LOS ANGELES—Ah, to be poolside on summer vacation while enjoying fruity drinks with little umbrellas. Music played on little tin drums. Pale bodies pouring out over tiny little bathing suits.

Sure, leaving work behind for a whole week, surrounded by loved ones and sun again, is a brilliant summer ritual. Not so brilliant? Baring a body that’s been enveloped in bulky sweaters and comfort food for the past five months to the vacationing world at large, and hoping no one will notice.

If your gym-going has fallen by the wayside this winter, and your complexion matches that of a snowman’s, worry not. Here’s all you’ll need to be pool-ready in time for your upcoming summer vacay.

Suit: A swimsuit is your most key pool item, so make sure you bring at least one you feel good in. Try it on before packing; if it no longer fits, buy a new one. Ideally, bring two suits for sunbathing and one for water activities (i.e., a one-piece, gals).

Sarong: Never head to the pool without one. It’s a great towel OR cover-up. Men, want to stand out from the ocean of board-short-wearers around you? Wear a sarong. Ladies? Tie one around your neck for a tropical insta-dress, or tie around your waist to hide ugly cellulite, while still allowing sexy legs to peek through. Just one little knot holds it all together—so hot!

Shades: Screw minimalism. You need two pairs of fashionable UVA/UVB-protection sunglasses—one for sunbathing and the other, a pair that fits securely, so you won’t lose them in hardcore vacation activities like boating, shopping, or watching the sunset over five Mai Tais.

Shoes: Thin rubber flip-flops are the most popular poolside shoe, but, for women, why not also take a pair of flip-flop heels? Something that will accentuate your calf curves as you amble amongst the chaises or sit at the tiki bar sipping a midday cocktail. Sure, it’s a little “Dynasty,” but aren’t vacations the place to do dramatic things outside the norm?

Skin: Don’t show up looking doughy, hairy, or zitty. Prep your skin NOW. Wax everything. Use acne-medicated soap. Start your tan by spray-tanning in a booth or at home. Pack two waterproof, oil-free suntan lotions—a 15+ SPF, and an 8—and bring a white t-shirt to protect your back while snorkeling.

Sound: Load the iPod with pool-ey tunes, and bring comfy headphones and a waterproof case to protect your player from waves.

Sack: Bring a special bag to carry your pool stuff: one that’s tropically kicky, like a packable woven bag, not your carry-on.

$$$: Lastly, make sure you have cash in your bag—not a lot, just enough to tip the pool boy or pay for Bo Derek braids done on tourists hoping for that perfect “10” look.

Follow my advice, though, and you’ll already look perfect as you sip that fruity drink, listening to steel drums, poolside next month. And if you notice others in need of a little help? Try not to laugh. Just point them my way.

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About the Author: A former Hollywood producer and now 2nd-generation travel professional, Susan Michelle travels the planet as the “face” of the fashion-forward Compass travel lifestyle brand.

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