Is there anything more exciting than packing for a spring break trip? Spring break always comes around at the best time of year. At least in the Midwest, it can still be cold with snow on the ground, so a spring break destination is sometimes just what you need (emphasis on need) after a long winter. Plus, spring break outfits are the perfect reason to incorporate some color back into your wardrobe, dust off your sandals, and pick out a new swimsuit. If you’re looking for some inspiration for an upcoming spring break getaway (or maybe a lowkey staycation), read on for 13 cute spring break outfits.
Spring Break Outfits
1. striped popover shirt + crewneck sweater + denim shorts + fisherman sandals
popover shirt | sweater | shorts | sandals | sunglasses | earrings
Cute outfits for your long-awaited spring break trip don’t have to be complicated. Chic looks are often very simple formulas. For this first look, start with a popover shirt or button-down for an easy, breezy vibe. Blue and white stripes are a classic for warm weather! Next, add a pair of mid-length denim shorts. The fitted style of the shorts will balance out the volume of the shirt on top.
Then, introduce a new texture to your look with a soft sweater tied around your shoulders. This could be a necessary layer once the sun goes down, especially if you’re by the water! Finish out your look with a few basic (but classic) accessories: think a pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses, a small pair of gold hoops, and a leather pair of fisherman sandals.
2. floral midi dress + woven clutch + sandals + gold earrings
dress | clutch | sandals | earrings
Who doesn’t love shopping for new dresses before a big trip? If you’re unsure where to start, little black dresses are the perfect choice if you’re going for a versatile piece that you can dress down during the day, and dress up for a nice dinner. Plus, winter is a great time to shop for spring dresses – you get the first pick of the new arrivals as stores release them.
A midi or maxi dress is a great idea for a tropical spring break. It’s elegant but easy to wear and also pairs well with sandals or heels. Style it for a fancy dinner at your resort with a pair of strappy heels, statement earrings, and a woven clutch. Or, check out the local shopping with a pair of low sandals and a straw basket large enough to hold all of the souvenirs you’ll bring home.
3. popover denim tunic + white jeans + woven basket tote + fisherman sandals
popover tunic | jeans | sandals | sunglasses
Denim on denim looks are trending this year, but you don’t have to limit yourself to an all-blue look if you want to try out the style. Mix and match white and classic jean pieces for a fun, casual look. If your spring break destination isn’t considered tropical, an all-denim look can provide some added warmth while still giving you chic, coastal vibes.
First, pair a popover denim tunic with a pair of white Mid-Way jeans from Everlane. Next, add a pair of Fisherman sandals. These are a great choice if you’re planning on doing any amount of walking – they’re extra supportive with an ankle strap, and straps along the top of your foot. Add classic tortoiseshell sunglasses and a French market tote to complete the look.
4. white mini dress + denim hat + white sneakers + canvas tote bag
mini dress | sneakers | canvas tote bag | earrings | baseball hat
White dresses are another great vacation wardrobe staple if you’re headed somewhere warm for spring break. A white mini dress gives off the perfect laid-back vibe if you’re planning out resort wear. You can enjoy lunch at a local cafe or drinks by the pool in this East Coast-inspired look.
Complement the fresh, bright aesthetic of your dress with a coordinating pair of white tennis shoes. Next, add a denim hat (cute, and ideal for providing sun protection). Don’t forget a beach tote – pack your snacks and bottles of water if you’re headed for a walk along the boardwalk. A simple pair of gold stud earrings complete the look.
5. striped cardigan + ballet flats + light-wash jeans
cardigan | jeans | ballet flats | shoulder bag | sunglasses
Not every spring break destination calls for a tropical look. If you’re headed to somewhere in Europe for vacation, you’ll want to pack clothes that are chic, but also still appropriate for weather that could still be a little chilly!
A striped, cozy cardigan is a must-have for your European packing list (especially if you’re traveling to France!). Stripes are a staple in Parisian style outfits. Plus, a striped sweater can be worn in so many different ways – which is important if you’re trying to pack light. Pair it with light-wash jeans, black ballet flats, a minimalist shoulder bag, and sunglasses to explore Paris. Or, dress it up with a black mini skirt, tights, slingback flats, and a red lip.
6. sweater + white skort + sandals + striped tote bag
sweater | earrings | skort | sandals | tote bag
Oversized sweaters pair well with shorts and mini skirts if you’re looking to add extra coverage to your spring break outfits. Whether you’re looking for warmth or prefer a more modest look, oversized sweaters balance out a piece that may be more fitted.
Style this next look to enjoy a good book on the beach. A shaker stitch-sweater will protect you against any strong winds coming off the water and provide warmth, without added bulk. Pair it with a white skort that’s cute, but practical for a number of vacation activities (Pickleball, anyone?). Simple gold hoops and a pair of leather sandals are all you need for accessories. And, don’t forget a striped canvas tote to hold your book and towel!
7. midi dress + heels + crossbody bag + sunglasses
dress | heels | sunglasses | crossbody bag | necklace
If you’re looking for flattering outfits when it comes to spring break clothes, I always recommend a button-down midi dress. This style has a number of elements that make it flattering and complementary to every body type. First, the white buttons going down the center of the dress draw your eye inward and in a vertical direction. Next, the short cap sleeves are not too restrictive on your arms but do provide some coverage to your shoulders. There is also gathered pleating at the midsection of the dress, which will give you great waist definition!
Keep the rest of your look simple for a timeless dinner outfit. Mule heels are a great choice for footwear. Accessorize with a gold molten pendant necklace, retro-inspired oval sunglasses, and a black crossbody bag. You can’t go wrong when it comes to casual dresses like this for spring break outfits.
8. one-piece swimsuit + white beach pants + sandals + woven clutch
swimsuit | sandals | pants | clutch | sunglasses | hoop earrings
A one-piece swimsuit can pull double duty when it comes to spring break outfit ideas. You can of course wear it as a bathing suit for beach days or an afternoon by the pool. Or, wear it as a bodysuit with your new bottoms that you brought along for your trip, like a pair of gauzy beach pants.
This one-piece swimsuit features flattering details like vertical stripes, a belted waist, and a v-neck neckline. If you’re in a rush and headed to lunch, layer it under a pair of white drawstring pants and accessorize with white sandals, oval sunglasses, a woven clutch, and gold earrings. Voila! You’ll instantly be best-dressed at the beachside cafe.
9. straw hat + bikini top + beach pants + sunglasses + flip flops
bikini top | straw hat | flip flops | pants | sunglasses
No tropical vacation outfit wardrobe would be complete without a straw hat. Whether you’re headed to Costa Rica or the Dominican Republic, a straw hat provides necessary (and stylish) sun protection if you’re planning to spend a lot of time beachside.
If you’re going somewhere warm, you can stay cool with a simple look like a bikini top and beach pants. Or, pack a matching set of a button-down and shorts to layer over your bikini bottoms and tops. A pair of sunglasses and flip-flops are all you need to finish the look – you don’t want to waste any time in that beautiful water!
10. sweatshirt + white tee + gauzy pants + flip flops
white tee | pants | tote bag | sweatshirt | flip flops | earrings
Watch the sunset over the water to fully enjoy your whole vacation day. You could pack a bottle of wine, some cheese and crackers, and a warm blanket to bring with you. We all know vacation days go way too fast, so you don’t want to miss a minute of those beautiful views!
Keep things simple with a white tee and white beach pants. On top, add a cashmere zip-up sweater. Not only will this keep you cozy and warm as night falls, but it can also double as the perfect layer for a cold airplane if you want to look chic while traveling. Carry all of your picnic necessities in a French-style market tote, and keep the rest of your accessories minimal with gold studs and a pair of flip-flops.
11. striped shirt + denim jacket + white jeans + sneakers
sneakers | white jeans | shoulder bag | striped shirt | earrings | jacket (similar)
Here’s another look for those traveling to a city or cooler destination for a spring break trip! At MCO we love finding inspiration in the things French girls are always wearing, and this outfit formula fits the bill.
First, start with a striped mariner shirt. Next, add a pair of well-fitting, straight-leg jeans. Throw on a denim jacket (or a black blazer!) on top. Timeless accessories without logos complete the look – think a sleek shoulder bag, simple gold jewelry, and clean, white sneakers.
The best part is that you might already have a lot of these pieces in your capsule wardrobe! And if you need ideas of how to add basics to your closet that can put together chic and easy looks like this, we have some free shopping guides to help you.
12. red mini dress + gold hoops + woven sandals + woven bag
dress | bag | sandals | hoop earrings
Every vacation wardrobe needs a fun statement piece! Whether it’s for photos or your final celebratory dinner, a bright pop of color is the perfect way to celebrate a great trip. A bold color, like red dresses, instantly makes you stand out – in a great way.
Pair this flutter-sleeve mini dress with textured details for an island-appropriate spring break look. Woven sandals, a woven crossbody bag, and chunky gold hoops are all you need to complement this show-stopping piece.
13. mini shirtdress + pearl earrings + woven clutch + leather sandals
dress | sandals | clutch | earrings
Do you know what’s even better than getting dressed up for brunch? Dressing up for brunch on vacation! The little details make all the difference when it comes to elevating the looks you packed in your suitcase. Pair a breezy shirtdress with a fun ruffle detail alongside pearl earrings, leather sandals, and a woven clutch for a simple, yet elegant look.
Sunny Styles for Spring Break
Whether you’re heading to the beach or hitting the designer shops in Paris on your next trip, hopefully, you found some inspiration from these looks for your next vacation! And if you’re planning a staycation this year, make sure to save these outfit ideas for warmer weather on the horizon.
Speaking of tropical trips, are you looking for more ideas about what to wear to a resort? Up Next: A Chic Style Guide: What to Wear to a Resort
I love these ideas! Great post. I actually just got that gorgeous skort (it’s super comfy and chic) and never thought of pairing with an oversized sweater. So cute. Also I just got that shirt dress as well. Perfect for spring!
Yay, glad you like this! Here’s to styling lots of great chic outfits this season.