Young Model in bathing suit on an orange float in the pool

vie-magazine-goin-to-the-beach-hero

Sun-Drenched and Salty

By Jordan Staggs
Photography by Dawn Chapman Whitty
Hair by Brooke Miller
Makeup by Yvette Nation

For decades, vacationers from the Southeast and beyond have flocked to the Gulf of Mexico each summer to enjoy the sun-soaked beaches, the fresh seafood, and the down-home yet exciting atmosphere in Panama City Beach, Florida. Its strategic location just west of the mouth of the Apalachicola River means the beaches’ quartz-rich sands are white as snow and sparkle like diamonds. Long known as a popular spring break destination, Panama City Beach in the summer brings vacationers of all ages to enjoy the warm Gulf waters, vibrant nightlife, quirky attractions and theme parks, and a constant flow of concerts, festivals, and other events.

Beach communities always seem to form cultures all their own, but whether it’s along the rocky California coast, the classic Hamptons shoreline, or the hot and sunny Florida Panhandle, there is a style that evolves from the environment. Friends wearing breezy linens and light cottons camp out around beach bonfires and play reggae and classic rock on the guitar. Sunny days spent cruising in the Jeep or paddleboarding mean colorful swimwear, shades, and fun accessories as the smell of salt air and suntan oil wafts through the palms.

Escape to the Coast

Sunglasses available at Sunglass World Pier Park
Women’s clothing available at Mercantile in Seaside
Menswear by Original Penguin

: Sunglasses by Ray-Ban, available at Sunglass World Pier Park Jewelry available at Mercantile in Seaside

: Sunglasses available at Sunglass World Pier Park Women’s clothing available at Mercantile in Seaside Menswear by Original Penguin

Young & Wild & Free

Bikinis available at Ophelia Swimwear
Men’s swimwear by Original Penguin
Sunglasses available at Sunglass World Pier Park

: Bikini available at Ophelia Swimwear

: Bikinis available at Ophelia Swimwear Men’s swimwear by Original Penguin Sunglasses available at Sunglass World Pier Park

The Girls of Summer

Bikinis available at Ophelia Swimwear
Sunglasses by Ray-Ban, available at Sunglass World Pier Park
Flash tattoos available at Ophelia Swimwear
Jewelry available at Mercantile in Seaside

: Bikini available at Ophelia Swimwear Sunglasses by Ray-Ban, available at Sunglass World Pier Park

: Bikinis available at Ophelia Swimwear Sunglasses by Ray-Ban, available at Sunglass World Pier Park Flash tattoos available at Ophelia Swimwear Jewelry available at Mercantile in Seaside