No matter where you’re spending your time off, planning your spring break outfits ahead of time will keep you perfectly put together as you recharge. Dressing for spring break is mainly dependent on the exotic locale you’ll be visiting and what kinds of plans you’ve made for maximum fun or relaxation.
Spring break style ideas need to be as diverse as the places that spring breakers are visiting. Make the most of your break wherever you find happiness, whether that’s on an exquisite beach or a glittering mountaintop, and look great doing it.
Beach party
Places like Miami’s South Beach, Cancun in Mexico, and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, are all about turning up the heat. Whether you prefer to spend your time lounging on the beach or are happier dancing away at the clubs, less is definitely more. When you’re hopping between your hotel pool, the beach, or the bar, what to pack for spring break is simple: a teeny bikini, a flowing cover-up, sandals and a great pair of sunglasses are what you’ll be spending most of your time in. The key to a standout look is a mix of bold patterns and a touch of decadence, both of which you can find in the Spring 2016 collection from Dolce & Gabbana. Colorful kaftans are a uniform on the beach, and so is a great bikini with tough-chic accent hardware that will catch the midday sun. Guys will need a great fitting swimsuit, too, preferably a snug-fitting style that isn't too long.
When you’re hitting the dance floor at one of the popular spots in the city, opt for classic, curve-hugging styles like Hervé Léger dresses in a mini length. Men won’t want to look too stuffy, but also not overly casual, so a good option is a light summer suit with a bright pocket square.
Panama nights
Like Miami or Cancun, Panama is a city with great nightlife, so dressing for spring break there isn’t all kaftans and board shorts. Men looking to blend in probably want to steer clear of shorts entirely and opt for linen or chino pants, and blazers are essential. Throw yours on over a polo or well-fitting T-shirt and go straight from an afternoon of sightseeing to drinks or dinner. Women can embrace a vintage-feeling wardrobe with quirky stripes and romantic ruffles like Rosie Assoulin showed in her Spring 2017 collection. For those wanting a more muted, androgynous look, the bodysuits in soft materials from Tibi’s Spring 2017 collection are a great option.
Après-ski
If the slopes are more your speed, your spring break fashion ideas will need to center around your time off piste. You’ll want to be comfortable yet stylish at the lodge after you’ve hung up your skis for the day and as you stroll the high-end boutiques in places like Aspen. Luxurious fabrics like velvet and fur will keep you cozy without sacrificing style. Cuddle up in a wrapped fur stole as seen on Tome’s 2016 Fall runway, while sipping warm drinks by the fire.
Packing light? Steal some spring break style ideas from Marc Jacobs' Fall 2016 collection and take your puffer coat from day to night by layering it over your cocktail dress or gown and add fancy eveningwear gloves. Men can keep warm in oversized down coats, which were hugely popular on the 2016 Fall runways as well.
Eurotrip
If you’re taking advantage of spring break to fit in a short European vacation, your “what to pack for spring break” list is going to look a lot different from the bikini set. Europeans are known to be smart dressers, and typical spring break fashion ideas would stick out like a sore thumb there. Your outfit choices will vary depending on your destination. London is still chilly during spring so plaid will fit in well there. A long coat like one from Etro or a Fendi pullover are versatile yet statement-making pieces, ready to carry any ensemble.
If you’re going to Paris, both men and women can look to the quintessentially Parisian monochrome color trend to keep things minimal and classic. Adding a statement-making accessory to a head-to-toe neutral look will add interest to your outfit without looking like you’re trying too hard.
When thinking about what to pack for spring break, keep in mind where you’re going, what activities you have planned, who you want to see, and who will be seeing you. Keeping your spring break style ideas fresh and relevant to your destination will keep you confident and ready to embrace your break to the fullest.