Born in Florida’s panhandle as the daughter of a pro surfer, actress Abigail Spencer (currently starring in the critically acclaimed drama Rectify) seems to have always had the spirit of summer in her DNA. With her quintessential hot weather must-haves ranging from Birkenstocks to the ultimate bikini, Spencer taps into her saltwater roots to give us the essentials for riding this season’s heat wave in style. 
“This year, I had the daunting realization that I have been wearing the same bathing suits since I was fifteen years old. Growing up in my dad’s surf shop, I never had to shop for one. This summer, I purged all of my old swimmies, and I’m saying ‘yes!’ to adult bathing suits. I’ll never lose my surf roots, but I want to put on my big girl britches—literally.”
Marysia Antibes scalloped bandeau bikini, $255
journelle.com
“I grew up with a half-pipe in my front yard—nostalgia is always in style. I love this
turquoise skate deck from the Innerlight Team.”
Innerlight Anchors-Away deck, $40
innerlightsurf.com
“These are the coolest and most functional ways to tan in the sand and warm up by the
fire on the beach this summer! I love the bright colors and Aztec inspired patterns.”
Pendleton Jerome spa towel, $50
pendleton-usa.com
“I’ve felt compelled to write a thank you note every day this summer. There are so many
people I am grateful to and for. This is the perfect summer stationary and note set.”
Blackbird Letterpress Typewriter thank you card, $16
greerchicago.com
“I love to walk and travel. I wear my Fitbit pedometer and try to walk to meet friends. In L.A. that can be tough, so I have to make sure I have comfortable, chic shoes for the trek.”
Birkenstock Arizona flat sandals, $96
asos.com
“George makes the most incredible shoes. These metallic boots are so unique and are in all year.”
Esquivel Jett metallic leather ankle boots, $228
theoutnet.com
“The perfect summer dress.”
Rag
Bone Basha dress, $330
rag-bone.com
“I’ve been obsessing over my friend Maya Brenner’s XO earrings and ID necklaces for months now. They are so delicate that I’ll never need to take them off in the water or at the beach.”
Maya Brenner X mini letter stud, $98
mayabrenner.com
Maya Brenner O mini letter stud, $98
mayabrenner.com
“I have been dreaming about a turquoise-and-earthy-tone bicycle to ride around Venice and Santa Monica with my son and my guy.”
Bianchi USA Milano Dama bike, $500
bianchiusa.com
“Florabella makes some of the best oversize straw cowboy hats. You can also fold them up and they travel easily.”
Florabella Marie wide brim hat, $112
everythingbutwater.com
“This is the surfer’s sunscreen. I have never gotten burned using this sunscreen.”
Vertra Shelter Mich Fanning face stick, $23
surfshop.com
“Madewell has a great line of cover-ups for the beach. I’m loving all of their Shore items, especially the Kilim maxi dress.”
Madewell Kilim embroidered maxi dress, $168
madewell.com
“I am so excited to use this beautiful summer luggage for press tours and quick getaways—it is wheeled perfection.”
Tumi Tegra-lite international carry-one, $445
nordstrom.com
“This backpack is cool with a cause. It is great for getting in the RV and going on a surf trip. I love their concept and their aesthetic.”
Ethnotek Ghana 12 Raja limited edition pack, $209
ghana-13-raja-thread" target="_blank" ethnotekbags.com
“I’m normally a Ray Ban girl, but ever since I wore this brand on Suits, I have dug this British company.”
Cutler and Gross for J.Crew 0737 sunglasses, $500
jcrew.com