{Anna Maria Island:} Grown-Up Spring Break Style
If you follow me on Instagram, you probably saw that I recently escaped the cold New England weather for a little grown-up Spring Break at the beginning of March. Luckily, we were able to fit this trip in right before the COVID-19 lockdown began. We were in Anna Maria Island, Florida (specifically Bradenton Beach) from Sunday, 3/8 through Friday, 3/13. It was a wonderful getaway and I’m very much looking forward to the day we’re cleared to travel again!
I’m excited to share this post as an archive of my looks from this trip. I was so happy to dive into spring/summer fashion early this year! I also want to provide my styling tips for an adult Spring Break. Obviously, everyone’s style is different, but as I’ve grown up, cutoff shorts and skimpy bikinis are no longer part of my wardrobe. If I’m being honest, I’m not sure they ever were! But still, I think it’s important to dress for how you want to portray yourself to the world and for me, that’s put-together, fun, and flirty! Without further ado, let’s get into my favorite looks from my Spring Break trip to Florida.
Swimsuits
For a beach vacation, cute swimsuits are a MUST! Even though I have quite the collection already, I’m guilty of ordering a few new ones before this trip… I prefer one-pieces and high-waisted bottoms because I’m a bit insecure about my stomach. If that’s not a problem area for you, rock what your momma gave ya! No matter what, pick prints and colors that make you happy!
LEFT: J.Crew Bow Shoulder One-Piece Swimsuit, Navy Mixed Polka Dot
RIGHT: Aerie High Cut Cheeky Bikini Bottom, Zinnia // Aerie V Bandeau Bikini Top, Reef Waters (Sold out in that color, but Zinnia would match too!)
BOTH: AEO Rose Gold Sunglasses //ASOS Natural Straw Fedora Hat (Old, Similar Here)
(My Favorite Part:) Dresses
That heading says it all! If I could live in dresses year-round, I would. That’s why warm weather vacations are ideal – because I can do just that. I packed some winners for this trip that I know I’m going to wear again + again this summer. Light-weight fabrics like cotton and linen are best for warmer temperatures. Pastel colors and prints such as stripes + polka dots are made for sunny days!
LOCATION: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
LOOK: Lulus Swingdance Mustard Yellow Striped Button Front Midi Dress // ZAC Zac Posen Polka Dot Eartha Top Handle Convertible Backpack (RTR)
LOCATION: Backyard at The Anna Maria Island Beach Palace (Vrbo House)
LOOK: Gal Meets Glam Collection Vanessa Dress (Sold Out)
LOCATION: JetBlue Park at Fenway South
LOOK: Primark White Button Front Dress (Old, Similar Here) // Boston Red Sox New Era Red Hat
Sunset Looks
One luxury of traveling to the Gulf Coast is being treated to gorgeous sunsets day after day. I made a point of heading to the beach just before sundown every night we were there. At that point in the day, we’d either been out and about or spent hours at the beach. As a result, my sunset looks were flowy, easy dresses I could quickly thrown on. I highly recommend packing a few extra of these pieces because you never know when you’ll want to change into something fresh and comfortable.
LEFT: Aerie Satin Slip Dress, Royal Palm // Aerie Crop Quarter Zip (Old, Similar Here)
RIGHT: See by Chloe Tie Strap Midi Dress (RTR)
Other Items in My Suitcase
Believe it or not, I didn’t get around to photographing all of the items I wore this vacation. Still, I wanted to give you a look at some of the additional pieces I packed. This includes swim cover ups (over-sized button down shirt + eyelet mini dress), another bathing suit, a top to wear with denim mom shorts or jeans, and two more day dresses (okay, so one is actually a jumpsuit) to have options!
Aerie Long Sleeve Button Down Shirt // Aerie Eyelet Dress, Monaco Blue // Aerie Leopard Wrap One Piece Swimsuit // Lulus Aurora White Eyelet Lace Puff Sleeve Crop Top // Free People Color My World Jumpsuit (RTR) // MDS Stripes Lavender Eyelet Dress (RTR)
Like I said, I can’t wait to wear these pieces again this summer! For now, this trip was the perfect preview of what’s to come when the weather warms up. I hope you enjoyed this peek inside my suitcase. What’s your Spring Break fashion staple? Leave a comment or let me know via DM on Instagram!
P.S. Any pieces marked with “(RTR)” were rented via my Rent the Runway Unlimited subscription! Learn more in my previous blog post here and click here if you’d like to try Rent the Runway for yourself with $100 off!
