Top 5 Vacation Dresses for Women
Whether you’re jetting off to a far-flung destination or enjoying a weekend getaway closer to home, a vacation dress is an easy and stylish addition to your travel wardrobe. Find a long maxi dress to wear at the beach or something with sleeves for cooler weather.
A merino wool blend and a subtle cap sleeve make this dress ideal for trips that require modest attire. Plus, the contrasting fabric adds visual interest.
Athleta Venture Out Dress
This travel-ready dress is built to go from the beach to the gym and back again. Made with Athleta’s Conscious Crop sports bra-inspired top and an easy-to-move skirt, it offers plenty of support for a run or hike—plus a built-in waistband that keeps you covered for hot weather and a hidden pocket for your key. It also comes in tall, petite and plus sizing, so you can find the perfect fit.
The light, breezy feel of this dress makes it ideal for hot-weather vacations. It’s crafted from a quick-drying, recycled nylon/lycra fabric and features UPF 50 sun protection.
It’s a dressier take on the sporty sheath dress, combining a high neck with a full skirt for a look that’s flattering and chic. Spanx’s signature shapewear effects are also built-in, along with a smoothing bodysuit and shorts. It’s available in a variety of colors and lengths, and has an easy slip-on design that’s easy to put on.
Testers loved this dress for its softness and vacation dresses for women comfort, noting it was “a great outfit to wear on a plane ride.” It’s made from a cool cotton/spandex jersey knit fabric that feels lightweight, airy and soft. The sleeve pockets are useful, and the racerback fit drew praise for being flattering on most tester bodies. It also aced our moisture management testing, quickly wicking away sweat.
Rain Maxi Dress
Many women find that a maxi dress is a comfortable clothing option during hot weather. This is because a maxi dress typically is loose and made from light fabric, which both help with heat regulation. The faux wrap dress (above) is an example of a casual maxi dress that’s great for summer and can be worn as a swimsuit cover-up. Another option is the long linen A-line dress from J.Jill, which also features angled front seams and a back waist seam to subtly shape your figure for a flattering fit. This dress also has high side vents at the hemline that add graceful movement and an elegant touch.
You can easily take a maxi dress into fall and winter by pairing it with boots and a moto jacket, as seen on @suzannecarillo in the photo below. If you prefer a floral print, the Connected Apparel maxi dress (below) could be perfect for your vacation and can also be worn in other seasons as well.
A chiffon off shoulder yellow maxi dress is a feminine choice for a formal event on your trip, as it can be dressed up with jewelry and heels or down with sneakers and a denim jacket. It’s a great alternative to an evening gown, as it’s both comfortable and can be worn without a bra for more flexibility in a formal situation.
PrAna Sundress
The women’s prAna Ecotropics dress combines comfort and style in an ultralight and breathable fabric blend. Its drawstring waist and cutout back detail make it a chic partner for hiking, climbing and biking adventures. For extra support, add a pair of liner shorts for uphill climbs and hikes to view the summit views.
Hiking, camping and water sports are all in the cards for your summer vacation. This lightweight stretch jersey knit polyester dress is moisture-wicking, comfortable and quick-drying for your active day outside. It also features a fitted silhouette, interior shelf bra with removable modesty cups and a lattice back design.
It’s a good idea to wear a slip with white dresses, especially if you want to prevent them from becoming see-through as the day progresses. Something seamless and skin-tone colored works best.
Whether you’re attending a beach wedding or going on a romantic hike, this chiffon and lace sundress from Blooming Jelly is a versatile option. The sleeveless design is ideal for witnessing loved ones say their seaside “I do’s.” You can then take this sporty, stretchy and quick-drying prAna Pearl Isla dress out dancing later on. This halter-style dress boasts contoured yet not tight silhouette, recycled fabric, built-in shelf bra and criss-cross back straps to look flattering from all angles.
Everlane Weekend the Smock Dress
Whether you’re a jet-setter or just looking for an easy, everyday staple piece, Everlane’s Tiered Midi Dress is the go-to. Now 75 percent off (and running out fast), snag this spring-ready, celeb-loved piece now before it’s too late. Made from 100 percent cotton, the form-fitting smock top is comfortable vacation dresses for women and breathable, has wide bra-friendly straps and hidden side pockets, and the tiered midi skirt is both flattering and versatile.
This effortless dress will look just as stylish at your hotel pool as it will at a local market or cafe. Pair it with your favorite sunhat, and you’ll have a look that’s as polished as it is casual.
For more travel-ready looks, shop the rest of Everlane’s smartly designed style essentials, from well-fitting denim to everyday white T-shirts. The ethical brand partners with transparent factories, designs for longevity and has a diverse model lineup for inclusivity. Plus, all its pieces are available up to 3XL.
