Feeling beachy?

When they say less is more on the beach, they don’t mean your bikini. Japan’s sexy sisters have been known to hop onto their sandy shores dressed in nothing except for a triangle of cloth to cover their crotch and some floss to drape over their breasts. That may work for the land of kitsch, but over here bits of cloth and thread don’t quite make the right statement – unless you’re headed for the FHM hall of fame, you’re pretty much barking up the wrong coconut tree.

The white sand beaches and white-hot sunlight filtering through lazily-waving palm fronds require only two things from the beach-hopper: a stylish workhorse of a swimsuit you can actually swim in and a couple of low-key accessories.

To contrast against the brilliance of your already-bronze skin, gear up with gold chains (although subtlety is key since those huge ghetto versions will look out of place against your otherwise spare wardrobe) and jeweled accents in purple and blue (not jewels exactly but close). These rich hues, especially when paired with rustic elements like wood and mother of pearl, add a chic quality few common trunk-wearing tourists can aspire to. Against the deep brown tan Filipinos are known – and revered for – accessories like a topaz ring in an ornate gold setting (all costume jewelry, of course) by the affordable J.Lo collection add a luster few can copy.

With selections like these, you’ll have no excuse but to look your best every time you hit the beach. Remember, even a strip of sand is worthy of runway-ready looks. Just tell that to the guy in the too-tight Euro-esque trunks next to you. Maybe this time, he’ll get the message.