The promise of spring break is pretty darn exciting. The only blemish on an otherwise exciting time? Packing.
Packing for any trip, especially spring break, is literally the worst. You have to plan for every possible weather and activity, all while fitting in the confines of a suitcase.
So instead of just shoving the contents of your closet into a carry-on and hoping for the best, take some advice from our expert Style Gurus who know how to make spring break not only super #RAD, but super fashionable as well.
Danica Mateo
School: California State University of Northridge
Year/Major: Senior/Fashion Merchandising
What’s important to you in a travel outfit? Comfort is key. Nobody wants to travel in uncomfortable clothes. If I’m traveling, I need to be wearing something that I can be comfortable sitting in for more than 3 hours.
What are your three spring break packing must-haves? Portable charger, sunglasses, and travel size perfume.
Ana Gabriela Teran
School: University of Florida
Year/Major: Sophomore/Telecommunications-Production
What’s important to you in a travel outfit? Comfort above all is the most important for a traveling outfit. Sight-seeing is difficult to enjoy in a pair of uncomfortable shoes. If you are comfortable, you will feel confident and enjoy all the activities.
What are your three spring break packing must-haves? A camera, a nice pair of stylish sunglasses, and cute sneakers.
Carly Tice
School: Fairleigh Dickinson University
Year/Major: Senior/Marketing
What’s important to you in a travel outfit? Layering is important to me in a traveling outfit. It allows you to add or subtract items depending on the situation, for example, a cold airplane or when traveling to and from different climates!
What are your three spring break packing must-haves? My camera, my white sneakers, and my Coach backpack.
Eliza Huber
School: University of Iowa
Year/Major: Sophomore/Marketing
What’s important to you in a travel outfit? It’s all about comfort, especially for long flights, and while many think that being comfortable means settling for a grungy outfit, the recent jogger trend makes it incredibly easy to dress on point even on your laziest days.
What are your three spring break packing must-haves? My Lauren Manoogian Capote Coat, which resembles a gorgeous blanket to wrap myself in on the airplane, a simple LBD for quick wardrobe changes from day to night, and my Opening Ceremony leather high-top slip-ons because they go with absolutely everything.
Jonathan McDougle
School: East Carolina University
Year/Major: Junior/Communication/Journalism
What’s important to you in a travel outfit? I always pack an item or two that allow me to complement everything else in my travel bag. This allows you to mix and match everything else you have when you are not sure what to wear.
What are your three spring break packing must-haves? Birkenstock sandals, swim shorts, and oxfords button-ups.
Hannah Bullion
School: Michigan State University
Year/Major: Sophomore/Professional Writing
What’s important to you in a travel outfit? When traveling, I like to keep it cool and casual yet still completely put together (you never know who you’ll run into). I suggest layering a chic coat over athleisure and always having a pair of sunnies on hand.
What are your three spring break packing must-haves? A great pair of sunglasses, dry shampoo, and extra sunscreen!
Jena Bezesky
School: University of Florida
Year/Major: Junior/Public Relations
What’s important to you in a travel outfit? Simplicity is what I keep in mind when putting together a traveling outfit. A plain tank top, denim shorts and flats are comfortable and effortless combination whether you’re flying in a plane or sitting in the car.
What are your three spring break packing must-haves? Strong sunblock, sandals, and a snazzy pair of sunglasses.
Jazzmin Martinez
School: Humboldt State
Year/Major: Senior/Communication
What’s important to you in a travel outfit? When it comes to traveling, I never feel comfortable without some type of jacket. A comfortable, yet stylish bomber jacket gives me the cool girl vibes I love while staying casual.
What are your three spring break packing must-haves? Aquaphor (aka the best lip balm ever), headphones, and a portable phone charger!
Pamela Barthelemy
School: University of South Florida
Year/Major: Sophomore/Marketing
What’s important to you in a travel outfit? Comfort is the most important element of a traveling outfit. Adding personal touches to the outfit is also a major key.
What are your three spring break packing must-haves? Sandals, shift dresses, and stud earrings
Kristin Vartan
School: Pepperdine University
Year/Major: Sophomore/Journalism
What’s important to you in a travel outfit? My prime traveling ensemble is one that consists of pieces you would never think of putting together, yet somehow marry very well. There is nothing like roughing up a tight, high-low dress with a funky bomber jacket and Nike Roshe Sneakers.
What are your three spring break packing must-haves? My trusty Canon Rebel, a leather journal I bought at Camden Market, and a prominent shade of lipstick.
Melissa Martinez
School: Syracuse University
Year/Major: Senior/Public Relations
What’s important to you in a travel outfit? Two major keys to the perfect travel look are layers and comfort. The look comes together with exciting pieces like these flare jeans and leopard tote bag that add something special to your outfit.
What are your three spring break packing must-haves? A camera to capture important moments, a killer playlist for long car or plane rides, and those books you’ve been meaning to read all semester.
Megan Sharp
School: Pace University
Year/Major: Junior/Communication Studies
What’s important to you in a travel outfit? The most important part of a traveling outfit for me is feeling comfortable without looking frumpy. My go-to pants are a pair of joggers, which can be dressed up or down.
What are your three spring break packing must-haves? A nice pair of sunglasses, my favorite pair of Nike trainers, and AT LEAST one pair of ripped jeans.
Sahana Holla
School: Fordham University
Year/Major: Sophomore/Finance
What’s important to you in a travel outfit? When it comes to traveling, comfort is key, and the one piece that I find most comfortable is most definitely a romper. A romper allows you to move freely and is an easy one-piece outfit that you never have to question.
What are your three spring break packing must-haves? Rad sunnies, ankle boots which practically live on my feet, and black leather cross-body bag!
Sarah Yung
School: University of the Pacific
Year/Major: Senior/English/Film Studies
What’s important to you in a travel outfit? Comfort, versatility and style are all key when I’m traveling! I find that a classic leather jacket is the perfect laid-back layer, especially when thrown over an easy shift dress and paired with my favorite comfy Chloé booties.
What are your three spring break packing must-haves? My Karen Walker Super Duper Strength Sunglasses, my Birkenstock Monterey sandals, and an engrossing novel.
Ylenia Elvy-Panton
School: University of Connecticut
Year/Major: Senior/Journalism/Economics
What’s important to you in a travel outfit? I love a traveling outfit that’s easy to transform. A black slip dress looks put together, but a denim jacket brings a look back to casual.
What are your three spring break packing must-haves? Denim, comfortable shoes, and a new book.
Kelsey Baska
School: The University of Kansas
Year/Major: Senior/Journalism
What’s important to you in a travel outfit? Comfort! If I’m traveling I want to be wearing an outfit that’s low-maintenance but cool too.
What are your three spring break packing must-haves? My favorite jacket, a leave-in conditioner, and my camera!
This article first appeared on MTV.com
