Ah, spring break — it's so close, you can almost feel the sun beating down on your pale Midwestern back! Unfortunately, standing between you and a week of freedom, sunshine and memorable experiences is the burden of mid-semester exams. Thus, I will take this opportunity to fill a few minutes of your week with a daydream, or more specifically, a snippet of spring break nirvana. So sit back, relax and enjoy!

I'll start with the basics: the suitcase. Instead of having two-thirds of it filled with puffy winter jackets, here's your chance to stuff it full of all your spring break necessities. Remember to put something on your suitcase to make it stand out — such as ribbons, bright luggage tags, etc. (Keep in mind you're not the only college student going to Cancun this week). Also, pack sparingly. You don't need 10 pairs of flip-flops in every color. Don't forget to pack your sunscreen away — since airports now forbid liquid items more than 3 ounces to be carried on. When it comes to what you can carry on, however, make sure to bring an eye mask, a soft pillow, and a charged iPod. Nothing is worse than a long, uncomfortable flight.

Now that you've landed in your sun-drenched destination, it's time to head down to that glorious body of water that you will spend the next week lying beside (whether it be the ocean, lake or pool). It's important to dress accordingly: wraps are a great alternative to shorts or a skirt — they're easy to put on and remove — and look more eclectic and less American. I find it best, however, to stick to one-piece items such as a sundress instead of separates. They are cute, simple and stylish — plus they look great over a swimsuit.

Whatever you choose, try and stick to lighter fabrics such as jersey knits, linens and cottons. Other important accessories are hats — beneficial alternatives to sunglasses (which tend to leave very strange tan lines). I usually choose a floppy or cowboy hat over a baseball cap. They tend to be loose-fitting and airy and cover a greater proportion of your face. It's also important to remember to remove jewelry beforehand. There is nothing more annoying than trying to find your favorite earring at the bottom of the pool — or worse, the ocean.

Knowing now what you're wearing on top, you have to figure out what to wear underneath. Deciding on swimwear is often difficult business — you have to take into account fit, feel, fabric, cut and color. There are also so many choices of style: Maillot, tankini, bikini and halter. You can choose one that is 1950s-esque, one with triangular tops, or a sweetheart bodice. The bottoms can tie on both sides, one side, or with rings in between. These days the possibilities are endless, and the only way to really determine which looks best on you is by trying on hundreds of different looks. When it comes to color, brown has always been a favorite of mine — it never fails to make even the smallest tan more pronounced.

Now that you have your outfit all laid out, you're ready to pack your beach bag. I would choose a big, fit-all boho. Figuring out what to bring is almost more important than deciding on what to wear. There are always the basics: a big towel, magazine and/or book, sunscreen and water (it's important to stay hydrated to prevent sunstroke).

However, when I plan on lying out, I bring more than just the bare essentials. I have become a big fan of Evian's mini misting bottles, oil-blotting sheets, a little spray bottle full of lemon juice for natural summer highlights and iTunes books on tape — while some are still partial to the playlist, I find John Stuart's "America" to be very relaxing. I also try to carry a bag of celery or carrots and/or an apple in case I get hungry. Also, if you're one of those girls who can't bear the thought of being seen in public without make-up on — either embrace the natural you or at least try mineral makeup, which is all-natural, and it won't clog pores, cake or melt in the heat.

Let your hair down, put your feet up and get ready to spend the next week doing absolutely nothing but enjoying becoming a beautifully bronzed goddess. Stress, drama, school and life will be a reality again soon enough — for now, just breathe in that fresh, warm, amazing air and for the first time in a long time, relax.

Sydney Burdick is a freshman intending to major in fashion journalism. Do you want to exchange beach-bumming tips with Sydney? Direct your fashion questions or comments to [email protected].