5 Feminine and Versatile Vacation Dresses

Whether you’re jet-setting to somewhere tropical or planning a trip closer to home, a vacation dress is your best friend. Ideally, it should be comfortable enough for day wear, yet versatile enough to dress up for those coveted vacation dinners.

This button-up shirtdress offers a feminine silhouette that can be worn over your swimsuit for a day on the beach or dressed up with heels and gold jewelry for a night out. It’s also wrinkle-resistant and easily foldable for travel.

1. Smocked Maxi Dress

The smocked max dress is an easy way to look chic, especially in a cream shade. This Anthropologie best seller features a square neck, flowy flutter sleeves, and smocking that helps define the waist. It’s also available in a variety of fun colors, like this floral print that’s oh-so-perfect for spring. Wear this midi dress with sandals or sneakers, or layer it under a denim jacket if you want to cover up in cooler weather.

The smocked mini dress is another great choice for warmer weather, thanks to the flattering off-the-shoulder neckline and bow-tie straps. It’s a cute style for casual brunch dates with your girlfriends or laidback beach days. You can even wear this feminine puff-sleeve dress at a wedding or formal dinner, since it has a more classic silhouette. This linen blend dress has a light feel and comes in a range of sizes, from XS to 4X in regular, tall, and petite.

2. Corset Dress

Corset dresses have been around for a while but have been reinvented as versatile pieces that can be worn in multiple ways. They can be worn as a dress-like garment or as a layering undergarment over your favorite sleeveless midi dresses. A corset dress can also be worn over a jumpsuit to add structure and dimension.

If you’re looking for a feminine but edgy option for a formal event then vacation dresses for women try a lace corset dress. Pair it with strappy heels and statement jewelry to make an impression at your next party.

Another great option is a black velvet corset dress that exudes drama and glamour. It’s ideal for cocktail and black tie events. Pair it with a pop of color, diamonds or pearls to elevate the look. The Lia Stublla Milana Gown is a perfect example. It features a sweatheart neckline, thigh high split and corset detailing to cinch the waist.

3. Ruched Bodice Dress

This ruched bodice dress has an interior bodice corset so it fits like a glove and accentuates a feminine hourglass shape. The ruching is a classic and elegant feature that is perfect for an evening event.

Ruching is a fabric folding technique that looks best on soft, lightweight fabrics. Fabrics such as cotton batiste, rayon, voile and even spandex can be ruched to create this feminine and elegant detail. This ruched midi dress is made from a recycled polyester fabric that has a smooth and lustrous finish. The use of recycled vacation dresses for women polyester helps reduce CO2 emissions and waste by reusing materials that would otherwise be discarded or end up in landfills or the ocean.

This backless maxi dress has a ruched bodice that cascades into a flowy skirt to showcase a hint of leg. This ruched gown is perfect for an evening event or a romantic date.

4. Puff Sleeve Dress

A puff sleeve dress is perfect for beach vacations and casual lunches with friends. This type of dress is a really feminine piece that can easily be layered with a tee shirt and denim jacket for cooler mornings and evenings. Add a cute leather quilted crossbody bag and simple delicate gold necklace for a pretty everyday outfit that elevates athleisure to a feminine girly style.

For dinner parties or sunset drinks at a rooftop bar, a puff sleeve dress works as a summery evening dress with strappy heels and a matching purse. Tuck yours into a pair of skinny crop ankle pants or a midi skirt (remember to show some skin) and complete the look with a chic straw hat or boho scarf. This type of dress works best with minimal accessories so that the dress itself can be a statement.

5. One Shoulder Dress

One shoulder dresses are a great way to show off your shoulders and they’re especially good for pear-shaped women. However, you should make sure that the dress fits properly so it doesn’t gap or pull around the chest area. If you aren’t sure if it will fit, it’s best to take it to a seamstress as soon as you buy it. Then you can have the dress altered to ensure that it fits properly. A strapless bra is also essential for wearing a one shoulder dress. It should have large straps that will not show through the fabric.

For day wear, you can pair a one shoulder dress with a denim jacket that will keep you warm while adding a fashionable touch to the outfit. You can also pair the outfit with a simple metal bracelet or a small pendant necklace to add a bit of elegance to the look.

6. Floral Tie-Strap Dress

Beautiful days call for a beautiful dress—that’s why this floral midi dress was made. Lightweight woven fabric decorated with a flirty floral print falls from tying spaghetti straps to shape a straight neckline adorned with ruffled trim that tops a fully smocked bodice. Self tie bow shoulder straps add a hint of romance while the back invisible zipper, front split and flounce mini hem bring an added touch of glamor. Pair with a simple pocket square and a few delicate accessories, such as the Elivia Hoops, 5 Disc Choker, Compass Coin Necklace and Simple Bangle for a perfect day-to-night look. Model is wearing a size small.

Styled with the Ahlani Satin Tie Strap Mini Dress and Bella Heels.

For a fuller look, wear with a stick pin in the same color as the flowers or choose one with contrasting tipping.