I Escaped the New York Tundra for Four Days—Here Are the 5 Spring Trends I Packed
I was ready for warmer weather.
After months of snow, grey skies, and now blizzards, I finally escaped the New York City winter weather—if only for four days—at the end of February. It was not nearly long enough, but I romanticized every single moment of my trip to the Dominican Republic—especially when it came to my new-season style.
Because my coats have been working overtime lately, I was excited to give them a much-deserved break and shift my focus to more resort-friendly looks. So, now that I'm back and settled after my vacation, I'm sharing the five trendy vacation essentials that took up the most space in my carry-on. Let's dive in.
The Ombré Effect
This season, I’m skipping predictable florals and nautical stripes for something way cooler: ombré and tie-dye. I’m packing my favorite Alémais set that captures the sun-kissed vibes perfectly, along with an Attico bikini and a matching set from Solid & Striped. When you’re dressing for summer heat, stick to easy silhouettes you know and love. Let the color do the work.
Crimped, Mermaid Hair
I went for a blowout a few weeks ago and asked for “beach waves”. The stylist’s technique was a perfect blend of a clamped curler and a flat iron to create crimps. I’ve been committed to recreating this look ever since—it’s the perfect hair for any beach vacation, when you’re not opting to air dry. I packed my BaByliss one-inch straightener and a Hot Tool 1.5-inch clamped curling iron to recreate the same texture. The key is going for movement, not perfection.
Silk, Everywhere
After a day in the sun, nothing feels better than slipping into a piece crafted from soft, easy silk. It elevates the easiest silhouettes and looks good on all sun-kissed skin, whether you prefer tonal neutrals designed in the spirit of Chloé or opt for bold, funky Pucci-inspired prints. Pro tip: Find a headscarf that matches your preferred silk piece, and transform your outfit into a matching set. It reads as stylish in the most effortless way. There are also tons of great, affordable options on Etsy.
I finally found the Acne Studios silk dress I’d been eyeing for years on The RealReal, and it was an immediate must-have for my trip. I also packed a boho-inspired silk camisole from L’Agence, a printed scarf from Diane Von Furstenberg, and a Pucci top that feels made for cocktail hour at the beach.
Board Shorts
Long shorts ruled the Spring 2025 runways. Area’s version stood out, but the appeal goes beyond the seasonal trend cycle. I’ve loved the borrowed-from-the-boys energy for years, ever since I found the perfect pair of Etro men’s board shorts in Paris back in 2023. They’re relaxed, slightly oversized, and impossibly cool.
I have had a look at DSquared2’s Spring 2023 runway saved on my Pinterest for years, and got so lucky when I stumbled upon the printed shorts on my 30th reverse Google search. Paired with a bikini top or a crisp button-down, these longer boardshorts strike the right balance between sporty and stylish.
The Long Necklace Stack
The easiest way to dress all of the above trends up? A long necklace stack. Designers like Chloé, Zankov, and Tory Burch all emphasized the feminine accessory for Spring 2026—the longer, the better. I’m layering a tiger tooth pendant with a gold shell necklace from Sézane; they hit lower than usual and add dimension to even the simplest look. Over a linen dress or a bikini-and-button-down combination, they feel intentional.
