How to Pack for Spring Break

You want to look your best over spring break, but you don’t want to be weighed down with too much luggage. To have fun all week, be as light and carefree as possible. Look for versatile pieces, mix-and-match colors, and light layers that can be used in multiple ways. With the right packing and a little creativity and accessorizing, you’ll be hitting your spring vacation in style!

Choose the Best Basics

Begin by assessing your activities and itinerary for the week to make sure you’ll have the right essentials for each activity. If you’ll be hiking or sightseeing, comfortable hiking or women's shorts for walking, as well as shoes that have adequate cushioning, are a must. If you’re spending the week near the water, bring swimsuits and cute cover-ups. Once you’ve covered the basics for specific activities, then you can turn to optional pieces to create looks for other possibilities throughout the week.

Pack Practical, Pretty Pieces

You want items that will work for everything you have planned, but you also want to have pieces that allow you to have a little spontaneity, accommodate weather changes, or work even if plans change. Consider the following pieces that will be pretty, practical, and so stylish over spring break:

Classic women’s white blouses, T-shirts, and tank tops. These can be layered under or over anything, and are always fresh and pretty.
Denim shorts. Denim is durable, so you can get more than one wear out of these fashion workhouses. They can also be dressed up or down easily.
Capri pants or cropped pants. Capris and cropped pants can go from day to night and be paired with dressy and casual tops,
Lightweight button-up top. A lightweight top or blouse with buttons can be worn over other tops for breezy days or evenings, used as a beach cover-up, or worn with the sleeves rolled up alone or with other tops.
White slacks. Perfect for day or evening, crisp white slacks are cool, comfortable, and versatile.
Activewear, such as shorts, sports bras, and performance tees and tanks. Whether you’re getting in a quick morning jog on the beach or you’re spending the day enjoying the beautiful rugged landscape, activewear will see you through the more active times on your vacation.
Pretty wrap or surplice dress. Flattering and easy to wear for day as well as evening, a wrap or surplice dress is dressy yet relaxed, so it’s perfect for spring break. Wear it for anything from brunch to dinner.

Mix and Match Easily with Neutral Basics

You’ll want to make sure you have plenty of neutrals in your suitcase for spring break -- that makes it easy to put together outfits without a lot of effort. Think whites, tans, or khakis, and pale grey colors. Navy blue is a great neutral that has a nautical vibe, and black can work, too, as long as it’s done in a lightweight material. For the most part, you’ll want to focus on lighter colors for seasonal style as well as comfort.

Take It to the Next Level with Pops of Color

While having plenty of neutral basics on hand will make it easy for you to get dressed and be ready for anything this spring break, you’ll also want to include some colorful pieces that add a splash to your outfits and keep things from getting boring. Consider adding in items such as the following to your suitcase:

A sleeveless or short-sleeve women’s blouse in a bright print or pattern.
Colored tanks or tees in pastels or brights.
A light cotton cardigan or other outdoor layers for a pop of color.
A pair of print shorts or capris when you want a look that’s a little different.
Cute heels or flats in a bright or vivid color for evenings out.
Fun-colored accessories like lightweight spring scarves and chunky necklaces for an extra touch.

Pack Strategically

To make the most of your space for spring break, pack your bags strategically so you have enough room for everything you need. Consider rolling clothing items and placing them tightly next to one another to save space. Use square-sided suitcases or bags that keep things neat and precise. Place smaller items inside others; the nesting effect will save space. (For example, roll socks and place them inside shoes or caps.). Pack travel versions of items like shampoo and body wash to keep things light and pack a makeup palette that includes shades for your whole face to avoid having to pack a bag full of cosmetics. Don’t forget to leave some space for souvenirs!