6 Outfits That Are Inspiring My Upcoming Spring Vacation

It's that time of the year when my seasonal depression starts itching for a beach vacation. Even if it's a couple of months off, my spirit thrives off of the idea that a warm-weather escape is on the horizon. But while some people get giddy over planning itineraries, my favorite part about an upcoming getaway is planning exactly what I'm going to wear, down to my socks. 

As a meticulous packer, I enjoy mapping out my outfits well in advance to ensure my entire vacation can feel as carefree as possible. I like leaving my activities up to spontaneity, my outfits less so. So now that I've mentally propped open my suitcase, I'm ready to throw together the perfect spring vacation packing list. And where better to find outfit inspo than from those whose style I admire most? Keep scrolling to see the six looks I plan on copying to a T during my next trip.

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(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

Beachside vacations are one of the few times I allow myself to indulge in color. No one is more disappointed than I am that I couldn't find these tie-dye denim culottes anywhere. But that's not going to stop me from making a DIY attempt. Now to find some dyes…

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(Image credit: @lefevrediary)

A chunky sweater thrown over a light slip dress is just what balmy evenings call for. I love that this look easily transitions from day to night.

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(Image credit: @sophiabrenn)

This ensemble reminds me of the beach scenes almost every late '90s/early '00s boy band was required to add to their music videos. And it's exactly the aesthetic I'm looking for. Bucket hat? Check. Unbuttoned shirt floating in the breeze? Check. All that's missing is a lead heartthrob to croon over.

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(Image credit: @styledevotee)

My new ideal roaming-around-town outfit. I love the way the semi-formal maxi dress is dressed down with a simple baseball hat and square-toe flip-flops. This outfit is perfect for those days when you don't have a set plan. You can easily wear it to the local markets, a sit-down lunch, and the beach, all without ever having to run back to your Airbnb to change.

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(Image credit: @cassdimicco)

Oftentimes, the best outfits are the simplest ones. Here, Cass Dimicco dresses up a basic romper with a few key accessories that turn the athleisure piece into an expensive-looking ensemble. If a romper isn't on your packing list, you can achieve this the same effect with a black one-piece swimsuit or a black tank–and–bike short set. 

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

For those dedicated beach days, why not plan your entire outfit around your swimwear? If covering up your bottom half with a full-length sarong feels too conservative, try a similar styling tip to the one above and tie a neck scarf around your waist instead.

Up next, the coolest outfits from New York and how to re-create them.

Contributing Editor

Ray Lowe is a contributing editor for Who What Wear. She's spent the last decade living in New York, but now that she professionally works from home, she's slowly been going back to her roots by splitting time between NYC and L.A. A year ago, she left a four-year stint as a fashion editor for Refinery29 to explore the freelance life. Nowadays, she does just about everything from penning online articles (for Who What Wear, Refinery29, Elle, Cosmo, and many more) to writing scripts, styling, and finding ways to fuse her love for both Disney and fashion. Her main beat is fashion (trends, emerging brands, affordable finds, you name it), but you may find her dropping in with a beauty story every now and then. As for her personal style, she'd best describe it as a balanced blend of basics and contemporary trends, often with a dash of Mickey Mouse thrown in for good measure. In her spare time, she can be found coddling my pets (a French bulldog and a rescue cat), curating travel itineraries for her friends, scrolling through Instagram for up-and-coming brands, and watching so-bad-they're-good films.