Photo: Yimmy Yayo; Courtesy Retailers

If you’re looking for the most powerful hair dryer or handiest chef’s knife, those things can be easy enough to find. Other objects of desire are a little more taste-based. What’s the next status water bottle or hand wash, for instance? Regular readers of the Strategist will know that we’ve previously turned to resident Cool Guy Chris Black (he’s a partner at brand consultancy Public Announcement) to help us answer both of those questions. For more of Chris’s advice, he’s now answering reader questions for us in a regular column. If you have a burning question about the next fanny pack or Noah rugby shirt, drop us an email with the subject line “Ask Chris” at strategist@nymag.com.

Recently, a veteran beachgoer told the Strategist about her utilitarian essentials for a day on the sand. Which got me wondering: What products does a stylish dude like yourself never hit the beach without?

Ah yes, a beach day. Nothing like roasting in the sun while trying to simultaneously look at Instagram with subpar Wi-Fi. Who doesn’t love it?

As an extremely pale person who has left the sand looking like a fire engine one too many times, I now make sure my beach kit includes some luxe sunscreen. Chanel UV Essentiel will keep your nose from looking like Rudolph’s. It smells incredible, and it’s also very light and quick drying. I only use it on my face. The Aesop Protective Body Lotion will keep the rest of your skin protected and smelling like a stylish, minimalist apothecary. Aesop is a blue-chip brand that I trust; I simply walked into the store asked what sunscreen they had and bought it. No comparison shopping needed.

I’ve never been much of a hat guy, but I’m headed to some hot places this year and thinking I should get a baseball cap (which seem to be your headgear of choice). I’m intrigued by a Noah cap, but I worry people will think my name is Noah. What are some others you like?

I have mentioned this on the World Wide Web before, but my summer look is “Ivy Sport.” The goal is to look like a tennis player who has been kicked off the tour. Or maybe I am a slightly disheveled pro at an exclusive beachside club, having an affair with a member’s wife. I don’t know!

Affix Black Logo Cap $90 now 57% off $39 If you didn’t get into Central St. Martins, but love ketamine, warehouse raves, brutalist architecture, and you actually buy things at Dover Street Market, an Affix hat is a must-have (if you like this one, act fast, because it’s on sale). $39 at SSENSE Buy

Local Edition Baseball Cap $28 When traveling, I think it is always necessary to let people know that you are a card-carrying member of the liberal coastal elite! Thankfully, the paper of record makes a hat that just says Manhattan. It is a thing of beauty. $28 at New York Times Store Buy

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