What To Pack For Your Spring Break Trip
Spring break is here, which means you need to start thinking about what you are going to wear on your trip. Instagram pictures aside, you want to look and feel your best on vacation – especially after a long winter season of snow, rain, and lots of layering.
There's nothing better than pulling out your suitcases with the expectation of a great trip. But packing can also be overwhelming! If you struggle to pack for a trip, packing cubes are a great option to hold you accountable to not overpack, and they also keep everything organized. An easy packing tip is to lay out all of your outfits, including shoes and jewelry, before putting them in your bag. This way, you know what you have and are sure to pack full outfits instead of random pieces.
Other than your obvious toiletries and everyday items (deodorant, socks, undies, etc.), there are a few must-have items you need to pack for spring break. From beachwear to cute outfits to your daily SPF, this list is perfect for prepared and last-minute packers alike.
Here’s what you need to pack for your spring break trip!
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A Cute Bathing Suit
The No. 1 item you need to pack for your spring break trip is a cute bathing suit (or two or three!). Choose bright colors to lift your mood with simple silhouettes that won’t give you strange tan lines for the rest of the spring season.
Beach Riot Rib Dallas Bikini Top, $88 | Beach Riot Solid Highway Bikini Bottoms, $88
This strapless bandeau bikini top is perfect for tanning, as you won’t have strap lines on your shoulders. It’s also easy to style after the beach, with a pair of linen shorts or with a sundress on top.
Aerie Crinkle Longline Bandeau Bikini Top, $43 | Aerie Crinkle Full Coverage Bikini Bottom, $30
PQ Platinum Crochet-Trimmed Bikini Top, $88 | PQ Platinum Crochet-Trimmed String Bikini Bottom, $88
Shade & Shore One Shoulder Plunge Cut Out One Piece Swimsuit, $40
A Coverup
Whether you plan on lounging poolside or by the ocean, you’ll need a cute coverup to throw over your bathing suit for your lunch date. This matching set from Abercrombie is so cute and would look lovely over a bright bikini. The gauzy fabric is lightweight and flattering, and pairs beautifully with tanned skin.
Abercrombie & Fitch Gauzy Beach Coverup Top, $35
Abercrombie & Fitch Gauzy Beach Coverup Pant, $65
Kona Sol Smocked Waist Side Slit Cover Up Pants, $25
Sunnies
While it may seem like an obvious item to pack, sunglasses are often forgotten on the kitchen table in the rush of walking out the door. To avoid purchasing cheap gift store sunnies, grab yours and put them in your bag right now!
If all you own is cheap sunnies, take this opportunity to invest in a cute and functional pair that will last for future trips to come.
Ray-Ban Gradient Aviator Sunglasses, $178
Ray-Ban Women’s Sunglasses, $155
Sandals
A cute and comfortable pair of sandals are another must-have item in your travel bag. Pack a pair or two of basic sandals that will match all of your outfits. Neutral tones like black, brown, or white are the most versatile options.
Steve Madden Hadyn White Leather Sandals, $80
FP Collection Sidelines Footbed Sandals, $78
Kate Spade New York Jaylee Floral Thong Slides, $98
A Well-Stocked Makeup Bag
It’s time to swap your winter skin staples for lightweight spring essentials. Pack a few key makeup items. Glowing skin is best achieved with cream makeup products, so leave your powders at home. The Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush is a favorite for a reason, and it layers beautifully over a glowing, sunkissed base.
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, $23
A good lippie will also help you feel dressed up for dinner after your post-beach shower (arguably the best time of the day!). As the sun goes down, your natural makeup will stand out with a proper lip. Merit Beauty Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil is the perfect addition to your makeup bag. Lightweight, easy to apply, and long-lasting, this lip oil will be one of your favorite items to wear daily.
Merit Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil, $24
And finally, in addition to the rest of your normal skincare and makeup routine, don’t forget to pack a moisturizing lotion. Especially with so much skin exposed, you need to stay soft and protected. Pack this perfect travel kit in your bag for hydrated skin that smells irresistible!
Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Jet Set, $30
Sundresses
Regardless of where you’re going, pack a few sundresses in your bag. You never know when you’ll need a cute and feminine option for sightseeing, an impromptu dinner date, or even as a coverup after a long day at the beach. Sundresses are easy to style with the sandals you already packed and don’t require any thought when getting dressed for another fun day in the sunshine.
Abercrombie & Fitch Textured Puff Sleeve Babydoll Mini Dress, $80
Free People Printed Agnes Dress, $168
Anthropologie The Somerset Eyelet Mini Dress, $160
Abercrombie & Fitch Ruched Flutter Sleeve Mini Dress, $80
FP Beach I'm Still Obsessed Sleeveless Mini Dress, $60
A Hat
Don’t neglect your face and scalp! A cute hat is a great way to accessorize an outfit, but during vacation, it doubles as sun protection. Your skin is extra sensitive after the long winter season, so don’t forget to add a hat to your travel bag.
Billabong Time To Shine Bucket Hat, $36
Abercrombie & Fitch Wire Brim Packable Bucket Hat, $40
An Everyday Bag
When on vacation, leave your hefty purse at home. A small crossbody bag or even a belt bag can hold all your daily vacation essentials without being an eyesore or a heavy weight on your carefree, vacation shoulders.
Pretty Simple Ellie Crossbody Bag, $60
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag, $38
MLE The Nodo Linen Tote Bag, $118
Basic Jewelry
The jewelry you wear to the airport should be the jewelry you keep on all vacation long. Why pack a ton of tiny, easily lost pieces when you're already wearing a great dainty set? Simple earrings, a matching necklace, and a few rings can instantly spice up an outfit for the beach or dinner without a second thought.
Gorjana Bali Huggies, $45
Gorjana Parker Mini Necklace, $60
Cute Outfits
Cute, well-planned outfits will be a lifesaver on your spring break trip. Think flowing silhouettes, beachy vibes, and easy outfit combinations. While you don’t necessarily need to buy a ton of new pieces, it is always fun to pick up a new outfit or two for vacation. Make sure to pack enough shorts, denim, skirts, and blouses for your trip, as well as a comfy loungewear outfit for nights in.
Abercrombie & Fitch Ruffle Strap Linen-Blend Babydoll Top, $60
Free People Juliette Sweater, $198
Abercrombie & Fitch Linen Blend Pull-On Shorts, $60
Millie Wynona Printed Crop Wrap Top, $188 | Millie Wendy Smocked Flare Shorts, $170
Beach Riot Alexa Top, $98 | Beach Riot Tia Short, $88
Need some style inspo? We thought so.
Closing Thoughts
As spring break approaches, your packing list should reflect your plans! Don’t forget to bring some fun reading material like Evie's print magazines, and have fun!
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