Deciding what to pack for a week away is tricky enough, but choosing what to pack when you're going on spring break for a week is an entirely different task. Your spring break will likely vary wildly from an average week away with family or friends, so what you need to take with you will also look rather different.
Sure, there will be similarities; whether you're going to stay with your grandmother in Florida for a week or you're escaping to Cancun for spring break, you'll need similar clothes and accessories that will work well in these warm climates. However, unless your grandma is Baddie Winkle, your activities over the course of your seven day vacation will differ enormously, so you'll need to pack accordingly.
Of course, you don't want to be one of those people that turns up to the resort with seven different suitcases for just one week, but you also need options too. While it's great to feel prepared and have shoes for every occasion, unfortunately we don't all have magical bags like Mary Poppins that appear small, yet contain everything but the kitchen sink.
So I spoke with GoodLooks fashion stylist Ali Call, about the essential items you'll need for a week long, spring break vacation.
1. A Multi-Purpose Swimsuit
Fuller Bust Exclusive Tapestry Floral Bardot Swimsuit DD-G, $49, ASOS
Call tells Bustle over email that a must-pack item is a "swimsuit that can double as a top for a chic transition to Happy Hour." Because, why traipse all the way back to your room to change when you already look rad?
2. Cut Off Denim Shorts
Torrid Skinny Shorts With Ripped Destruction And Frayed Hem, $39, Torrid
Whether you choose to make your own from a pair of old jeans, or buy them new, cut off denim shorts are so easy to wear and go with basically anything.
3. A Clever Cover-Up
Maxi Beach Dress With Twist Neck Detail, $43, ASOS
Making the contents of your suitcase work to their full potential is a necessity for spring break. With this in mind, Call recommends to pack a cover-up, "that can moonlight as a dress."
4. Stylish Sunglasses
Quay Supergirl Sunglasses, $60, Shop Bop
If you don't want to spend your entire holiday squinting into the distance, you'll need some sunnies to hand. "I'm loving the brand Quay for high fashion at an affordable price — check out their Supergirl style," says Call.
5. "Easy Off" Sandals
TKEES Glitters Flip Flops, $58, Shop Bop
When you eventually make it to the beach or the poolside, the last thing you'll want to do is struggle with tricky sandal straps and fastenings. Call advises to go for, "Easy off sandals — TKEES flip-flops are super versatile."
6. An Easy To Pack Hat
Water Resistant Baseball Cap, $42, Hat Attack
"Choose a classic straw hat or, if your vibe is sporty, choose a waterproof cap," says Call. Bear in mind that it must be easy to pack — unless you want a crinkled hat all week!
7. A Cross Body Bag
Brooke Striped Faux Fur Cross Body Bag, $28, Boohoo
Keep your important items close to you with a cross body bag that Call describes as, "best for carrying IDs, room keys, and incidentals."
8. A Tote
Local Heroes In a Mood Denim Patch Tote Bag, $33, Nasty Gal
When you're hitting up the beach, store your valuables in your room safe and pack a tote bag. Call says totes are, "best for carrying sunblock, magazines, [and] portable music devices," which is all you'll need for a day at the beach.
9. Aloe Vera
Amara Organics Aloe Vera Gel from Organic Cold Pressed Aloe, $16, Amazon
Call explains that aloe vera is a spring break essential, "because no one wants to have to run to the drugstore post sunburn."
10. Waterproof Mascara
Kat Von D Immortal Lash 24 Hour Mascara, $20, Sephora
Let's face it, you're probably going to be in and out of the pool or the ocean constantly, so Call recommends using waterproof mascara instead of a standard one in order to, "combat raccoon eye."
11. Dry Shampoo
Batiste Dry Shampoo Cherry, $8, Amazon
Whether you like it or not, there will be days when you'll be having way too much fun to squeeze in washing and styling your hair. Call says to pack some dry shampoo, "for those days when you need a quick fix." There will likely be more of those kind of days than you originally planned.
At the end of the day, you don't need a ton of stuff for a week long spring break — you'll benefit more from multi-functional products that'll help take you from the beach, to wherever it is you want to go afterwards!
Images: Courtesy Brands
