What to Pack for Spring Break Vacations

Date: March 15, 2025

Tickets, booked. Lodging, secured. Suitcase… not even close to packed! While you've probably packed up the kids, pets, and your partner for spring break, you haven't had a second to think about your own needs and what to bring on your trip. Until now!

Figuring out what to pack for spring break vacation can be more intimidating than it sounds, no matter the destination. Weather can be unpredictable, even in the sunniest climates. You might decide you hate everything you packed and end up wearing the leggings you flew in the whole time.

Lucky for you, your Trendsend stylist and box are here to make spring break packing a (tropical) breeze. We can easily create a custom box of items that will pair well together, pack nicely, and work for a variety of occasions, or you can do the same with your favorite past purchases. Ahead, we're sharing the ultimate guide to what to pack for spring break vacation.

For the flight: A chic matching set

Back in the '50s and '60s, people used to get all glammed up to fly. TBH, we love that idea, but we're also practical. Wearing heels and a dress isn't the most comfortable way to cross the country via plane or sit in the car for a few hours, so a stylish matching set it is! This can be as simple as a pair of track pants and a matching jacket or a monochromatic top-and-pant set, or maybe a sweater-and-skirt combo in similar shades of black, tan, or gray. Since planes can be chilly, we recommend a long-sleeved shirt, jacket, or sweater; this also saves you space in your suitcase, and you can layer with it once you land. On your feet, opt for easy, comfy sneakers so you can run to the gate.

When it cools down: Light layering options

Even if you're heading somewhere hot and sunny like Mexico or Palm Springs, it can be chilly or cool once the sun goes down. You don't have to pack cashmere sweaters or thick leggings, but easy layers like a lightweight cardigan, denim jacket, or cotton sweater will be invaluable for those brisk mornings and evenings. These versatile layering pieces can be thrown over shorts, a dress, or even your swimsuit.

For all your activities: a versatile shoe wardrobe

Please don't try and pack every pair of shoes you own! Chances are you're not going to wear those four-inch stilettos. Luckily, sandals and flats are lightweight and easy to pack. A pair of Birkenstock sandals or slides are perfect for everyday activities. For sightseeing excursions or a night out, ballet flats are effortlessly stylish. (We like a Mary Jane or a woven style for spring break.) Boat shoes are back, and they're perfect with a pair of cutoffs or barrel jeans.

If you're going somewhere warm…

Lucky you! We've got one word for you: linen. If sun, heat, and humidity are in the immediate future, you'll want to pack a few breezy, breathable linen pieces to keep you cool when the temperature rises. Yes, linen wrinkles, but that's part of the vibe, so lean into it!

Other packing essentials

Your favorite jeans. We're all about denim—and we'd never leave it off a packing list! Keep it simple with one or two pairs, preferably the jeans that make you feel your absolute best. These can be dressed up, dressed down, or tossed on for continental breakfast like NBD.

A simple dress. Depending on your personal style, this can be black, beige, gray, or patterned, but the key here is versatility. Let your shoes and accessories do the heavy lifting here; bold earrings or bracelets with a ballet flat or low heel are perfect for a night out, while a blazer and sneakers is great for travel or city sightseeing. For a post-beach lunch, add flip flops and a hat.

Shorts. In our opinion, a classic pair of denim cutoffs goes with everything: sweaters, blouses, T-shirts, bikini tops… you name it. See ya on the beach!