For many of us in the Midwest, we are counting down the days to Spring Break! Not only is it a time to relax and kick back with family and friends, but it’s also a time to soak in that much needed sun (and vitamin D) that we’ve been deprived of for the last several months.
It’s also right about this time that I start creating my packing list, determining what I will bring (and leave home) based on where I’m headed and what I’ll be doing when I get there. Although this year’s Spring Break destination is still top secret, I can assure you I will be on the hunt for some sun and beach activities. Therefore, my wardrobe will need to a mix of summertime essentials and a few late Winter, early Spring pieces for those days that Mother Nature may not cooperate.
Let’s take a look at what I’m packing this vacation (and yes, I really am packing these items, and a few more of course!)
9 Spring Break Essentials I’m Packing
1. To the Beach Crew Cotton Sweater (Wooden Ships) – I love a fun beachy sweater for those chilly mornings and cool evenings. The best are those that are lighter weight, breathable and roomy enough to throw on over a bathing suit or a t-shirt.
2. Huia Shoes (Olukai) – I’ve been a fan of Olukai shoes from day one. Not only are they comfy but they are super versatile, durable and come in multiple colors to style with many any outfit.
3. Ribbed Elbow Sleeve T-shirt (Banana Republic) – BR t-shirts are legendary (at least in my mind). I’ve been wearing them for over a decade in all colors and styles. I’ve recently been loving their elbow sleeve ribbed tees – they are still casual enough to wear with shorts, but can easily be dressed up with a flowy, wide leg pants.
4. 3 1/2 In Everyday Shorts (Vineyard Vines) – I easily own half a dozen of VV’s 3 1/2 inch Everyday Shorts in a variety of colors. Although they come in longer sizes, I feel the shorter version is more flattering. Plus, the sherbet-style colors just scream summer!
5. Paradise Fronds Reversible Bikini (Tommy Bahama) – Although I’ve purchased many dresses and other items from Tommy Bahama, last year, before a trip to Maui, I purchased my first TB bathing suit – a reversible bikini. I ended up loving it so much that I bought another! TB’s quality is top-notch, the material wears extremely well, and the fact that it’s reversible makes it feel like you have two bathing suits in one!
6. Sol Wedge Sandal Kenneth Cole (Evereve) – Espadrilles are probably my favorite summer sandal for any fancy or semi-fancy occasion. Whether I wear them with wide leg pants, a dress, or even a nice pair of jeans – espadrilles just complete the outfit.
7. Wide Leg Lounge Pants (Amazon) – I don’t buy many clothes from Amazon but took a chance on these wide leg pants and loved them! The tie-waist creates a fitted look (paired with a tighter top) and the silky, flowy material creates the perfect look for an evening out.
8. Renew Seamless Racerback (Athleta) – Athleta Renew tanks are so underrated. The fitted, ribbed style is extremely flattering, especially for anyone who is even remotely in shape. Plus, the material keeps you dry in really hot weather, and still looks amazing even after wearing it all day long.
9. High-rise Patch Pocket Wide Leg Pant (Jcrew Factory) – Since the Jcrew stores by me have closed in the last couple years, I’ve been shopping more and more at their Factory stores. Although the material quality is not as high-end as the actual Jcrew store, the styles are just as preppy-casual and are more budget-friendly. I really love my new patch pocket wide leg pants – they are super casual but can easily be dressed up with a fun sandal and blazer.
Time to start packing!
Jennifer