Lifestyles

With a wide variety of stylish beach accessories and cover-ups to choose from, anyone can make a chic cabana entrance this summer.

Whether for a poolside or seashore escape, shoppers can find American and European styles at national chains or locally owned boutiques.

"You'll see, in Gap summer lines for both men and women, an explosion of color in every item," says Gap spokeswoman Katie Molinari.

"One of the things we did this summer was that we kind of went back to our roots, returning to the summer of '69, the year Gap was founded. We looked at those great key items that Gap is known for -- those essential T-shirts, tanks and hoodies. And we just made them available in every color of the rainbow," Molinari says.

Included in Gap's Summer of '69 campaign are lightweight cotton hoodies that can be worn over swimwear or beyond the beach with separates and accessories.

Accessories with a handmade bohemian look, such as printed fabric-covered bangles sold in a set of three, are plentiful at Gap. An open-weave, collapsible, wide-brimmed straw hat comes in earth tones and adds interest to casual outfits.

"Those kind of more neutral accessories are perfect because they will allow some of your colorful items to pop," Molinari says.

A large embroidered raffia bag at Gap combines natural tones with brightly colored accents, making it a bohemian-inspired beach tote. Conversely, Gap's jelly totes, offered in an array of bright colors, have a pop-ish, mod charm.

To appeal to a preppie-in-pink-and-green sensibility, one needn't look further for American classic sportswear than Shadyside's Palm Place, one of three Lilly Pulitzer Signature boutiques in Pennsylvania.

"You're seeing a lot of revisiting of classic Lilly in the spring and summer collections. There's a lot of the late '60s look back in the line, which can be seen in the scalloping detail and embellishment," says the shop's owner, Ted Smith.

The ever-popular tunic, seeing a resurgence from the 1960s, can be found at Palm Place in various designs, including the white cotton-eyelet Tia Tunic with scalloped bell sleeves and hem. The piece doubles as an elegant beach coverup or top to wear with jeans and sandals.

Beach coverups that transition as dresses abound at Palm Place in casual and dressier styles. The Dandy Dress, a terry cloth halter dress, provides comfort and a sexy form-fitting style. For dramatic full-length glamour, the sleeveless Coastal Caftan is sure to please in the White Sunbathers print at Palm Place.

Breezy, semi-fitted incarnations of this season's little white "it" dress can be found at Maxalto, Shadyside, including a fetching number with a bandeau neckline by Betsey Johnson.

For a taste of Europe, Maxalto carries breezy tunics, tops, and A-line miniskirts in whimsical, colorful, bold prints by European designers Custo Barcelona and Roberto Cavalli.

"The American designers, whose clothing we carry, are equally as important in my eyes, but there's still great pride of carrying stuff that is imported from those two particular countries," says the shop's manager, Antoinette DePasquale, referring to France and Italy.

"There's nothing like putting on a tunic on a really hot summer day if you don't want any tightness of clothing up against your body. They're just so chic and so relaxing. Very St. Tropez," DePasquale says.

In the swim

Life is good and stylish at the beach and beyond with some tips from our fashion experts:

• Layer sheer, lightweight tunics on top of soft cotton camisoles.

-- Marta Putas, owner of Maxalto, Shadyside

• Balance A-line tunics with close-fitting jeans, Bermuda shorts, pencil skirts or leggings.

-- Antoinette DePasquale, manager of Maxalto, Shadyside

• Dress up tunics with jewelry to transition them from beach coverups to outfits.

-- Ted Smith, owner of Palm Place, Shadyside

• Wear accessories in neutral earth tones, such as beige or chocolate brown, with brightly colored cotton tees or tanks with skirts for a contemporary look.

• Find functional, fashionable accessories that can be worn on and off the beach, such as a wide-brimmed hat.

-- Katie Molinari, Gap spokeswoman

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