure it passes the “wet t-shirt” test. This should be obvious, based on the amount of lining it comes with, but one must be extra careful with white. Then of course, the fit must be good. Stay away from bathing suits that are too small or too large. You should be able to bend forward without mooning anyone but also when standing, not look like you had an accident due to excess sagging.

Swimsuits

Ever since Micheline Bernardini modeled the first bikini in 1946, it has been a mainstay at the beach and has gone through a series of transformations (remember the tankini?). So when picking a swimsuit, find a style that is flattering, i.e. string bikinis for small or boyish frames, wide-band halter tops for larger chests, etc. But also experiment with less common patterns and styles. Floral prints are fun, but why not try an animal print for a change? And instead of regular solids, why not go with a metallic gold maillot? Can’t find the matching bottom to a top? Feel free to mix one solid color with another or even a solid with a print. Stacie Chan, Stanford freshman and L.A. native, suggests that there are “cute one-piece options for those women who are ready to retire their bikinis.” Many one-piece suits no longer say that you’re trying to hide anything. Styles containing cutouts are very chic and flatter those with long torsos. Or for anyone who wants to channel another era, look for 40s, 50s and 60s inspired styles or search for the real deal at reputable vintage shops. For guys, have fun with different board short prints as well. And if you are brave enough, why not leopard Speedos?

The Cover-up

Unless you feel comfortable wearing a bathing suit all day long, what is worn over the bathing suit is another important component to the “beach look.” There are many options, beginning with the classic skirt and tank top. It’s a simple look, but rather boring. Shorts are not much more adventurous, but a little more practical for a game of beach football or volleyball. So instead of a tank top, tunics are a great alternative because they are lightweight, provide great coverage from the sun and come in various styles and patterns. Wearing a dress is another option to show a little more style. Any dress: long, short, baby-doll, strapless, empire, halter, etc. will work for the beach as long as it is a lightweight fabric like cotton and is a bright solid color or pattern. Long halter dresses that sweep the ground in funky patterns are a chic way to transition from the beach to a nice restaurant. A sarong is another classic cover-up, but try inventing new ways to use it. “Many women wrap it around the neck and chest to make a halter top,” said Hoku Ching, Stanford freshman and Hawaii native. This look is very Christina in her “dirrty” days.

Is that you, Nicole?

As for accessories, you cannot go wrong with heavy-duty sunscreen, a big floppy hat and oversized sunglasses. And even though some guys like Nick Wiik, Stanford freshman and San Diego native, complain about not being able “to tell what a girl looks like behind huge glasses,” they help protect your skin from the sun, which is a good enough reason to accidentally be mistaken for Nicole Richie once in a while. Also don’t forget to store your beach essentials in a tote that expresses your taste with a graphic. Skulls, cherries and Hello Kitty? All are great options. Additionally, fun jewelry, like long beaded necklaces, looks great paired with a long halter dress. Just make sure you don’t bring anything you can’t afford to lose.

Make-under

When it comes to make-up, less is more at the beach. At the most, wear waterproof mascara and chapstick with SPF.

Bonfire Style

Since we do live in California, a section must be dedicated to bonfire style or, in other words, clothing for the not-so-warm months spent at the beach. Of course, if you are in the water, a wetsuit is obligatory. But for those evenings spent around the bonfire making s’mores, nothing would be more appropriate than jeans and a Stanford sweatshirt.