Top 5 Vacation Dresses for Women
Whether you’re hitting the beach or exploring a new city, vacation dresses are a must. They’re light enough for a day of sunbathing, and they can be dressed up for dinner in your hotel or Airbnb.
Look for fabrics like cotton and Tencel lyocell, which are both breathable and anti-wrinkle. Ruching on this jersey dress adds dimension and a touch of stretch.
1. Anthropologie Print Maxi
When it comes to dresses, Anthropologie has some of the most gorgeous bohemian-inspired styles. From flowy maxi dresses to linen tops and peasant blouses, their selection vacation dresses for women is sure to delight any cottagecore fanatic.
But like any other designer clothing brand, Anthro pieces tend to be on the pricey side. A combination of factors, including unique and handcrafted details, sustainable production processes, designer collaborations, and prime retail locations contribute to the price tags on their products.
But what if there was another place where you could find beautiful bohemian clothes at more affordable prices? Thankfully, there are plenty of stores that carry the Anthropologie look without the high-end price tag. Check out a few of my favorite options below.
2. Anthropologie Smocked Mini
If you’ve been reading our site for any length of time, you’re probably familiar with Anthropologie’s Somerset Maxi Dress (aka the “unofficial dress of the year”). The $170 style features a figure-flattering smocked waist and halter neckline that’s perfect for summer. But now the brand has released an autumn/winter version of the bestselling dress made from a smooth and silky fabric that’s ideal for cooler temps.
The same fit and smocked waist is present in the new mini version, which comes in a variety of colors including a creamsicle orange and a pink-and-red tropical floral. It also features a scoop neckline that’s great for petites who struggle with v-necks, plus buttons along the chest line so you can show as much or as little skin as you like.
4. Nap Dress
No list of vacation dresses would be complete without a nod to the Nap Dress, which blew up in popularity during the pandemic as women sought out comfy yet stylish alternatives to sweats and leant into the cottagecore trend. Hill House Home designer Nell Diamond crafted the piece as a way to cultivate her personal aesthetic and it has since become a cult favorite that’s spawned its own fanatic following.
Its oversized, puff-sleeve silhouette is perfect for casual wear but it can easily be dressed up for dinner with the girls or even a Zoom call. The linen blend fabric is lightweight and breathable and comes vacation dresses for women in both regular and tall sizes. The dress is on the pricier side but it’s a wardrobe staple that will last for seasons to come.
5. PrAna Sundress
Flowy, pretty, and super easy to pack (roll it up into a ball!) this dress is perfect for that one nice outfit you want on your trip. It’s made with recycled fabrics and offers adjustable support thanks to a built-in shelf bra.
Whether you’re heading to the beach, yoga class, or hiking around town, prAna has got you covered with this stretchy, recycled polyester Saxon dress. The front is flattering with a crossover detail, and the back offers plenty of coverage and support.
Designed to look cute while keeping up with you, this is the kind of dress that feels good to wear post-yoga, running around town, and all those adventures in between. The crinkle woven fabric is light and quick-drying so you can skip in it, dance in it, or throw it on over your bikini at the beach.
6. Everlane Weekend the Smock Dress
Everlane is known for smartly designed style essentials, including everything from well-fitting denim to everyday white T-shirts. The brand’s new lace-up smock dress is one such addition to your warm-weather wardrobe and is currently on sale for as little as $49 (that’s up to 65% off).
The airy, lightweight cotton dress is a spring staple that instantly upgrades your vacation look. It features a form-fitting smock top paired with bra-friendly straps, a two-tiered skirt, and hidden side pockets that add both function and style.
The Everlane Weekend the Smock Dress is available in sizes XXS-3XL and comes in three eye-catching colors. Snag this warm-weather steal now before it’s too late. We’re certain you won’t regret it. (Note: Prices are accurate at time of publication but may change over time.)
7. Floerns Ditsy Floral Plunge Neck Knot Front A-Line Short Dress
If you’re looking for a beach dress that doubles as a tropical cocktail dress for a night out, this is the one for you. It’s comfortable, lightweight and incredibly pretty with its lantern sleeves and adjustable bow knot.
Its 65% rayon material reduces sweating, making it the perfect option for a hot day spent on the beach. This midi dress also features convenient pockets and can easily be handwashed.
Pair it with a straw wide-brim hat, cute sunglasses and hoop earrings to complete your look. You can even choose to wear it with strappy sandals or sneakers depending on your preferences. You can get the Floerns Ditsy Floral Plunge Neck Knot Front A-Line Short Dress for $35 at Amazon.
