Sun Protection is Always in Style: My Summer Message
This article about beach accessories and sun protection couldn’t be more perfectly timed: we’re enjoying a last-minute girls’ trip with our friend Margaret in Duck, North Carolina—a charming beach town known for its laid-back vibe and beautiful coastal views (stay tuned for more photos and videos!). Whether you’re with your girlfriends exploring a coastal town, sinking your toes into the sand on an exotic getaway or chasing kids around poolside this summer, there’s no better time to upgrade your warm-weather wardrobe with stylish beach and pool accessories—while taking your sun protection seriously.
I grew up in the South, where life basically happens under the sun — sports, yardwork, beach days, you name it. And to this day, I live for anything beachy: ocean breeze, salty air, coconut-scented everything, and a margarita in hand makes for a very happy Hattie. I love summer — give me a wide-brim hat, big sunnies, and a breezy dress, and I’m set. But over time, I’ve learned that looking good in the sun means protecting yourself in it, too. The sun may feel amazing, but those rays don’t play. Skin damage is real — and so is skin cancer. That’s why sun protection isn’t optional — it’s a must. And luckily, with the right accessories, staying safe in the sun doesn’t have to be a fashion compromise.
Wearing Paloma Sun Hat, available at ERA
This season, I’m obsessed with the wide-brimmed hats from Lack of Color and the baseball caps from Favorite Daughter— they’re effortlessly chic and offer that crucial coverage for your face, scalp, and neck. Pair them with some oversized shades from Freyrs, and you’ve got the ultimate sun-safe glam. These sunglasses don’t just look amazing — they offer UV protection for your eyes, which is something many people don’t think about. Melanoma can develop in the eyes, too, so eye protection is just as essential as slathering on the SPF.
Now, let’s get a little personal. I’ve had not one, but two melanoma diagnoses. The first was on the back of my leg — a mole that just looked a little weird. I went to the dermatologist and was told it was nothing to worry about but just couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. I went ahead and scheduled to have it removed for peace of mind, but my doctor insisted that we have a biopsy beforehand. A week later I went back for my follow-up visit (and what I thought was going to be a simple mole removal) but when he came into the room he said, “Well, it’s melanoma.” My immediate response was “but you didn’t call me.” This is when I learned that the saying “no news is good news” isn’t always true. Oh, and the value of a second opinion! The second melanoma spot? On my butt cheek (yes, you read that right!). That one was discovered at my annual check-up at the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Center at Inova Schar and it appeared at the absolute worst time — smack in the middle of renovations and the chaos of opening the shop. But health doesn’t wait for the “right” time. I had surgery to remove both spots, and thankfully, caught them early. It was a scary reminder that skin cancer doesn’t discriminate and can show up in the craziest of places.
For my personal sun-care routine, I’m a die-hard fan of SunBum. The smell alone is like summer bottled up — I wish they made a perfume! I use every form of their SPF: lotion, spray, chap stick, and I just started using their Scalp & Hair Mist (sun protection head to toe!). I also recently went a little wild ordering from Vacation — they claim to be “The World’s Best-Smelling Sunscreen” so I’ve been dying to try them out. I’ll definitely report back with my favorites at the end of this girls’ trip!
Bottom line? In a world full of super cute summer accessories (including those we have at ERA, there’s zero excuse not to take sun care seriously. Stay stylish, stay safe, and don’t forget to schedule that skin check. Your future self will thank you. ☀️💛
SEE ALSO: Cowboy Core: Bringing the Wild West to Your Wardrobe
