Spring Break is one of the most anticipated times of the year: for those of us who are lucky enough to take the time off, we get to escape our busy lives for a few days of rest and relaxation. While some like to travel to snowy ski destinations, I prefer the sun and the beach. The only difficult part? Packing for warm weather when the temperature at home is still hovering around a crisp 32°. But have no fear! After having gone through the difficult packing process myself, I’ve compiled a list of the top 3 beach essentials not to be forgotten when you go on your spring break getaway.

1. Wide-brimmed hat


For both the fair skinned and those who turn that perfect shade of golden brown, a wide-brimmed hat is absolutely necessary for any sunny destination. Not only do hats protect your face from harmful UV-rays (and premature aging—yikes!), they are also effortlessly chic. An image of Grace Kelly tanning on a beach in Monaco in To Catch a Thief instantly comes to mind with this accessory; if that’s not beach fashion inspiration, I don’t know what is.

2. Wedges


If you’re like me, in October, you dutifully put your best summer wedges in the back of your closet and traded them for booties. Well, it’s time to bring them out again! A great pair of wedges is honestly the only heel you need on Spring Break (and this is coming from someone who normally packs four pairs of stilettos for a weekend trip). Wedges are fun, comfortable and versatile and scream warm weather and summer. This is also a great way to try out the latest trends, don’t be afraid to mix a colorblock wedge with a patterned outfit!

3. Neon


I’ve always been a bit iffy about neon—it brings back not so great memories of the orange and hot pink Espirit outfits that my parents would buy for me in the 90s—but this season, it’s making a comeback. Spring Break is the perfect time to experiment with this new color trend (and neon looks great with a tan!). Whether you choose a highlighter green bikini or a hot pink asymmetrical dress, you’ll stand out in the crowd when you rock some neon on Spring Break.

~Alyssa, fashioniSTA

(Image credits: everythingbutwater.com, dvf.com, stylecaster.com, musingsinfemininity.tumblr.com/, lspace.com, harpersbazaar.com)