New Year's day is beach day for many. Some go to the beach simply to enjoy themselves while others go to "wash away bad luck".

New Year's day is beach day for many. Some go to the beach simply to enjoy themselves while others go to "wash away bad luck".

In African culture there is a belief that sea water cleanses and washes away curses to enable one to enter the new year clean and bad-luck free.

Whatever the reasons, everyone needs bathing clothes, according to Felepe Mazibuko, a Johannesburg fashion stylist.

Mazibuko says though fashion might not matter on the beach one still needs to look good.

"Tights, Cross Your Heart bras and plastics just do not cut it on the beach," he said.

"Black people should learn to buy swimming costumes and swimming caps in an array of colours, at least two bikinis, and a sundress.

"There is nothing more annoying than seeing a woman squeezed into tights. If a woman is fuller-figured she must get a fuller costume and cover herself with a beach shawl," he said.

Mazibuko says that people should also refrain from carrying their beach gear in kit bags and plastic bags.

"What one needs is a large beach bag, one that will cope with sand and sea."

He advises the young and fashion-conscious to wear flip-flops to the beach but to dress up at night with a pair of wedgies and earrings.

"Wigs are a no-no on the beach," he said, "Your wig could be swept away by a wave, leaving you with nothing on your head."

Mazibuko says that though it is acceptable for men to pack sportswear for a beach holiday, "guys should stop swimming with briefs and tights which scare off women. They are not fashionable".

"If you want to go for something a little fashion forward, try out this season's trend for bright colours and wear a nice pair of designer glasses as well."

Mazibuko says both men and women should always apply sunblock before exposing their bodies to sun.

"Many people think that sunblock is for whites only, but sunburn does not look so good come January," he warned.