It’s that time of year again; the grey of winter starts getting old, your skin starts looking as white as the snow on the ground, and the implicit need to jump into a warm pool under the sun sets in. Spring break is upon us and for many travelers, that means a trip to the Sunshine State is in order.
Whether you’re planning to visit the magical house of mouse, setting sail on a Caribbean cruise, kicking it in the Keys, investigating the Everglades, or just sitting out in the sunshine, it’s important to get your spring break packing list in order. Here are five essential items to put on your Florida spring break packing list, plus some outfit inspiration for some of the state’s most popular destinations.
Florida Spring Break Packing List
#1 Sun-Sational Sun Protection
As a girlie who has had multiple pre-cancerous moles removed, I cannot stress the importance of sun protection enough. If you’re planning to swim in the ocean, consider some reef-safe sunscreen (I swear by SunBum for my body). Find a facial sunscreen that works well for your skin type. I’ve had a great experience with the SuperGoop GlowScreen, but if shimmer isn’t your thing, the CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF will do the trick. Avoid nasty scalp burns with the SunBum Scalp and Hair Mist. And it’s always helpful to pack a hat. My favorite baseball cap is this one which I purchased from Abercrombie & Fitch. I also love Amazon’s selection of sun hats for a more tropical look.
#2 Reign Supreme in Rain Gear
While the Florida dry season runs from October until May, Miami, Florida receives four feet of rain annually. If you’re spending a week in Florida, there’s a good chance that you’ll see at least some precipitation during your visit. Plan ahead and pack a raincoat for your visit. My North Face raincoat has been kicking it for my entire adult lifetime and I cannot recommend it enough. Raincoats are especially important if you’re visiting the Disney or Universal theme parks (Those Mickey ponchos are not cheap). If you have a mini umbrella like this one, it’s always nice to toss one in your bag, too!
#3 Fabulous Florals
Florida is a place where you can embrace bright colors and floral patterns. Channel your inner Palm Beach with some fun Lilly Pulitzer prints, or embrace your Jimmy Buffett vibes with a fun Hawaiian shirt. The world is your oyster when it comes to Florida outfits, so take the opportunity to go all out when it comes to your fashion choices.
#4 Outfits for Sunrise and Sunset
Enhance your packing space by keeping a solid capsule wardrobe in mind. Consider picking dresses that can transition from casual beachwear to elevated tiki bar ensembles, athletic dresses for your morning walk or an evening dinner, or light jackets that match most of your wardrobe pieces. The more mileage you get out of staple pieces, the more room you have in your bag for potential souvenirs.
#5 Melt-Proof Makeup
When I lived in Florida, I used to joke that walking out of the airport felt like walking into a bowl of soup. It’s HUMID! During college, I quickly realized my trusty Clinique Quickliner wasn’t going to cut it anymore. If you’re a make-up girlie, consider packing some waterproof cosmetics that will withstand the elements, as well as some blotting papers to reduce shine. My favorite waterproof mascara and long-lasting eyeliner are Benefit's Bad Girl Bang line. I always carry a packet of blotting papers to keep my face from shining as bright as the Florida sun.
Florida Spring Break Outfit Look Book
What to Wear to Walt Disney World
It’s every girl’s Disney dream to look cute while exploring Disney’s theme parks, but it’s important not to sacrifice comfort for style. The perfect Disney World should include three things; 1. Comfortable walking shoes, 2. Easy to shed layers, and 3. A touch of Disney magic. You can check out a few outfit recommendations below (Bonus points if you can tell which park inspired each outfit!):
What to Wear to the Beach
Sometimes you just need to live in a bathing suit for a week, and in Florida, that is absolutely acceptable. Here are a few of my favorite suits this season, plus some easy, breezy cover-ups for those “No shoes, no shirt, no service” locations:
What to Wear on a Cruise
If you’re hitting the high seas this spring, you’ll need to pack a mix of adventure-worthy outfits and classy-casual evening wear. I’m all about easy evening dresses and capsule daytime wardrobe to make the most of the limited space in your suitcase (and your stateroom). Here’s a full day’s worth of outfits fit for hitting cruise control:
What to Wear to Key West
Ah, Key West. The home of key lime pie, Jimmy Buffett, and questionable decisions. The Keys are all about embracing island vibes, and these outfit ideas prove it. Plan to kick back and relax with a cold one in your hand during the day, then transition to the ultimate craw down Duval St. at night with these iconic and transitional ‘fits:
What to Wear in the Everglades
So you like to walk on the wild side, huh? If you’re planning an excursion down Alligator Alley, be prepared to dress with the sun and the swamp in mind. That means keeping your skin under wraps and being prepared for hours outside in the elements. Check out these adventure-worthy outfits (And maybe check out my one-day Everglades itinerary while you’re at it!):
Wrapping it Up!
So, which outfit are you packing for your upcoming trip? Drop your favorite outfit, along with any of your own Florida packing hacks in the comments below!
And if you’re planning a trip to Florida, check out some of the linked blog posts below. I just returned from my “Great Florida Road Trip” and have plenty of tips and itineraries on the way!
Until next time, keep on exploring!