Violet Revolution

Have you planned your Spring Break trip yet?  As you get ready to pack it on up for a week of sun, fun, and relaxation, you might be wondering what SHOULD you pack?  Fear not ladies, I’ve got the Top 5 Fashion Must-Have’s to bring on Spring Break right here… 

1) Tunics - The tunic is probably one of the best spring break items to have.  Why?  Well, you may not know it now because it’s frigid here, but after broiling in the sun all day, you might want to give your arms and chest a break.  A tunic is a great way to do this, yet it’s light and airy, so you can still stand to sit in the heat.  It’s also good if you have managed to get sunburned and want to go outside, but not expose your skin any further to the sun.  Plus at night, sometimes it can be colder or windier than you thought.  This has happened to me before, and I was glad to have brought a comfortable top with a little more coverage.  This pink brogade one from Calypso could be worn in the day, while this silk snake print one could be worn at night. 

2) Latest Swimwear - One of my biggest love/hate relationships is with swimwear.  I love browsing all the latest new styles and colors, but hate (like most women) trying them on.  This is worse than trying on denim.  Especially if you are going on Spring Break soon, or are shopping for summer, you’re starting to realize winter clothes have camoflauged some parts nicely that are now going to be out in the open for everyone to see.  But there’s no way around it, you can’t go on the beach in a body suit, and rather than don a t-shirt over your swimwear, latch on to the latest trend of cut-out and slit up swimwear (think recent looks in leggings and denim) by wearing this cut-out black monokini from Londo Mondo, or checkered bandeau one-piece cut-out.  Or give your basic black bikini an updated with either these mix and match separates from Vitamin A or this rosette and crochet embellished bikini.  For more swim ideas, check out yesterday’s Q&A on best styles for your body type.

3) Stylin’ Sunglasses - Sunglasses are just a fun accessory must-have for any wardrobe, and a necessity in tropical paradise if you want to help prevent aging around the eye.  You can buy different styles and colors for different looks, like this pink pair with lace sides and have several or just that one go-to pair that works with everything in your closet, like these ombre aviators.

4) Trendy, Casual, Comfortable Sandals - I have made this mistake so many times in my life, I care not to count. When packing for tropical weather, it’s important to realize that you’ll be walking in sand; and no matter how nice of restaurants you’re planning to eat at, the vibe is always more casual there than here.  Plus it’s HOT.  Do yourself a favor: bring comfortable, yet trendy, sandals (in other words airy and breathable) that aren’t too dressy.  Bringing a satin peep-toe pump may seem like a good idea now, but your feet will be hot and swollen at your destination (and your shoes potentially ruined)…trust me on this.  Stick with decorative flat sandals like these beaded, airy gladiator sandals or these metallic ruffled ones.  For a heel, a wedge is a great way to go…try these thin-strapped studded wedges by Tory Burch.

5) Comfy Tops/DRESSES - Kind of like the whole tunic methodology, you don’t realize how raw your skin becomes after sitting in the sun all day.  I’ve brought tops or dresses on vacation made with say, nylon, and realized this was a HUGE mistake…  Why?  Well, because my skin was so sensitive, the material felt so itchy which never happened when I wore it in Chicago, so I didn’t think about it feeling different on a trip.  Do yourself a favor and stick with cotton, modal, rayon…anything soft or silky to the touch, like this necklace racerback tank.  And definitely bring some dresses.  Again because of the heat, you’ll just want to throw something light and airy on.  This ruffled back jersey material dress or this chevron print maxi dress is a perfect casual day or night staple.  Either this feather print jersey caftan or the Grecian-inspired Stella dress from Vfish (which comes in a variety of prints and colors) would be great for a slightly dressier (yet comfortable) evening.