I pre-planned my spring break packing list this year. I made a cup of coffee, opened my laptop with true confidence, and filled the cart with things that made me happy—new shapes, new silhouettes, the jelly sandal trend I’d been eyeing all year.
Then I almost returned.
Package after package, almost everything comes up with “not me.”
In my defeat, I took pencil to paper and tried to figure out what went wrong. I wanted pieces that were comfortable, light, but I kept feeling like I was swimming in them. I said I was wearing a costume. A little trick I learned from a somatic therapist came in handy: Feel where the disappointment is in your body and let it speak. Don’t interfere or make up your own mind.
What I really wanted was freedom and space. I wanted to feel feminine and refined but completely myself. I wear no one’s gaze but my own.
That was brief. And the second edit was completely different. I pulled out what felt right and made a few outfits from there. I hope that delivering what I like will be enough.
Here’s What’s Always On My Mexico Vacation Packing List
1. Linen shorts with cool wrap details that feel like them.
2. A crochet dress with a donkey over it—technically a swimsuit cover-up—that got an instant yes on first wear.
3. I actually bought the swimsuit back last year, then I ordered it and kept it this time. Bright pattern, great strength, unique dress.
4. A Y2K-esque black halter that goes with everything.
5. The perfect sun hat.
6. A few gauzy tops.
7. Equally gauzy shorts to pair with the above.
8. A fun tee to layer over anything.
9. Shiny Umbro shorts.
10. Simple flip-flops.
11. Classic thong sandals.
12. My little sunglasses.
13. Yellow mesh grocery tote for beach items.
Shell anklets and baskets are on the list, too—but those are things you buy on vacation, not before. Some things you have to gain from being somewhere else.
I’ll try to take some photos while I’m there next week and share what really comes together. It took a lot of effort and overthinking to realize that I was doing it the wrong way.
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Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. He is currently learning to play tennis and is constantly testing the limits of his creative muscles. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.