Including beachy dresses à la 'The Summer I Turned Pretty,' swimsuits for 'Dawson's Creek,' and denim looks fit for 'One Tree Hill'
Best TV Character-Inspired Spring Break Clothes
- The Summer I Turned Pretty: Roselux Sleeveless Scoop-Neck Maxi Dress, $30
- One Tree Hill: Mlxsj High-Waisted Midi Skirt with Pockets, $15 (orig. $23)
- Dawson’s Creek: Bmjl One-Piece Swimsuit, $31 (orig. $40)
I love packing for upcoming vacations. I personally don’t think a trip is worth taking if my wardrobe isn’t dialed in. And with spring break on the horizon, I’m in major outfit planning mode.
On a recent trip to North Carolina, I was immersed in the settings of some of my favorite shows filmed around the state. I visited so many iconic spots from shows like The Summer I Turned Pretty, Dawson’s Creek, and One Tree Hill, which immediately got my outfit planning gears turning. From beachy sundresses and fitted tanks to nostalgic tops and colorful swimsuits, these are the TV character-inspired pieces to add to your travel checklist ahead of spring break. They’re all available on Amazon starting at $8.
For a Beach Destination Like in 'The Summer I Turned Pretty'
Prettygarden Sleeveless Eyelet Dress
Credit: The Summer I Turned Pretty/Instagram; Amazon
Headed to the beach à la Belly Conklin in The Summer I Turned Pretty? While swimsuits are a given, you’ll also want to pack a variety of versatile, breezy options that exude the aesthetic of Cousins Beach. Belly gravitated toward stripes, eyelet embroidery, and bold patterns, which are easy to replicate in your travel checklist.
A ribbed-knit tank and printed drawstring shorts are well-suited to throw on over your swimsuit before strolling the boardwalk, while a lightweight maxi dress with flat sandals and a tote is ideal for casual lunch. Be sure to include at least one nicer dress, too, like an eyelet-embroidered sundress, that you can wear to fancier dinners.
Notable Filming Locations
I traveled to filming locations for The Summer I Turned Pretty throughout North Carolina, including Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach. Oceanic, a restaurant overlooking Crystal Pier, set the scene for the famed engagement announcement lunch with the families. Meanwhile, Arrive Wilmington is not only the location of their honeymoon suite and several poignant conversations, but where the cast stayed while filming.
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For a Small Town Destination Like in 'One Tree Hill'
Sidefeel Wide-Leg Jeans with Front Pockets
Credit: The WB/Fred Norris; Amazon
If you’re feeling more cutesy small town vibes like Asheville or Wilmington for spring break, you can fill your suitcase with styles inspired by Haley James and Peyton Sawyer from One Tree Hill. Comfort is key, but the pieces you pack can still have a little nostalgic flair. Think basic tees embellished with ruffles or pleats paired with a flowy printed midi skirt, and you’re set from day to night. And don’t forget the pièce de résistance, wide-leg jeans — no early 2000s look is complete without them.
- So Haley-Coded: Automet Pleated Tee with Lace Sleeves, $8 (orig. $13)
- “Love the Pockets”: Mlxsj High-Waisted Midi Skirt with Pockets, $15 (orig. $23)
- Under $10: Wiholl Square-Neck Tee with Ruffle Sleeves, $8 (orig. $9)
Notable Filming Location
Many notable One Tree Hill scenes were filmed around Wilmington. While strolling along the Wilmington Riverwalk, you might spot the “Naley Bench,” where Nathan gave Haley the Cracker Jack bracelet.
For a Waterside Destination Like in 'Dawson’s Creek'
Cupshe Ruffled One-Piece Swimsuit with Lace-Up Back
Credit: Globe Photos/Shutterstock; Amazon
It’s basically impossible to think of Dawson’s Creek without water — it does have “creek” in the title, after all — making it a suitable inspiration for your spring break at a scenic lake house. No waterfront destination is complete without a swimsuit or two, and I can definitely picture Joey Potter wearing a ruffled floral one-piece or more sporty ribbed-knit swimsuit. Complete the casual lakefront vibes with a fitted tank and slouchy denim shorts.
Notable Filming Locations
Wilmington and Southport both served as filming locations for Dawson’s Creek. Inside the beautifully picturesque Airlie Gardens, you may recognize the Pergola Garden — a.k.a. “The Ruins” — where Dawson Leery shared his first kiss with Jen Lindley. (This spot was also used multiple times in One Tree Hill.) And in Southport, which served as the coastal, small-town backdrop for Capeside, you can check out spots like the Old Yacht Basin and Fishy Fishy Cafe (don’t skip the jalapeño hush puppies).