I planned in advance for my spring break packing list this year. I made a cup of coffee, opened my laptop with true confidence, and filled a cart with things that excited me — new shapes, new silhouettes, the jelly sandal trend I’d been eyeing for a year.
Then I returned almost all his stuff.
Package after package, almost everything is coming off as “not me.”
In my defeat, I took pencil to paper and tried to figure out what went wrong. I wanted loose, easy pieces, but still felt like I was swimming in them. Like I’m wearing a dress. A little trick I learned from a physical therapist worked for me: Feel where the frustration is in your body and let it speak. Do not interfere or interpret it.
What I really wanted was freedom and room. I wanted to feel feminine and sophisticated but completely on my own terms. Dress up not for anyone else’s eyes but for your own eyes.
He became concise. And the second edit was completely different. I picked out what I liked and then made some outfits from there. I’m sure bringing what I like will be enough.
Here’s What’s on My Mexico Spring Break Packing List
1. linen shorts With a nice edge detail that feels like its own.
2. A crochet dress With an ass on it – technically a swimsuit cover-up – which got an instant yes the first time I wore it.
3. A bikini I actually bought one last year and returned it, then ordered it again and kept it this time. Bold patterns, big energy, a dress in itself.
4. A Y2K-esque black halter Which goes with everything.
5. perfect Sun hat.
6. some flared top.
7. equally flare shorts To pair with the above.
8. A funny tee It will coat just about anything.
10. Simple flip flop.
11. Classic rope sandals.
12. My little one sunglasses.
13. A yellow net grocery Totes for beach accessories.
Shell anklets and baskets are also on the list – but these are things you buy on holidays, not before. Some things you have to actually earn by living somewhere.
I’ll try to take some photos while I’m there next week and share what actually turns out. It took a lot of effort and a lot of thinking to realize that I was definitely going the wrong way.
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Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning to play tennis and is always testing the limits of her creative muscles. Follow him on Instagram @witanddelight_.
