Pop-Couture

We have the Greek and Roman gods to thank for spring break — literally. Who knew the week now infamous for shots, sunburn and various beaches initially came from the customary gala welcoming the season’s fertility and awakening with celebratory toasts to wine gods Dionysus and Bacchus?

Since then, much has happened for spring break customs. Everything from the first collegiate spring break, when Colgate University’s swim coach brought his team to practice in Fort Lauderdale’s Casino Pool in 1936, to the publication of 1959 Time magazine article “Beer & the Beach” has brought us to a few modern implements. And though the Greek and Roman customs might survive with toasts to our own gods Captain Morgan, Sailor Jerry and the Kraken, everything from top-siders to string bikinis evolved an ancient seasonal celebration into one of the most favored collegiate weeks of the year.

But as you sport your Wayfarers or roam the boardwalks in your beach dresses, remember that every spring break essential serves as an icon to what some claim to be the single most orgasmic week in culture.

1. Flip-flops: The thonged shoe comes from 1920s Japanese beachwear. The use proved efficient, as not much has changed for today’s culture. Though sandals have the higher hand in fashion, a colored pair of Havaianas are great for beach-going.

2. Wayfarers: Wayfarer sunglasses have been a Ray-Ban design since 1956. And as this season calls for less-bug-eyed, more-cat-eyed designs, the Wayfarer simplicity will be great to shade those pretty eyes from the sun. Also, neon Wayfarer knockoffs, popularly known as “frat glasses,” are a cheaper pair for more casual occasions.

3. Dresses: The dress is possibly the most simple, yet versatile piece in any spring break suitcase. H&M’s monotone dresses start at $12 and can be great cover-ups for the day or paired with statement accessories for nights out. Past spring break, women have taken many a breath away with a simple dress.

4. Bikinis: Venus, Greek goddess of love, beauty and sex, was crowned as one of the first bikiniers when statues of the goddess dating farther back than 62 A.D. were uncovered in Pompeii. And though Australian performer Annette Kellerman was arrested in 1907 for wearing a “form-fitting” one-piece suit on a Boston beach, by 1910, everyone was doing it. Still, it wasn’t until 1913, when Carl Jantzen designed the first two-piece suit for Olympic swimming, that we finally got in touch with our inner goddesses. Now the bikini is an essential, and we’ve been scandalous ever since. For cheaper finds, look into Victoria Secret’s bikini ruffles to add an element of romance to the ravishment.

5. Colored Shorts: The colored, flat-front short might have evolved from 1960s psychedelia, but it is now a spring staple to a preppy breaker’s suitcase. For a variously-hued collection ranging from colors such as Maui blue to iguana, guys should check out Vinyard Vine’s Links Golf Shorts. Ladies, J-Crew Chinos such as Lemon Zest, Ornament Orange or Casablanca have always been a classic spring fit. But if budgets are tight, Old Navy’s vivacious Canvas collection has items that cost fewer than $20.

6. Tanks: Originally fit for athletes, tanks are great for beach volley or suit pullovers. More fratly worn in cropped neon and more tastefully worn loosely under cardigans, the tank is a spring break essential for everyone.

7. Condoms: Sure, they’re handed out at nearly every beach rally since who knows when, but do you really want to trust a strange brand? Probably not. The condom is an essential you don’t want to gamble with. As the Trojan man preaches 99.9 percent protection, designers such as Marc Jacobs would also like to promote safe sex with designer condoms reading, “Remember, Safety First!”

8. Top-siders: Sperry is the original boat shoe brand dating back to 1935. Though typically thought of as a nautical/prep brand, the designs in recent years have expanded their market so that every spring breaker can find a fit.

9. Polaroid Camera: Sure, we have iPhones and digital cameras, but when appreciating spring break history, it has to be Polaroid. The instant gratification of smile-click-print can’t be matched. Not only can you use prints to keep memories of that spring break crush, with the new Polaroid 300 selling for $70 and film at only $12, your entire trip can be captured with the nostalgic ease of smile-click-print. Trust me, you’ll want to remember this.

Safe travels!