25 Best Travel Dresses to Pack for Your Next Trip

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Traveling this year? If so, be sure to leave room in your suitcase for the quintessential wardrobe staple: travel dresses. No matter if your dream destination boasts white sand beaches or majestic snow-capped mountains, packing a versatile travel dress is a must. This hassle-free piece should be easy to wear and work for just about any occasion on your itinerary.

Whether you’re taking a much-needed girlfriend getaway, a sun-soaked family vacation, or sailing on a Disney cruise with your crew, your best travel dress should keep you looking and feeling good. Ditch the notion that traveling is synonymous with frumpy sweats and unflattering athleisure pieces. Up your travel game with a comfortable, yet stylish travel dress that will take your jet set look to new heights.

Before settling on a frock, make sure that it’s easy to pack, wrinkle-free, and can take you from day to night in an instant. Remember, these basic elements are fundamental to finding the perfect travel dress for your trip. Plus, they’re a godsend for those who are prone to overpacking. Skip stuffing your luggage with space-stealing separates — an all-in-one piece makes room for accessories and shoes to round out your travel wardrobe. Also don’t stress about ironing, these key garments should be get-up-and-go ready and shouldn’t require pressing.

Meet the Expert: Alena Le Blanc is the personal stylist and founder of Le Blanc Label. Based out of the Bay Area in California, she works both in-person and virtually with female professionals and entrepreneurs. She uses her design background and knowledge of fabrics, fit, and form to help create wardrobes for her clients that are both personal and purposeful.

Simply put, the perfect travel dress is comfortable, low-maintenance, and stylish. Keep reading for our top picks and expert tips on what to look for when shopping.

Tencel Jersey Fit & Flare Dress

Soft, stretchy, and oh-so comfortable, this versatile fit and flare midi dress also has a price that can't be beat. No matter where the day takes you, this flattering dress will rise to the occasion. Plus, it has pockets!

Women's Casual Loose Sundress With Pockets

Traveling isn't always easy, but your fashion choices should be. If you're on the hunt for a dress that feels like your favorite loungewear, this is a sure bet. Thousands of reviewers praise its relaxed feel and overall comfy design.

Revive Cotton Blend T-Shirt Dress

This elevated essential boasts a relaxed style with a classic ribbed crew neck. The raw seams in the front and back add interest and dimension. Pair with stylish flats or comfy sneakers for a chic or sporty look.

Boho Ruffle Dress With Puff Sleeve

Whether for a casual work meeting or lunch with colleagues during a business trip, this breezy boho dress is fun, flattering, and still modest enough for an office setting.

The Ellie Nap Dress

Creators of the trendy “nap dress,” Hill House put prairie-style dresses with a fresh twist on the map. Sure, you can take a nap in this dreamy dress, but you won’t want to — you’ll want to show it off and twirl at every chance. Reviewers rave about the dress’s “versatility and comfort.”

Brynn Fit & Flare Linen Dress

Fall in love with this fit and flare linen dress. The sweetheart neckline adds an alluring feminine flair while the midi length and silhouette offers versatility.

Iconic Geneva Dress

In addition to a large range of sizes and colors, this staple cotton dress from Universal Standard also comes in different styles (crew neck, v-neck, petite) and sleeve lengths (tank, short sleeve, long sleeve), so you can customize to create your perfect travel dress.

Santorini Midi Dress

Athleta is popular for pieces that are conducive with active lifestyles. This sorbet-hued, scoop neck dress is ideal for travelers who enjoy exploring and being on-the-go, but still desire a stylish look. Since Tencel is a sustainable fabric that is both absorptive and breathable, it keeps wearers cool and helps regulate body temperatures.

Halter Sleeveless Mini Dress

Want to show off your shoulders? This sleeveless halter dress puts them in the spotlight. Plus, the pleats provide a sleek and sophisticated silhouette.

Maternity Off-Shoulder Dress

Women make many sacrifices, but compromising style during pregnancy shouldn't be one. This comfortable, off-the-shoulder dress costs less than $40 and will have expecting moms looking like a million bucks.

Manhattan Moment Ruffled Midi Wrap Dress

Wear this romantic frock if you want all eyes on you. Flowy and effortlessly chic, the wrap design accentuates your waistline while the ruffle hem adds a sexy twist. Plus, it can double as a nice cover-up.

Button-Down Pocket Dress

Who needs a purse with pockets this deep? Stash your cell phone and other key essentials in these handy hideaways. Additionally, the bright yellow hue adds a cheery vibe.

Sleeveless Ballet Dress

No travel wardrobe is complete without a classic cotton-blend dress. Thanks to the billowy, easy-to-wear skirt, this frock works for a variety of occasions. Plus, the bright pink color adds a fun and playful vibe.

Eyelet Mini Dress

Watch onlookers’ eyes light up when you show up in this delightful dress. The sweet eyelet design adds character to this universally flattering silhouette.

Short-Sleeve Crewneck Dress

Traveling for work? This bodycon pencil dress doesn’t miss. You’re guaranteed to look polished at your next in-person meeting with this tie-front dress. The scoop neck design and cap sleeves add a relaxed yet sophisticated feel for when you want to mix business with pleasure.

Puff Sleeve Denim Mini Shirtdress

Nothing is as timeless or versatile as denim. This soft, drop-waist dress screams ease. With 3/4 puff sleeves and front slant pockets, it provides a functional yet fashionable flair that's great for on-the-go.

Trish Dress

Blend in with the beach in this bright blue one-shoulder mini that’s as light as a feather. Perfect for a romantic dinner or fun girlfriend getaway, this flirty chiffon number will keep you cool and comfortable.

Everyday Cloudful 2-in-1 Flare Workout Dress

If staying active while traveling is a priority, then this one-piece will help you break a sweat in style. Designed to feel soft and lightweight, this stretchy activewear is trendy and functional. Plus, it has side pockets to hold your essentials.

The Ribbed Tank Dress

You can’t go wrong with a ribbed tank dress. It’s a blank canvas that can be dressed up or down with the right accessories. Add a denim jacket for a casual look or wear a pair of strappy heels for an elevated one. One reviewer noted, “The cotton is thick enough to camouflage the little lumps and bumps while still being breathable and comfortable.”

Women's Sleeveless Shirt Dress

Pull out all the stops in this fiery red shirtdress that costs less than $20. The delicate crepe fabric lets you feel the breeze while the tiered silhouette offers a playful vibe perfect for picnics in the park. Plus, it's wrinkle-free.

Sleeveless V-Neck Stretch Cotton Polo Dress

If riding the waves is on your travel list, then a sailing outfit is a must. Nautica has been the go-to brand for nautical-inspired apparel for decades and this offering builds on its reputation. Make a splash with this timeless striped polo dress.

Long Sleeve Swing Tunic Dress

If frigid airports and drafty restaurants give you the chills, say goodbye to shivers once and for all with this stylish tunic. This long-sleeve dress will keep you cozy and stylish when the air-conditioning is on full blast.

3/4 Sleeve Pocket Pullover Hoodie Dress

Comfort reigns supreme in this kangaroo pouch hoodie dress. Soft and cozy, this piece is a smart pick for long plane rides or late night walks along the beach. Plus, reviewers give the dress high marks for its surprisingly lightweight material.

Wrap Bridesmaid Cocktail Party Dress

With more than 20,000 reviews and a nearly perfect rating, this ultra-flattering dress is a popular stunner. The non-wrinkle material makes packing seamless and the dance floor-ready flared skirt offers an after-five look, perfect for destination weddings or cocktail parties.

Edie Midi Dress

This flowy, button-down dress delivers on fine, eye-catching details. With cascading Mother of Pearl buttons in the front and a crochet lace design, this lightweight midi commands attention.

What to look for when shopping for a travel dress

✔️ Comfort: Relaxation is synonymous with most trips and your clothing should reflect that same vibe. Le Blanc says comfortability should be the top priority when selecting these pieces. “The most important thing when choosing a great travel dress is that you focus on something you feel good in.” She adds, “You want a dress that is comfortable and breathable.” Being uncomfortable is the antithesis of a good time and nobody wants to experience that while traveling. “It should fit your body, so you feel confident,” says Le Blanc.

✔️ Versatility: Switching things up should be a cinch with travel dresses. “Your dress should be versatile and enhance your trip — it should be a piece that you can throw on for the beach or dress up for dinner,” Le Blanc suggests.

✔️ Material: Le Blanc says sticking with breathable materials is a good choice. “Natural fabrics like cottons and linens are great for traveling because the fabrics are elevated and keep you cool and let heat easily leave your body."

FAQ

• What styles are best when choosing a travel dress? Maxi dresses are perfect for traveling. They provide relief from the sun and they are comfortable and chic. Lightweight knit dresses are easy to pack and roll into your luggage and you don't have to worry about wrinkles. Wrap dresses are also perfect because you can throw them on over your bathing suit and go.

• Where do I start when selecting a travel dress? Focus on one part of your body to highlight in your dress. Do you love your strong shoulders? A one-shoulder or strappy neckline can highlight your best features. If you love your legs, opt for shorter hemlines, or a dress with a slit in it. Next, think about colors you love to wear.

• What colors are best for travel dresses? It's nice to bring solid colored dresses with you when traveling so you can pack lighter and use accessories like jewelry to add pops of color and mix up your look.

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