With spring break around the corner, I’m getting ready to swap my heavy sweaters for colorful, carefree resort wear. But, my travel plans require some careful outfit planning. First, I’m stopping off in windy Chicago for my bestie’s birthday bash, and then heading down to Florida to soak up the sun. Since I’m departing from NYC, which is still fairly chilly, I’ll need to bring along practical pieces that play multiple roles. 

TBH, I’m also a habitual over-packer, so I’m very determined to be course-correct. I mapped out my packing list like a capsule wardrobe, starting with 11 travel staples that are versatile enough for different climates and occasions, including dresses, comfy shoes, and elevated basics. Below, shop my spring break fashion essentials, from $24. 

11 Best Travel Fashion Staples

• Banana Republic Denim Shift Dress, $120; bananarepublic.gap.com
• All-Weather Staple: Edikted Oversized Faux Leather Bomber Jacket, $125; nordstrom.com
• Most Versatile: Lululemon Wundermost Ultra-Soft Nulu Square-Neck Sleeveless Bodysuit, $29 (Originally $68); shop.lululemon.com
• Levi’s 501 Original Fit Jeans, $70 (Originally $80); amazon.com
• Comfy White Sneakers: Nike Cortez Sneaker, $90; nordstrom.com
• Zara Animal Print Halter Swimsuit, $50; zara.com
• Easy, Breezy Linen Pants: J.Crew New Soleil Pant in Linen, $98; jcrew.com
• Prettygarden Knit Sleeveless Top, $24; amazon.com
• Editor-Favorite: Reformation Aubree Linen Dress, $98; thereformation.com
• Aire Bellatrix 48mm Cat-Eye Sunglasses, $39; nordstrom.com
• Perfect Walking Sandals: Franco Sarto Tiffany Platform Wedge Sandal, $120; nordstrom.com

Banana Republic Denim Shift Dress

This denim dress from Banana Republic has a summery silhouette but offers plenty of room for layering with turtlenecks or tees. Its relaxed fit won’t feel claustrophobic under the beating sun, too, so it’s a piece you’ll still wear in hotter weather down the line. Plus, it has three pockets. Enough said. 

Edikted Oversized Faux Leather Bomber Jacket 

I never travel without a leather jacket—no matter the season or my destination. Not only does it make for a hefty topper that’ll hold up to rain, but it will always bring a sleek attitude to any outfit, day or night. Oversized styles, like this one from Edikted, make layering with other pieces easy, whether atop comfy lounge sets on the plane or a LBD on a night out. 

Lululemon Wundermost Ultra-Soft Nulu Square-Neck Sleeveless Bodysuit

A bodysuit is an ideal travel piece. It takes up practically no room in your luggage and serves so many purposes, whether as shapewear, a base layer, a going-out top, or even as activewear with leggings in a pinch. Lululemon’s square-neck style is on sale right now and features a sweat-wicking fabrication and flattering compression that comfortably hugs your curves. 

Levi’s 501 Original Fit Jeans

My trusty Levi’s 501 Original Fit Jeans are always the first in my suitcase. The style is just so versatile and flattering, and it serves as a blank canvas for whatever else I want to wear. The high-rise waistline opens my options to cropped shirts or slim-fitting tops, while the sturdy, fairly thick denim offers warmth for cool nights. 

Below, shop more items on my packing list, including the comfiest pair of white sneakers I own, my all-time favorite linen sundress from Reformation, and a $50 leopard print one-piece swimsuit that can double as a top. 

Nike Cortez Sneaker

Zara Animal Print Halter Swimsuit

J.Crew New Soleil Pant in Linen

Prettygarden Knit Sleeveless Top

Reformation Aubree Linen Dress

Aire Bellatrix 48mm Cat-Eye Sunglasses

Franco Sarto Tiffany Platform Wedge Sandal