The Good Life.

Byline: Kris Anderson, Kristin Luna, Tara Weingarten, Brian Byrnes, Karla Bruning, Alex McRae

Style: The Stuff of Summer

Whether you're heading to the beach or the pool this summer, chic accessories are a must. "It's a huge market," says designer Melissa Odabash. "Beach gear is becoming increasingly fashion-forward, and people are looking for items that are both versatile and trendy." Her caftans provide a hip starting point: silky and retro-sexy, they're beloved by Riviera glitterati and

casual beach bunnies alike ([pounds sterling]200-[pounds sterling]1,000; odabash.com). For the gents, Belgian designer Dries Van Noten's sarongs provide a cool splash of apres-swim comfort in reassuringly masculine colors ([pounds sterling]140; harvey nichols.com).

Even beach towels have gone upscale. Hermes is offering plush, massive sheets emblazoned with brilliant boats and vibrant sea-life reminiscent of Henri Matisse's collages (from [pounds sterling]227; hermes.com ). Prada's more spartan version is nautical white with a blue border (from [pounds sterling]120; prada.com ).

Parasols are making a high-profile comeback. Specialty boutiques like James Smith's in London and New York's Brella Bar are doing a roaring trade in everything from delicate Victorian hand-helds to brightly patterned, voluminous umbrellas (from [pounds sterling]65; jamessmith.co.uk; from [pounds sterling]130; brellabar.com). And British designer Paul Smith makes a limited-edition football coated in his trademark stripes ([pounds sterling]169; paulsmith.co.uk)

Lie poolside in style in the stately Plantation lounger, with plush cushioning and art-deco lines (from [pounds sterling]839; chelseagardener .co.uk). U.K.-based Mufti makes bespoke beach furniture ranging from Adirondack-style chaises to collapsible chairs, all handcrafted in rich teak (from [pounds sterling]335; mufti.co.uk ).