Fitting all of your belongings for Spring Break into a small suitcase is a big challenge for many college students including me (my mother even says I have “over-packing syndrome”). Let’s take three five-day Spring Break trips together: A warm and sunny trip to South Beach, Florida, a cold ski trip to Lake Tahoe, and a cruise vacation to the Grecian islands. We’ll focus on the essentials to pack for each break and we’ll filter the unnecessary items from our suitcases. Andrea Gail Moore, an artist, costume designer, and frequent traveler, will share with us her thoughts on what to pack for our hypothetical spring break trips. With her expertise in traveling and fashion we’ll be sure to not to over- or under-pack.
South Beach, Florida
The weather in Florida is sunny and beautiful, definitely a pleasant change from my cold and dreary New England college town. Less is more when packing for a warm destination. There is absolutely no need to over-pack in this case. The most important item to pack is a bathing suit of course, and three will be more than enough; the great thing about bathing suits is that they don’t take up any room in your suitcase. If you want to be stylish on the beach or the pool, cutaway monokinis are in right now, especially in the collections of Herve Leger and Miss Sixty. If you don’t want to get strange tan lines, then bring a bandeau bikini top with a solid-colored bottom, or just go with a traditional bikini top. The beach cover-up is also an essential item when spending your time at the beach. At least two pairs of shorts and a few tank tops are essential when going on excursions. Moore says, “The beach cover-up, bathing suits, and a pair of great sandals are the biggest essentials when going to a warm place. That’s what you will be spending your day in, so there’s no need to over-pack.” Sunglasses are also essential for shading your eyes from the sun. And of course you also need outfits for the nights out on the town. Jersey dresses are comfortable, light to pack, and look good on any body type. Avoid heavy items like layered tops or jean skirts; chances are you won’t wear them because of the heat. To finish off the packing, don’t forget to pack your flip-flops and sunscreen! Your South Beach Packing List
- 4 Tank Tops/Tee Shirts
- 3 Bathing Suits
- 3 Jersey Dresses
- 2 Bathing Suit Cover-Ups
- 2 Pairs of Shorts
- 2 Pairs of Pajamas
- 1 Pair of Jeans
- 1 Pair of Sunglasses
- 1 Pair of Flip Flops
- Sun Screen
Lake Tahoe
Though some prefer warm destinations, many of us go on ski trips for our Spring Breaks. When going on a ski trip, remember that you don’t have to bring your ski gear on your vacation. Renting the equipment is always an option and tends to be cheaper than lugging your gear when traveling. Staying fashionable is always important, but staying warm is a higher priority. A pair of boots is always a necessity; make sure they’re comfortable so you can travel in them. Uggs can be a boot of choice, but there are always other options. Bean boots by L.L. Bean have a vintage feel to them. Not to mention they’re waterproof! A great pair of snow boots protects your feet from getting wet and should keep your feet warm and cozy. Moore knows a lot about dressing for cold weather, especially since she travels back and forth from between her two homes in Falmouth, Massachusetts and England. “I go to England back and forth quite often, so I experience the cold and very damp weather. Dressing for the weather is very important. The three most important things to have are heavy socks, sweaters, and wellies. Although it depends on whether or not you’re concerned with the weather or with fashion.” Of course we can’t forget the days spent skiing. Layers are always important, not to mention the essential scarf, gloves, and hat. Three pairs of leggings or jeans (includes cords or anything else) and at least two sweaters are also necessary for those cups of hot chocolate sitting in comfy sofas with friends. And of course you need at least three going out outfits. You can stick with jeans, a pair of leggings with a fancy top, or even heavy tights with your favorite dress. Also, despite the temperature you’ll want to bring a swimsuit. Ski resorts have Jacuzzis and heated pools! Your Lake Tahoe Packing List
- 7 Pairs of Socks
- 3 Pairs of Leggings or Pants
- 4 Tee Shirts
- 3 Dress Up Tops
- 3 Heavy Sweaters
- 1 Pair of Sweatpants
- 1 Pair of Waterproof Pants
- 1 Pair of Gloves
- 1 Scarf
- 1 Heavy Jacket
- 1 Pair of Waterproof Boots
The Grecian Islands
Many college students only dream of going to the Grecian Islands for Spring Break, and I am definitely one of them. If you’re one of the lucky few traveling to an exotic locale, this is your opportunity to really show off resort fashions inspired by styles seen on the runway. High-waisted knee length skirts with wedges appeared at Marc by Marc Jacobs, as did white one-shoulder mini dresses on the BCBG Max Azria runway. For the resort season, blue and white dresses definitely seem to be the trendy colors. These outfits are perfect for a night out on the town or out to dinner with friends. Besides bathing suits of course, sandals are an important item. Flip flops shout tourist! Gladiator sandals and other strappy sandals are comfortable and go with every outfit. Moore says, “For this particular trip, don’t pack heavy items. Only pack the essentials. Like the Florida trip you need sandals, bathing suits, and a cover-up. That’s the essential outfit.” Your Grecian Islands Packing List
- 3 Bathing Suits
- 3 Dresses
- 2 Skirts
- 2 Cover-Ups
- 1 Pair of Shorts
- 1 Pair of Jeans
- 1 Pair of Sandals
- 1 Pair of Sunglasses
Packing for your Spring Break trip can be tough. Just know that less is more. Don’t over-pack. Just stick to the essentials and you’ll be the lightest and most fashionable Spring Breaker out there. Sources: Andrea Gail More, Costume Designer, Artist, and Seasoned traveler
