How to fashionable at the beach (for men)

A friend of mine from Brazil always said that a real cariokas (people from Rio de Janerio - beach capital of the world) never go to the beach in just a bikini or swimsuit. They wear 'beach clothes' and then take it off at the beach. As she said, what goes is it to keep a gift so unwrapped? Beach fashion has increased over the years and many designers are even making special lines that are dedicated only to beachwear. So with the beach becoming a major fashion seen, shouldn't you look good too? Here's some tips on what to wear to the beach that will hopefully make you hotter then the sun.

Instructions Difficulty: Moderately Easy

• Step1 Sunglasses - it's a staple for us at the beach. They not only protect our eyes from UV rays and make suntanning less horrid on the eyes, but also look so damned good! Fashionistas have always sported a good pair to the beach and so should you. First off, your sunglasses should compliment your face. Square faces look good with more cubic looking frames while round faces are complimented by rounded shades. However, every one looks good in a pair of aviators. I love white aviators with Gun metal gray lenses, like those made by Marc Jacobs, to wear at the beach. Beach glasses should be fun and less conservative then your typical day sunglasses. Yves Saint Laurent and Gucci also made a pair with metalic colors and since these colors are becoming the new netural color, they'll compliment any beach look.

• Step2 Swim suits - It's the battle between speedos and swimtrunks here but let me just end this war right now. In places outside of the United States (Florida and Hawaii are included in this), it is socially accpetable to wear speedos. I'm Italian and Dominican and when I go to Italy, I wear speedos. I remember my cousins in Naples lauging at me once when I wore swim trunks to the beach. They thought I was wearing regular pants. The same was with the Dominican Republic. The beach is a place for sexuality to be exposed but not a perverse way. In America, the idea of banana hamhocks creeps many, so when suntanning in the good old U.S. of A, it's better to stick with trunks. However South Beach and Maui can be an exception.

• For speedos, its should compliment your skin. If you're natutally tanned, go for bright colors like blue and yellow. If you're natural color is yoghurt, then stick with black and brown. However, I like black speedos because they don't "show" as much, if you catch my drift. For boardshorts, use the same rule but don't make them too long. You want to show off some skin after all. Check our both Dolce and Gabanna and Park and Ronnen. They make the best swimsuits in the world!

• Step3 Flip flops - Walking on hot sand is not funny. It hurts like Hell! So the proper flip flops are essentical. I have two pairs: Havianas, which are made in Brazil and world renown as the best flip flop in the world for their extra gummy feeling, and a pair of bamboo slippers by Parke and Ronnen. They're sexy and look great if I head out to a beach shack with some friends.

• Step4 Beach towel - and no, not the ones you dry yourself with but the one you lay on. No patterns of Goofy or ones that say Budweiser; save those for tourists. Opt instead for plain colors or even my personal favorite, the bamboo ones!

• Step5 Your Beach bag - yes you need one to hide your wallet, keys, food, books, whatever! I always bring an Addidas flimsy back tote. It's sporty and easy to carry! Keep your wallet and keys in a plastic zip lock bag though, to avoid getting it dirty or wet.

• Step6 Beach shirts - The rules are the same as with swimsuits - Get colors that go with your skintone. Since I'm a natural tan, I like to wear pink and yellow shirts to the beach. But hey, wear what you like as long as it's short sleeved and goes well with your swimsuit.