If you are lucky enough to jet somewhere warm for spring break, you may need to dig through the attic to find last summer’s staple items. Toss the old sunscreen and refresh your beach bag. Here is some inspiration for your trip.

One of my favorite things to pack for a sunny vacation is a caftan. Yes, a good old Mrs. Roper caftan is one of the most versatile items in your sunny vacay wardrobe. You can wear it as a coverup, or throw on a wedge heel and dangly earrings and wear it to dinner. If you are sunburned and everything hurts, it makes a great flowy nightgown as well.

I have this one and wear it often as a coverup in the summer. It’s cute and comfortable, and the drawstring gives it a little shape and tighter coverage if you need to hop in the car to pick someone up from the pool. Don’t let the “plus size” description throw you off. Every single body can wear this, especially since it has the best tie. It’s just a one-size-fits-all situation. I have this one as well and wear it when I want a “dressy” feel. The first time I wore it, my husband asked if I was trying out for the choir, but he may not always recognize elegance when he sees it. Every once it a while I run the iron over it after washing but I don’t need it after each wash. I would consider this one the fancy pick of the three. I would absolutely wear this to dinner. A simple, elegant tote is perfect to go with the caftan either day or night, and this one comes with a little pouch to match.

If you want something a little “less” for the beach or the pool, I love the print on this sarong.

It’s quick and easy to tie around your waist or your bust and can be easily tossed into your tote when you are taking a dip. If you aren’t into the pink, this blue option won’t be see-through when wet.

I wear sun hats all the time now because I have reached the age where skin cancer prevention is more important to me than a rosy glow. I have all kinds but I tend to favor the straw hats with decent but not oversized brim.

A straw tote is a nice way to add some pizzazz to your outfit.

This one has a removable cooler so you can use it either as a cooler or a tote bag.

Flip-flops have always been my summer staple, but now I find that I’m more comfortable with a little extra support. I love my eva birkenstocks or cushionaire slides for the pool or the sand because they don’t slip and are easy to clean but I think these are a fun option as well.

You will also need some comfortable pieces for when you are out of the water. I love palazzo pants because, once again, they can do double duty. You can throw them on with a tank top or a nice sweater and cute shoes for dinner.

This pair is packable, has a comfortable waistline and the grey color goes with everything. Pair them with funky rattan earrings (check the size on these because they may be heavy), a cute tote, and sunglasses if you are touring town or on a travel day. , (this one is a cooler as well)

If you want a versitle, easy to pack and easy to clean, inexpensive tote here are two of my favorite options.

I would put my smaller-sized items into a couple of pouches in this one to make them easier to find and so that my phone and wallet aren’t out in the open. This one has a zipper top and both interior and exterior pockets. I have this one and love it.

Now, let’s get the packing list for that beach bag. First, you need hair ties. You do.

These won’t snag your hair when wet and are cuter than a rubber band when you carry them on your wrist.

Next you will need sunscreen and if you are like me, you’ll needs lots. I have seen this hyaluronic acid sun gel highly recommended, but I haven’t tried it yet. If you like multifunctional products, this may be worth a try.

EltaMD is my go-to daily sunscreen. It’s what my dermatologist recommends, and I find that it works really well without causing breakouts. It’s a little pricey but you only get one face. If you have kids like mine, who are basically adults who still squirm and complain about face lotions, the Sun Bum Face Stick is the way to go. It smells amazing and goes on clear. I always have one in my bag. For bodies, Hawaiin Tropic Silk Hydration is my favorite. This also smells like summer and feels light and not greasy when it goes on. Don’t forget your lips. My favorite Neutrogena lip gloss has SPF 20 coverage and comes in lots of subtle colors. You may want a waterproof mascara as well if you will be in and out of the water. I have super sensitive eyes and have tried every mascara under the sun in an effort to find something that won’t irritate them. Believe it or not, the most expensive, high-end brands aren’t the ones that work best. Someone at Sephora gave me this to try, and I haven’t looked back. It looks great and you can’t beat the price. Consider a cute floral pouch to put these in so they are at your fingertips inside your beach bag. Last but not least you need your beach read. I just finished this, and it is laugh-out-loud, funny, and light.

After a day of fun in the sun, don’t forget to moisturize and give your skin a little extra TLC from all the vitamin D.

At the end of the day slip into something not flannel or fleece and skip the socks because you won’t need those again until you get back home.

Safe travels, and enjoy every minute!

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