This post is sponsored by Saks.
I’ve got spring break on my mind today, specifically someplace warm & sunny. While that’s not in the cards for us this year, a girl can dream. And since Sak’s Friends & Family sale (get 25% off new arrivals and 20% off select jewelry, ends 3/27) seems to include several of my favorite brands of swimwear, drool-worthy vacation dresses AND my go-to denim shorts…well. I couldn’t help myself.
Plus, I’ve always found packing for a sun-drenched spring break to be…easy. I keep it simple with the same six pieces:
- one great swimsuit (or bikini),
- a pair of denim shorts (for adventuring AND use as a cover-up),
- two dresses,
- walkable shoes,
- cute shoes
Of course, the vibe can change drastically, depending on where we’re going. Depending on the destination, I’ll add more layers if needed, as well as the essentials I find too boring to list out (pajamas, underwear, sunscreen, etc.). But I’ve found that starting with these six core pieces (swim, shorts, dress 1, dress 2, walkable shoes, cute shoes) really helps to keep overpacking in check AND works for virtually any and every spring break adventure.
What To Wear, Where: Spring Break Capsule Wardrobes For The Caribbean, Mexico & Hawaii
To illustrate, I pulled together a few different spring break wardrobes for varying destinations: the Caribbean (one for Puerto Rico, one for Aruba, one for the Dominican Republic), Mexico (Tulum and Riviera Maya are both covered), as well as Hawaii, if anyone is lucky enough to be heading that way.
Of course, any of these mini capsules would work for almost any destination, but it is fun to see a range of styles & vibes.
Spring Break Outfit Idea 1: Puerto Rico
I love the earthy tones and easy silhouettes in this Puerto Rico-inspired packing list. And don’t be afraid to slip on the sneakers with the dresses — it all works.
NOTES: If you’ve never tried Shoshanna swimwear, it’s freaking fantastic. Incredibly well made, with really luxe fabrics. Only Shoshanna could make army green look so feminine. And those AGOLDE Parker shorts are a team favorite.
Spring Break Outfit Idea 2: Tulum
For this one, I leaned in hard on a neutral palette and used chic details (and a little pattern) to keep things interesting. The result is dead chic.
NOTES: This maxi dress from A.L.C. is absolutely stunning on, but size up one size. I wore a midi version of this dress in Italy, and it was wildly chic and cool in soaring temps, thanks to the 100% cotton poplin construction. It’s truly a forever piece, and I’m thrilled that A.L.C. is bringing it back with updated colors & patterns. Also? The raffia bag is from Black-owned business Brother Vellies, and don’t miss the seriously cool buckle detail on those Vince slides.
Spring Break Outfit Idea 3: Aruba
I’m a sucker for breezy blue, and this gorgeous capsule makes my heart sing. Also…crochet.
NOTES: That stunning crochet dress is 100% cotton, and would be just as gorgeous layered over T-shirts and turtlenecks now as it would be on its own (or used as a cover-up). And I personally think strapless necklines (like on the dress and swimsuit) are underrated. I frequently use them to avoid pesky tan lines (along with sunscreen, obviously). I’m also featuring another pair of AGOLDE Parker shorts — a different wash and longer hemline.
Spring Break Outfit Idea 4: Riviera Maya
Try mixing dark, chic florals with denim, black, army green and — for fun — white shorts. It feels almost unexpected and fresh, despite the darker neutrals.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 8
NOTES: More AGOLDE Parker shorts (longer hem) but in white, which I’m excited about. This is also a Shoshanna bikini, which will be sexy and comfortable but not typically cheeky. I personally find that string bikinis are — easily — the most flattering bikinis on every body.
Spring Break Outfit Idea 5: Dominican Republic
Playful colors that flirt with being bright (but aren’t *quite* pastel, either) are easy to wear but fun enough to feel like vacation clothes.
NOTES: This one-piece swimsuit is from another one of my favorite swim brands, Beach Riot. The fabrics are comfortable, not squeezy or itchy, and the fit tends to be TTS. I love this colorblocked suit — it reminds me of strawberry lemonade. And these are the exact pair of AGOLDE Parkers I currently own (they have a shorter hem than the others, FYI), and I’ve been eyeing that blue FRAME dress since last summer (it’s also available in army green or black too).
Spring Break Outfit Idea 6: Hawaii
Bold brights, big blooms and bubble hems: ALOHA. This capsule is so fun, it’ll work anywhere, but it strikes me as especially perfect for Hawaii.
NOTES: The last swimwear brand I’d like to mention is Colombia-based Agua Bendita. I have this one-piece, and it’s soft, comfortable, and incredibly well made. Highly recommend. Lastly, that bubble-hem dress also comes in white…and now I can’t decide. Gah!
OK, Gang — hopefully this helps for some upcoming travel….
Xo,
S
Hey, Pinners, check this out…

Cute! Would you re-wear the dresses for nightly dinners if you only pack 2??
Absolutely! But if there were going to be fancyish dinners every single night, I’d probably throw in another outfit. Either a silk slip dress, or a matching linen set.