5 Comfortable, Lightweight Vacation Dresses For Women
The ideal vacation dress is easy to pack and can be worn for a casual day exploring your destination or for dinner with a nice view. We spoke to a professional stylist and a textile expert for their recommendations on comfortable, lightweight options that look stylish too.
From long hemlines to side-splits, these women’s vacation dresses are perfect for strolling the beach or mingling at your Airbnb. Look for fabrics that are breathable like cotton, linen, or TENCEL fibers, says Young.
1. PrAna Sundress
The prAna Shauna Dress has a flattering V-neck and gathered front complemented by a supportive wide vacation dresses for women racerback. Made with Veeda performance fabric that is 45% recycled, this women’s dress is lightweight and quick-drying. The dress also meets the Bluesign standard for environmentally safe production and is UPF 50+ sun-protective.
The Railay dress is another great option for those who want to bring a light and quick-drying dress on their travels. It has a comfy stretchy feel, is wrinkle-resistant and is designed to handle all kinds of activities. The women’s dress comes in a variety of colors, and the company also offers petite sizes to fit those with a smaller frame.
The Quinn dress is great for those who are looking for a vacation dress that can do it all. This women’s dress is perfect for hiking days, beach walks and even yoga class. It has a feminine silhouette, is lightweight and has a built-in shelf bra. It is also made from a soft, recycled poly/spandex stretch and is Fair Trade Certified to ensure fair wages and high working standards.
2. Everlane Weekend the Smock Dress
If you want a vacation dress that’s as beautiful as it is versatile, look no further than Everlane Weekend the Smock Dress. This white eyelet smock dress offers a classic silhouette that can be styled endlessly. And for a bonus, it’s made with environmentally conscious rayon, too. Lulus’ Becca Mini Dress is the perfect white frock to add to your wardrobe, thanks to its perfectly puffed sleeves and rich-looking eyelet detailing. This sleeveless midi dress is an easy way to refresh your closet this summer. It looks beautiful paired with a wide-brimmed sunhat and some leather accessories.
Hill House Home has a collection of nap dresses with smocked accents and flutter or puff sleeves that make them stand out among other beach attire.
3. Corset Dress
If you’re looking for a dress that can be dressed up or down with different accessories, look no further than the corset. Corsets can be dressed up with trendy combat boots or casual, low-key bags to reduce the formality of this style. If you go for a lace corset, consider pairing it with patterned socks or fancy hosiery to elevate the look.
Corsets come with a lot of baggage, from the Renaissance ensemble staple to 2021/2022 fashion and bridal trends (and the nipped in waists you see on Tik Tok). However, many historians argue that the detrimental health effects they were believed to have had in the 1800’s are overblown.
Whatever your perspective, a well-made corset can be a versatile addition to your vacation wardrobe. For a sleek look, try matching your shoes and corset in a monochromatic color scheme to make the outfit feel intentional.
4. One Shoulder Dress
The one shoulder dress is vacation dresses for women a great vacation dress because it accentuates your waist and shoulders. Plus, you can wear it with heels for a sexy look.
You can find this one shoulder dress in mini, midi and maxi lengths. They are also very comfortable and can be worn to a casual party or formal event. This style of dress suits all body shapes, but it is especially flattering for pear-shaped women because it draws attention away from the stomach and hips.
If you decide to wear a necklace with this outfit, keep it minimal because too many accessories will compete with the neckline of the dress. In addition, you should avoid bra straps that are too fancy or particular because they will ruin your entire look. Instead, opt for stick-on pasty bras that are easily available in various lingerie shops. For earrings, you can either choose a simple pendant or a pair of studs.
5. Botanical Dress
The season of vacation is upon us, whether you’re jetting off to explore a new destination abroad or road tripping in the US. No matter where you’re headed, a covetable mini dress is a must-have for any warm-weather getaway. These summery dresses are both lightweight and wrinkle-resistant, making them easy to pack and perfect for traveling in style.
This floral botanical print dress is crafted from upcycled textile waste and decorated with handmade botanical monoprints, which means that each piece is unique. The dress features a feminine frill collar, tuck detail on the front and back and a flattering V-neckline. This midi-length dress will see you through day-to-date night and even party season – just add your favorite heels to complete the look.
6. Crochet Dress
If you’re looking to bring a touch of boho to your wardrobe, look no further than a crochet dress. The intricate lace and flowing silhouettes lend themselves to vintage beachwear or can be dressed up with heels for a night out. These unique dresses are definitely head-turners.
The mother/daughter team behind AlisdaKnit create one-of-a-kind crochet pieces from Izmir, Turkey that are the perfect vacation dresses for women. They offer a wide range of styles that you can wear all year round, but they’re particularly popular for music festivals like Coachella. The crochet midi dresses are a fun, flirty alternative to a maxi and pair well with fringed accessories and strappy sandals.
This free crochet summer dress pattern is easy enough for an advanced beginner and includes step-by-step pictures every step of the way. The crochet midi dress is designed to be worn with a slip or as a swimsuit cover-up, but it could easily be dressed up with a pair of gold strappy heels for a date night out.
