These 30 Vacation Dresses Are a Must for Your Next Getaway

Old Navy Fitted Rib Knit Halter Midi Dress at Gap.com

Best Affordable:

Zimmermann Wonderland Floral Long Sleeve Linen Dress at Nordstrom

Best Splurge:

Amanda Uprichard Samba Dress at Revolve

Best Mini:

J.Crew Collection Side Cut-Out Midi Dress at Jcrew.com

Best Midi:

The Line By K Yuki Dress at Revolve

Best Maxi:

Rumer The Label Willow Cut Out Maxi at Rumerthelabel.com

Best Cut Out:

Farm Rio One-Shoulder Cutout Dress at Anthropologie

Best Graphic Print :

Diarrablu Satu One-Shoulder Dress at Nordstrom

Best One Shoulder:

Enza Costa Maxi Tank Dress at Revolve

Best Tank Top:

View On Nordstrom View On Saks Fifth Avenue

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

Doen

View On Shopdoen.com

What makes the perfect vacation dress? In our opinion, the ideal getaway frock must be comfortable, low-maintenance, and stylish. This option from Doên has all three that landed it the top spot on our list. Made from entirely organic cotton, the material is soft to the touch and doesn’t wrinkle (even when trapped in a carry-on). The smocking at the top moves with your shape and the adjustable ties allow you to get a custom fit.

Price at time of publish: $298

Composition: Fabric made from organic cotton | Size Range: XXS–XXL | Care: Hand wash cold and lay flat to dry

Old Navy

View On Gap.com

Booking a vacation can already be hard on the wallet, and on top of that, adding to your wardrobe can add even more to the expenses. Thankfully, not every vacation dress has to put a dent in your savings. Enter Old Navy. Yes, they have more than just affordable flip-flops and patriotic tank tops. Its summer dress collection is on-trend and goes up to a 4XL. The best part? This style goes on sale often so don’t pay full price if you do not have to.

Price at time of publish: $35

Composition: Fabric made from cotton and spandex | Size Range: XS–4XL | Care: Machine wash cold and tumble dry low

Zimmermann Wonderland Floral Long Sleeve Linen Dress

Nordstrom

On the other hand, if you have extra cash to spend on some new duds, Zimmermann should be your first stop. Prints and bold colors abound and ruffles and romantic silhouettes are expected. Just looking at the collection feels like you should be traipsing around the Amalfi coast or cheers-ing in an Italian vineyard. This one in particular is entirely linen that textile expert Deborah Young recommends for resort wear. “Linen is super breathable, so it is ideal for hot temperatures," she says, “However, it wrinkles, so make sure wherever you are staying has an iron.”

Our one complaint is the sizing system. We wish that it was a little wider.

Price at time of publish: $895

Composition: Fabric made from linen | Size Range: 1–4 | Care: Dry clean

Revolve

A mini dress lends itself nicely to late-night cocktails or reservations. Made from 100% polyester, this one is made for travel. Not only is the halter neck a universally flattering silhouette, but the slight asymmetrical hemline is short but not too short that it makes you nervous. Plus, it adds a little sass to your night out. True the size range is not the most inclusive, but it does come in a wide array of colors, so you can find one true to your style.

Price at time of publish: $251

Composition: Fabric made from polyester | Size Range: XS–XL | Care: Dry clean

J.Crew

View On Jcrew.com

Something about navy and white stripes screams summering by the water. The voluminous shape adds a little drama but the high neck keeps things appropriate for multiple events. The cut-out is conveniently located near the back of the dress, so if you are uncomfortable with that silhouette, this feels more like an open-back frock.

Price at time of publish: $280

Composition: Fabric made from polyester and elastane | Size Range: XS–XL | Care: Dry clean

Revolve

View On Rumerthelabel.com

Dresses come in all lengths and these days, all lengths are popular. Maxi dresses can be tiered or poufy, but we are partial to a form-fitting option. This influencer-founded brand ethically produces its clothing in Los Angeles out of high-quality textiles. Made with a blend of both cotton and modal (one of Young’s favorite materials), this stretchy number loves your curves as much as you do.

Price at time of publish: $199

Composition: Fabric made from cotton, modal, and spandex | Size Range: XS–XL | Care: Dry clean

Rumer

Cut-outs are everywhere in fashion these days often showing up around the midsection or even near the chest. Sometimes, they pop up where we wish they wouldn’t. The cut-outs on the Willow sit right on the midpoint between the hips and the chest. Instead of being right in the front, they rest on the side - enough to add something but not enough to distract. On top of that, it is available in five different colors.

Price at time of publish: $319

Composition: Fabric made from polyester | Size Range: XS–XL | Care: Dry clean

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie

If Zimmerman is known for its feminine flair, Farm Rio is recognized for its bold, colorful prints. Founded in 1997, this Brazilian brand started in a small fashion market. Brazilians may have fallen in love with the brand years ago, but it recently has enchanted the American markets with its vibrant colors and unexpected mix of patterns. This one-shoulder frock is a mix of linen and rayon, so it is comfortable and low-maintenance. Plus it is machine-washable, so it is easy to clean.

Price at time of publish: $210

Composition: Fabric made from linen and rayon | Size Range: XXS–XL | Care: Machine wash and hang dry

Nordstrom

Handcrafted in a small Senegalese atelier, this one-shouldered gown is as comfortable as it is stylish. It grazes over the forward-most part of your chest and then falls, so no clinging or pinching is involved. Made from 100% polyester, this piece is super easy to stow in a suitcase and looks appropriate during daytime endeavors as well as evening.

Price at time of publish: $225

Composition: Fabric made from polyester | Size Range: XS–3XL | Care: Machine wash and hang dry

Revolve

The best part about a tank dress is that it works well on vacation as well as in your day-to-day life because it is highly versatile. Wear it on its own with a pair of sneakers or jazz things up with some heels and a blazer. Either way, it won’t take up a bunch of room in your suitcase especially when you are strapped for space.

Price at time of publish: $225

Composition: Fabric made from viscose, silk, and lycra | Size Range: XS–XL | Care: Machine wash and hand dry

Nordstrom

Smocking is normally reserved for the top of the dress, but in this situation, it goes all the way down to the hips. Yes, it adds a chic detail, but it is also very comfortable. As Young has already warned us, linen is prone to wrinkling, but thanks to the smocking, this piece hides any unwanted ripples. It is great for wandering through villages during the afternoon, but it also works great for a dinner by the beach.

Price at time of publish: $360

Composition: Fabric made from linen | Size Range: 0–4 | Care: Dry clean

Tuckernuck

View On Tnuck.com

One of the best parts of vacation is watching a beautiful sunset. This dress brings the sunset to you. The blend of beautiful colors promises to turn heads, and the midi length ensures that you won’t trip on it on your way to dinner. Bonus: it goes up to three XL, so anyone can find a comfortable fit.

Price at time of publish: $298

Composition: Fabric made from polyester and lining made from polyester and spandex | Size Range: XXS–3XL | Care: Dry clean

Loft

View On Loft.com

For Lopez, the main criterion for a vacation dress is a garment that she can incorporate into her daily wardrobe. “I love this dress for its comfort and also because it is so easy to dress up or down,” she says. So much so, it promises to take you from the plane ride to drinks at the hotel bar.

Price at time of publish: $85

Composition: Fabric made from rayon and spandex | Size range: XXS–XXL | Care: Machine washable

Dissh

View On Dissh.com

Sheer frocks are everywhere this season, and the best place to wear them is near the pool or shore, but we won’t judge if you wear them to dinner. This long sleeve number adds a dramatic flair to any swim look. Plus, it delivers another layer of sun protection (though not an excuse to forgo your SPF). Available in lime and black.

Price at time of publish: $200

Composition: Fabric made from viscose and rayon | Size Range: 2–12 | Care: Cold machine wash and hang dry

Revolve

View On Nordstrom View On Bloomingdales View On Net-a-Porter

Ruching is a lifesaver when it comes to dresses. It adds dimensions and more importantly, stretch. It is typically done on soft jersey fabrics that feel great on the skin and are low-maintenance to travel with. This option from Baobab adds light detailing around the waist without taking over the whole garment. Plus the shimmery fabric will look great with a fresh tan.

Price at time of publish: $330

Composition: Fabric made from elastane and lining from polyester and elastane| Size Range: XS–XL | Care: Cold machine wash and hang dry

Amazon

View On Amazon

If party and cocktail dresses are not your speed, check out this casual yet cool option on Amazon. Made from 100% cotton, this summer dress works as a bathing suit cover-up and a daytime frock. Not to mention, it comes with deep pockets to store extra bottles of SPF and aloe vera. Also nice, it goes up to 3XL and is available in over 20 colors and prints.

Price at time of publish: $42

Composition: Fabric made from cotton | Size Range: S–3XL | Care: Hand wash only

Nordstrom

Staud has mastered casual yet sophisticated fashion. The Jackson dress is no exception. The cinching around the waist creates an hourglass silhouette that feels elevated, but the material (almost all cotton) keeps the look low-key enough to wear to lunch. Currently, the dress is available in both black and hibiscus, but we wouldn’t complain if the colorways expanded.

Price at time of publish: $345

Composition: Fabric made from cotton and polyester | Size Range: XS–L | Care: Dry clean

Bloomingdales

View On Bloomingdales View On Saks Fifth Avenue

If you are blending your friend’s wedding weekend into your summer vacation, we have found the option for you. This halter dress skims your shape and offers comfortable wear. The open back is a sexy yet classy detail. Plus if it is hot out, Young loves a polyester option for how it wicks away moisture.

Price at time of publish: $645

Composition: Fabric made from polyester | Size range: 0–16 | Care: Dry clean

Hillhouse Home

View On Hillhousehome.com

Long sleeve dresses and vacation dresses do not normally go hand in hand, but Hillhouse is here to change that. Famous for its Nap Dress (a dress comfortable enough to sleep in), this brand knows how to do a summer frock. The Simone silhouette maintains the comfort of the Nap style and the loose-fitting shape allows for airflow on hot, humid days.

Price at time of publish: $175

Composition: Fabric made from recycled polyester | Size range: XS–L | Care: Cold machine wash and lay flat to dry

Modao Operandi

View On Modaoperandi.com

One look at Andrea Iyamah’s collection almost screams vacation wear. Full of bold prints, vibrant colors, and surprising silhouettes, her line will bring you somewhere tropical (even if your vacation brands do not). The puffy sleeves and adjustable waistband are dramatic without sacrificing comfort.

Price at time of publish: $295

Composition: Fabric made from polyester | Size range: XS–L | Care: Hand wash cold and hang dry

La Ligne Smock Bodice Cap Sleeve Cotton Dress

Nordstrom

If you are looking for a dress you can wear all day, all night, and fall asleep in if necessary, look no further. This completely cotton frock lifts your chest without compressing it, and flares from your waist. Keep your straps up for a more daytime look or let them hang down for something a little more flirty.

Price at time of publish: $295

Composition: Fabric made from cotton | Size Range: XS–XL | Care: Dry clean or machine wash and hang dry

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie

A strapless dress can feel - well - not secure, and in some cases, a little skimpy. This one manages to avoid both of those landmines and still be chic. Style it up with statement earrings and colorful heels. Plus, we are suckers for a sunset orange.

Price at time of publish: $198

Composition: Fabric and lining made from polyester | Size Range: XXS–XL | Care: Dry clean

Reformation

View On Reformation

The main critique leveled at sustainable style is that it lacks in, well, the style department. Reformation is here to dispel that rumor for good. This dress in particular earned a spot on our list thanks to its lemon grove-friendly silhouette and earth-loving fabric. The material is made from flax and uses little to no water.

Price at time of publish: $248

Composition: Fabric made from linen | Size Range: 0–12 | Care: Machine wash cold and tumble dry low

Revolve

Sequins plus vacation equals parties, and we love parties. The resident expert in sparkles these days is the small New York City label, Retrofête. Internet famous for its sequin studded party dresses, they have become the go-to destination for statement sparkles. The ‘Claire’ dress incorporates fringe into the mix. Wear with a pair of black cowboy boots or a skinny pair of stilettos.

Price at time of publish: $595

Composition: Fabric made from viscose | Size Range: XS–XL | Care: Dry clean

Norma Kamali Oversized Boyfriend Shirt Dress

Revolve

In the market for a shirtdress that is comfortable, wrinkle-resistant, and sexy? This one has all three. Norma Kamali understands how to dress women’s figures, and this dress is proof. The oversized fit makes it feel effortless and the bold blue complements nearly every skin tone. Plus, you could ball it up for a day without wrinkling it.

Price at time of publish: $195

Composition: Fabric made from polyester and spandex | Size Range: XXS-XL | Care: Hand wash cold

Madewell

View On Madewell.com

Another one of Lopez’s favorites, this low-maintenance slip comes in multiple colorways and a wide side range. Most slips on the market are made out of a satin or silk blend, but this polyester mix repels wrinkles and doesn’t trap heat. Wear it with a blazer for an office-friendly look or with a strappy pair of heels to dress things up.

Price at time of publish: $98

Composition: Fabric made from lenzing™ ecovero™, viscose, and nylon | Size Range: 00–16; 14W–22W | Care: Machine washable

Cult Gaia

We will admit this is not the most practical option on this list, but it makes a statement. The intricate crochet details no one at the resort will have anything close to this number, but the best part is that even its complex decals don’t compromise the comfort of the piece.

Price at time of publish: $798

Composition: Fabric made from an acrylic blend | Size Range: XS–L | Care: Hand wash only

Revolve

Some of the options on this list are a little on the formal side, and lace options on the market are more of the same. The mini cotton sundress keeps things casual and cute.

Price at time of publish: $188

Composition: Fabric made from cotton | Size range: XXS–XL | Care: Hand wash

The Oula Company Fancy Print Cap Sleeve Midi Dress

Nordstrom