Spring Break Essentials

My spring break is not until April, however I know that many people have it in March and I wanted to get this post up sooner rather than later! I am beyond ready to get to warmer weather and finally have salty hair and sandy feet again. I am so fortunate to have grown up on a town on the water so I'm pretty sure the ocean runs in my blood, but the lovely beaches in Massachusetts just will not cut it in April. Luckily, my family and I are headed to Florida to get away from all the snow and soak up the sun. Last year, my Spring Break post received great feedback so I though I would do an updated one for 2015. I am the queen of overpacking, especially when it comes to spring break because the weather can often times be unpredictable. Often times at night the weather is a bit cooler and it is important to bring some warmer clothes. Anyways, let's get into my packing priorities! 

+ Dress

Dresses are seriously the best thing that you can pack, they take up half the space that an outfit would in your suitcase and they can be dressed up or dressed down. I am one to get very burnt after really be exposed to the sun for the first time in months which can get very painful. Having a loose fitting dress will irate your skin far less than tight shorts or fitted tops. 

+ Sunglasses

Sunglasses are one of those items that can be easily forgotten. It is so easy to space out on grabbing your sunnies when you leave your house at 5 am in the dark to catch a flight. Make sure to toss them in your carryon the night before because not having a pair when sitting on the beach to having to buy a pair when you get there is such a pain! 

+ Tee Shirt

I would say 70% of my vacation is spent in an oversized tee shirt. They are so easy to throw on over a bating suit to head down to the beach or pool. I like to wear a men's medium or large so they are comfy and super baggy!

+ Tote Bag

I use my beach bag as my carry on for my flight and then make the switch when I get to the beach. Only bringing one tote is so much more practical and saves space in your suitcase for more clothes. If you are looking for a good beach bag check out L.L. Bean, Lilly Pulitzer, Vineyard Vines or Longchamp.

+ Sandals

Bring a pair of sandals that you can dress up or dress down. I always bring a pair of Jack Rogers. 

+ Shorts

I am loving these elastic waist shorts from J. Crew Factory. They are so easy to slip on and they have so many different colors. I also would suggest bringing a pair of jean shorts and chinos. 

+ Rubber Flip Flops

When I go to the beach or to the pool I don't want to wreck my nice sandals so I always pack a pair of rubber flip flops. You can pick up a pair at old navy for $2.50 (not joking) or you could opt for a nicer pair like these from Tory Burch.

+ Sweater

As I mentioned before, the weather (even in super tropical places) can get cool at night. I highly recommend packing a cute sweater to wear with shorts or a cardigan to throw over your dress. Even if it does not get cool at night, some restaurants have the AC cranked up and it can be freezing! 

+ Versatile Top

Pack a shirt that you know you can wear a few times. I like to plan the outfit I wear to the airport so that I can wear some of it again once I get there. Last year I wore a blue and white striped blouse, it worked well with jeans that I wore to travel in and also with shorts later on in my trip.

+ Bathing Suits

Obviously bathing suits are a necessity for spring break. I find that packing a few suits that you can mix and match really expands your options and makes packing more efficient. Check out Julianna's post about her favorite bikini picks for the season. Ps- I just purchased this cover up and I love it (plus its under $30!) 

+ Nike Shorts

Nike shorts are perfect to wear to the beach. They dry quickly so no worries about putting them on over a wet bathing suit. Dick's Sporting Goods has SO many different color combinations to choose from if you are looking for some new pairs! 

What are your essentials for spring break?

xoxo,

Catherine 

Preppy by the Sea