STYLING 101:

What I (Actually) Wore During My Spring Vacation

By: Haley Gaylor

Shorts, sandals, SPF, swim, repeat.

A carry-on suitcase HATES to see me coming. Because...

I’m an over-packer. (I’ve convinced myself that over-packing is genetic, so there’s really nothing I can do about it.) The funny thing is I end up only wearing a quarter of what I packed, and wear what I gravitate to on repeat (some call it lazy; I call it fashionably sustainable).

On my most recent trip, I basically wore the same shorts, sandals, SPF, and swim for four days -- keep reading to find out why.

THE SHORTS

Never in a million years did I think I would see myself in a pair of gauchos again, but here we are. The thing is -- these Lucca Culotte Shorts from free-est are the most incredible shorts I’ve put on my body. I wore them to the pool, shopping, to dinner, and to break it down on the dance floor, obviously. The elastic waistband can be worn high or low-rise for a trendier look. I paired my shorts with a big belt to dress them up, and my swim bottoms to dress them down. The cotton fabric is the star of the show, for its breathable feel is great for that effortlessly beachy look, and your 3rd degree sunburn.

THE SANDALS

You better start booking your pedicure appointments because this year is all about flip flops. It’s no wonder why Havaianas have been a staple in the shoe world -- and I understand why. For an elevated take on the classic silhouette, I opted for the Slim Square pair. I put these sandals on as soon as I woke up and wore them until I went to bed, because they’re just that comfortable. Pro tip: Clean them in under 30 seconds with some dish soap and hot water to look brand spanking new.

White flip flops next to beach essentials

THE SPF(S)

When I opened my suitcase and about 5+ bottles of sunscreen rolled out into the floor, I told my boyfriend it was for science and research (what do you think this is?). I am an SPF wardrobe enthusiast, which simply means I think sun protection should come in many forms, formulations and shades to adapt to whatever the day has in store.
Here’s my routine:
Morning: I use Le Prunier’s Plumscreen® SPF 31 as my moisturizer, mixed with the Vacation® Studio Tone SPF 50 Bronzing Drops for an extra bronzed glow
Reapplying: The Vacation® Super Stick SPF 45 is a no brainer for me, it’s quick, easy, and doesn’t irritate my eyes
For my body: Supergoop! Glow Oil SPF 50 is easily my favorite body sunscreen. It’s so hydrating and spreads easily, without leaving you sticky.
Late afternoon: I wear the RMS Beauty SuperNatural Radiance Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen as my foundation/skin tint on vacation because it gives you light to medium coverage and leaves a beautiful radiance to the skin.

It’s important to be protected from the sun at all daylight hours, so find an SPF wardrobe that works for you.

THE SWIM

I have never been confident in a triangle bikini, until I found the free-est Michelle Bikini Top and Bottoms. If you’re like me and boast smaller curves, this will be you new go-to swimwear style. I mixed and matched the top and bottoms with other free-est swim styles to create a new look, even with the same bikini.

Bin full of swim suits and beach essentials

In all, you really don’t have to be an over-packer -- you just need vacation essentials that go with everything. One short, one sandal, one swimsuit, and an entire wardrobe of sunscreen -- what else could you ask for?

YES, THESE WILL FIT