Best Chicago Beaches - What To Wear And Bring

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It's August, folks. And, that means we only have a few short weeks left to enjoy Chicago's sun and surf. You need to hit up our best beaches before time runs out. To get you motivated, we put together three “shore-fire” looks perfect for a day in the sand.

No matter what sandy shoreline floats your boat, we’ve got you covered — or rather, uncovered — from the hat on your head to those perfectly pedicured toes. What are you waiting for? You'll be sporting long underwear before you know it. (Sorry, but you know it's true.)

Fullerton Beach

Floaties, binkies, and blankies — it’s family beach time! With Lincoln Park Zoo just a hop, skip, and a jump from Fullerton Beach, this outing is a must for those with kiddies. It's the perfect chance to treat yourself to some R&R while Imogen or Asher plays in the sand.

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The vibrant striped one-piece adds a pop of color to your beach ensemble. Your munchkins will love the bunny blanket, and so will you — it’s lightweight, portable, machine-washable, and features a waterproof backing. Place all your supplies in this bright green mesh bag to ensure that you won’t take all the sand home with you.

Roksanda Ilincic Antares Multi Stripe One-Piece, $204, available at Boutique 1; Norma Kamali Ernie Jersey Sarong, $195, available at Net-A-Porter; Saltwater Canvas Mesh Shower Bag in Green, $16.97, available at Saltwater Canvas; Anorak Kissing Rabbits Picnic Blanket, $62, available at Artsy Modern; Circus by Sam Edelman Sofia Sandal, $45, available at Zooshoo; Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Ice Pops, $160, available at Ray-Ban; Butter London Kerfuffle Nail Lacquer, $15, available at Butter London.

Illustrated by Anna Sudit.

North Avenue Beach

A DJ spins the top-40 dance hits; twentysomethings bump, set, and spike on the beach-volleyball court, and a huge number of sunbathers cover every square inch of the shoreline. To sum it up, North Avenue is the place to see and be seen.

Throw on a bikini that’s supportive enough for any of those sporty beach activities. The black-and-white palette is bold and modern, and a nice break from all the bright florals.

T by Alexander Wang Mesh-Trimmed Bikini, $416, available at My Theresa; Athleta Crush Metallic Headband in Black, $14, available at Athleta; Prada PR 09PS Sunglasses, $310, available at Sunglass Hut; Ashish X Topshop Son of a Beach Towel, $24, available at Topshop; Vince Camuto Liv Tote, $79.99, available at Vince Camuto; Sigerson Morrison ‘Abia’ Monochrome Sandal, $305.89, available at Farfetch; Rag & Bone Jean Cut-Off Shorts, $143, available at La Garconne; Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $9.49, available at Neutrogena.

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Illustrated by Anna Sudit.

Oak Street Beach

If you’re braving the Mag Mile tourists because you just have to have that shirt and dress and purse (okay, we totally get it!), why not make a whole day of it by heading a bit north to Oak Street Beach to reward yourself for those great finds.

Since you’re in the heart of the Gold Coast, go glam with swimwear inspired by one of the eras that did it best: the '50s. A red lip, cat-eye sunnies, espadrilles, and a wide-brimmed straw hat are the perfect accessories to complete your retro-fem look.

Zimmermann Haze Wrap One-Piece, $340, available at Zimmermann; Miguelina Rachel Scallop Lace Caftan, $615, available at Miguelina; Lipstick New Yorker Beach Towel, $27.99, available at Overstock; Sensi Studio Lady Ibiza Toquilla Straw Sunhat, $230, available at Net-A-Porter; Moschino Borsa Tessuto Metallic Woven Tote in Gold, $241, available at Neiman Marcus; Fresh Sure Rose Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15, $22, available at Barneys; Quay Kitti Sunglasses, $37.99, available at Daily Look.