The Spring Break Uniform

Beginning around the first of February, winter fatigue starts to truly set in. As we dream of an escape to a warm and sandy locale, our minds naturally start drifting toward our wardrobes; after months of feeling the weight of our boots and substantial layers, imagining enjoying an ocean breeze while swathed in a floaty fabric feels like a vacation in itself. Amina Rubinacci’s spring/summer collection (above; see more images here, and find it in Charlotte at Specialty Shops South Park) perfectly encapsulates this idea. Spring getaways should be about effortless fun and relaxation, and our outfits should reflect that ethos. While shopping for a season that has yet to fully arrive can be daunting, our favorite local shops are getting in new items for spring every day. We recommend popping in to see the new arrivals at your favorite boutiques (and scooping them up before someone else does!) and paying close attention to their Instagram accounts to see what’s to come. In the meantime, to help you get inspired, we sought out a few pieces from throughout the TSG network that are definitely spring break-worthy.

For Her

Blue and white always feels appropriate for a seaside getaway, and this strapless bleached denim dress available from Memphis’s 20Twelve has us in a vacation state of mind. We can see biking to dinner in it on a beach cruiser wearing Beek’s sparrow sandal, available from Wilmington’s Beanie + Cecil. Made by friends of the boutique’s owners, the beautifully crafted line donates a meal to a child in need for every pair sold. A river stone necklace by Charleston’s ibu seems like the appropriate way to top off the ensemble, adding a bit of weight without being too fancy.

In terms of the essentials, a coverup, protective hat, chic swimwear, and easy-to-kick-off sandals for a day on the beach are of course a must. The embroidered top shown above left from Southern Tide’s brand new women’s line is practically made for strolling through the surf. Austin’s Sunroom has an eye for chic swimwear and accessories (in addition to stylish apparel). Their St. Tropez hat and Mary Louise bikini are definitely on our spring break packing list. Finally, everyone needs a versatile pair of flip-flops, and the Tkees sandals in seashell available from Houston’s Cakewalk are both comfortable and classic.

For Him

A neutral palette of khakis and blues is perfect for a laid-back vacation vibe. Exhibit A: The above image from always-on-point menswear line Peter Millar. Knoxville’s M.S. McClellan is hosting a trunk show for the line on Saturday, April 16, so if you’re in the area prepare to stock up on spring attire.

His beach getaway packing checklist, clockwise from top left: Peter Millar polo from Houston’s Norton Ditto // Krewe du Optique “Huey” sunglasses from Charlotte’s Onward Reserve // Padron Tessera watch—water resistant up to 500 feet—from Martin Patrick3 in Minneapolis, where the watches are designed and hand-assembled // Orlebar Brown flip-flop from Marissa Collections in Naples // Orlebar Brown mid length swim short in Navy from Martin Patrick3

When it’s time to get cleaned up for a cocktail followed by a night out, khakis and a stylish button-down with a lightweight sweater are spring/summer staples, it’s worth investing in these pieces now. Peter Millar’s cotton-and-cashmere quarter-zip sweater available from Onward Reserve (which curates a collection from a variety of great brands), Peter Millar washed twill pants available from Perlis in New Orleans, and the Ike Behar blue-and-white gingham shirt from The Rogue in Jackson, Mississippi, will immediately become wardrobe favorites.

For Kids

We love checking out the latest collections by Lexington’s Bella Bliss, and the photos of children enjoying their spring 2016 line (two of which are shown above) prove that kids just want to have fun in the sun—preferably in adorable clothes designed by two mothers in thoroughbred country.

Left: Another Bella Bliss model ready to sail away in the line’s Mac Tee and Pima Play Short. Right, from top to bottom: Roger Mockneck Pullover from Bella Bliss // Johnnie-O’s Original Jr. Polo from Vann and Liv in Greenville, South Carolina // Southern Tide “Shark Frenzy” swim trunks from Vann and Liv // Old Soles shoes from Doodle & Stinker in Dallas, spotted on their Instagram.

Nautical necessities for little ones: Swim attire bearing preppy boats and stripes plus sun protection. We can’t resist the ruffle detail on the Sanibel one-piece from Bella Bliss, and the striped rash guard from Vann and Liv is simply too cute (and very practical). Sunglasses by Teeny Tiny Optics and Baby Pibu sunscreen available from Doodle & Stinker are essential, as is a rope to keep the sunnies from floating away (available from Vann and Liv). 

Little girls like to look chic en route to and from the beach or pool, too.  Bella Bliss’s Sibby dress (above, left) is a sweet piece that can be worn casually or dressed up for a party. The line’s eyelet Ava cover-up is also pretty and pool-ready. As for accessories, a blue beaded necklace from Vann and Liv and little Jack Rogers from Pinehurst’s Bella Bambini add the perfect amount of flair. Bon voyage!

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