Beach bags are a summer holiday must-have. In choosing, you must carefully find one that's fashionable, but not fragile then factor in shape, size and even how they complement your sandals! Here are a few tips that will help you sync your summer style for your next beach trip. While you're at it, check out the satchel and sandals combos that have The Puma Store making waves.

1. Be a material girl (or boy for that matter); you'll find beach bags in almost every material you can think of but, at the end of the day, what's really important is that it won't be destroyed by sun, sea and sand.

Bags in plastic are a popular choice since they keep everything else from getting wet, but some cloth bags do just the same once they are thin or have plastic on the inside.

You may be planning for more than a day at the beach, perhaps a weekend away by the sea and sand - you'll need slippers for every event and a bag for everything, here it is!

2. Pull shapes ... and size:

Small totes are not beach bags as such, but they make great beach party accessories.

Messenger (square) totes are best for taking along an mp3 player, a book, and maybe even a snack, you'll just have to take your blanket/towel by hand.

Basket bags are good for holding everything.

It's all coming to an end. Time to match: You've chosen the material and the size and it's getting to the tricky part. Mixing and matching with the footwear.

Choose colours or prints that contrast with one another if you can't find the same colour bag and sandals. For example, purple and lime green or red and animal print contrast well with each other. You also don't want to be too coordinated.

Mixing colours

While you can get away with mixing colours and prints, textures and prints should never contrast. Plastic beach bags hardly ever look appealing with cloth slippers. Your safest choices are rubber flip-flops which you may find with various designs and prints.

The same goes for leather and metallic slippers, especially if you want to match the two. That is a no-no!

Apply these tips to other occasions or email your questions to Youthlink style team at styleyouthink@yahoo.com and let us help you out with your summer style emergencies.

Synchronised article playlist:

1. Material Girl (1985) by Madonna

2. Pull Shapes (2006) by The Pipettes

3. How Far We've Come (2007) by Matchbox 20

Keep it simple. If you would rather hold your towel in your hand, then this sandy-tone handbag and sky-blue slippers combo is just right for you.

Leather and metallic bags are beach no-nos. These are easily destroyed.

Did we hear beach party soon? Then, this straw tote is all you will need for your money, lip gloss, sunblock and the sandals add to the summer style sync.

Straw bags are not only in style, but suit the beach perfectly. They are lightweight and dry quickly.

If it's you alone, with some tunes, a good book and no thoughts of swimming, then the message is clear: get your messenger bag and posing pair.

Whether you're a lifeguard or just someone who likes attention, this Puma bag comes equipped with an orange emergency whistle.

This lightweight lime-green duffle goes well with these slippers for the fashionable woman.

The straw bag is great for a beach date with the girls.

A style even for the classy beach 'comber' - just imagine this pink Puma tote lying on the sand with you and your silver slippers kicked by your feet.

Go light on the satchel and bright on the sandal!

These are the perfect match for the match - put your beach football gear in with all the other beach necessities and you're good to goal!

All items are courtesy of The Puma Store, Tropical Plaza, Constant Spring Road, Kingston 10.