'This will be the hardest-working item in your summer wardrobe. I found one for $30.'

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I practically live at the beach during the warmer months – you can't keep me away. But the whole towel situation has always been a nightmare.

Trying to keep it wrapped around me, then having to dry off and wrestle into a dress afterwards? It's just unnecessary admin.

Watching my kids effortlessly rock their wearable towels, I had a light-bulb moment: if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

Watch: The truth about sale shopping on Nothing To Wear. Post continues below.

I'd been lusting after a gorgeous terry towel beach robe from Lucy Folk (spoiler alert, it's now sold out).

I somehow resisted the urge to panic-buy it at $425… but what I loved about it was the terry towel fabric and the shorter length.

Perfect for summer when you don't want to overheat, but still want to look cute.

It ticked both boxes: practical and chic, which is honestly the way to my heart.

The (sold out) Lucy Folk chic beach robes.

Then, while browsing Big W, I spotted it. A dead ringer for my Lucy Folk obsession (which as mentioned sold out at that eye-watering $425 price point).

But this one? $30. Now that's my kind of panic purchase.

The BIG W Wave Zone Women's Beach Robe is available in three 'sizes': 8-10, 12-14 and 16-18.

It comes in two colourways: light pink and red, and light blue and cobalt blue (I chose this colour… and panic purchased the matching shorts for $15, rude not to).

Wave Zone Women's Beach Robe in Blue, $30.

This is my new Roman empire. Image: BIG W.

How cute are the shorts?! Image: BIG W.

Wave Zone Women's Beach Robe in Pink and Red, $30.

Image: Big W

Obsessed. Image: BIG W.

I road-tested it in Vanuatu on a boat day. It's perfect for those constant in-and-out-of-the-water moments, and it looked incredible against that stunning blue water.

Then I took it to Exmouth in WA, where it was brilliant for chasing kids around the beach while still looking Instagram-ready.

Oh, and I wore it with a friend on the weekend! So cute!

See? Perfect. Image: Supplied.

This is how I plan to be all summer long. Image: Supplied.

That's when I realised I needed to do a community service and round up what might just be the hardest-working item you'll live in this summer.

If bright colours aren't your thing, beach robes come in plenty of neutral or jewel tones — there are so many fun patterns to choose from. Plus, you can opt for different lengths and sleeve styles depending on your preference, or even switch out terry material for a lightweight linen robe or waffle robe.

Here are my favourite finds that I'm now seriously considering investing in more of.

Best beach towel robes to shop.

Kip & Co Sun Kissed Terry Mini Bath Robe, $169.

Image: Kip & Co.

K Juliet Long Cotton Beach & Bathrobe, $140.

Image: K Juliet.

Soleil Soleil Towelling Mini Robe, $285.

Image: Soleil.

Sheridan Shellsea Kimono, $149.99.

Image: Sheridan.

K Juliet Robe, $130.

Image: K Juliet

Sunday Supply Co Husk Towelling Beach Robe, $149.

Image: Sunday Supply Co

Mosey Me Short Linen Robe, $129.

Image: The Iconic.

Oroton Greenhouse Floral Robe, $349.

Image: Oroton.

Linen House Keaton Waffle Robe, $119.

Image: The Iconic.

AERE Aspen Organic Cotton Kimono Dress, $160.

Image: The Iconic.

Linen House Nimes Pure Linen Short Robe, $159.99.

Image: The Iconic.

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What is your go-to beach TOAG? Share in the comments below!

Feature Image: K-Juliet.