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No matter the season, there's always time to daydream about your next vacation. Maybe you have your sights set on planning a girls' weekend? Or perhaps a much-needed escape with the kids or a beach stay to get some peace and quiet with your significant other?
Whatever you're thinking, warm-weather destinations call for a few staples: a swimsuit, a cover-up, flip-flops, and sunglasses top the list. Another nice-to-have? A travel dress that goes the distance. Travel dresses are versatile pieces of clothing that instantly complete your getaway capsule. They're comfortable, multifunctional, one-and-done travel pieces that will withstand long days of adventuring.
Our Top Picks:
1
Best White Travel Dress
By Anthropologie The Kallie Flowy Maxi Dress
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3
Best Striped Travel Dress
Caslon Stripe Cotton Gauze Shirtdress in Ivory Cloud
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4
Best Plus-Size Travel Dress
Madewell 100 Percent Cotton Melody Smocked Midi Dress
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5
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7
Best Petite Travel Dress
Ann Taylor Double Knit Midi Flare Dress
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8
9
Best Striped Dress
Old Navy Fit & Flare Linen-Blend Midi Dress
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The most packable styles are those made of wrinkle-resistant fabrics, but you'll also want to keep an eye out for breathable materials that keep you cool when you’re on the go. Relaxed fits and modest silhouettes are easy to wear on the plane (anyone else like to curl up in their seat and binge on mini pretzels?), while versatile T-shirt styles and flowy maxis are road-trip-ready. And how can we forget pockets?! Never more convenient, they’re perfect to hold your ticket to the museum, stash your sunglasses, or even carry some hand sanitizer.
When you're exploring on your feet all day, pair your dress with super-comfy, minimalist sneakers before swapping them with walkable wedges for a night out—consider your packing woes solved. To bid you bon voyage, we found the most comfortable women's travel dresses that will get you jet-set prepped in no time.
1
Best White Travel Dress
By Anthropologie The Kallie Flowy Maxi Dress
1
Best White Travel Dress
By Anthropologie The Kallie Flowy Maxi Dress
Ideal for both beach breaks and lounging at the hotel or home, this dreamy gauze pullover will definitely become a go-to. Petites and plus sizes, rejoice—it comes in an extended range of sizes (and colors!).
Colors: White, black, sage, red, blue green, and mauve
Available Sizes: XXS to 3X
2
Best Maxi Travel Dress
Athleta Presidio Traveler Maxi Dress
2
Best Maxi Travel Dress
Athleta Presidio Traveler Maxi Dress
Roll up this high-low hem maxi and toss it in your bag—it's lightweight, soft, and wrinkle-proof so you don't have to worry about malfunctions on the go. A relaxed silhouette makes this dress a no-brainer—and there are pockets.
Colors: Black, rose wood, olive, and navy
Available Sizes: XXS to 3X
3
Best Striped Travel Dress
Caslon Stripe Cotton Gauze Shirtdress in Ivory Cloud
3
Best Striped Travel Dress
Caslon Stripe Cotton Gauze Shirtdress in Ivory Cloud
It's called the vacation shirtdress for a reason. The easy, breezy style is easy to throw on, comfortable to wear for hours on end, and looks great in pictures, to boot. If stripes aren't your style, it also comes in pretty solids like navy, black, and white.
Colors: Blue stripe and pink stripe
Available Sizes: XXS to 2X
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4
Best Plus-Size Travel Dress
Madewell 100 Percent Cotton Melody Smocked Midi Dress
4
Best Plus-Size Travel Dress
Madewell 100 Percent Cotton Melody Smocked Midi Dress
Whether you choose the petite or plus-size style, you can't go wrong with Madewell's flattering sundress. A smocked, fitted bodice is balanced thanks to a billowing midi skirt that you'll look forward to wearing from the airport to vacation dinners.
Colors: Black and pistachio
Available Sizes: XXS to 4X
From sightseeing to happy hour, this sunny, travel-ready dress will keep you comfortable wherever you go. The breezy fit keeps things relaxed, while short sleeves and a below-the-knee hemline keep you covered.
Colors: Yellow floral, black, blue and white stripe, pink, navy, and green vine print
Available Sizes: XS to 2X
6
Best Travel Dress for Hot Weather
Columbia Freezer Tank Dress
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Best Travel Dress for Hot Weather
Columbia Freezer Tank Dress
Venturing to a hot and humid destination? You'll want this tank dress with cooling properties, anti-sweat technology, and UPF protection. Also available in plus-size and maxi-length options.
Colors: Black
Available Sizes: XS to 3X
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7
Best Petite Travel Dress
Ann Taylor Double Knit Midi Flare Dress
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Best Petite Travel Dress
Ann Taylor Double Knit Midi Flare Dress
With short sleeves, a tailored waistline, and midi hemline, Ann Taylor's double knit flare dress is flattering on a range of body types. Available in an extended range of sizes from petite to tall, wear it on the plane with sleek sneakers and then out to dinner with comfortable heels or strappy sandals.
Colors: Black
Available Sizes: 00 to 18
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Quince 100 Percent Organic Cotton Tiered Maxi Dress
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Quince 100 Percent Organic Cotton Tiered Maxi Dress
Crafted from 100 percent organic cotton poplin for maximum lightness, Quince's bright maxi is a holiday dream dress. A long hemline and short sleeves offer coverage while tiered layers and functional pockets add thoughtful details.
Colors: Vermillion red, light blue, navy, and black
Available Sizes: XS to XL
9
Best Striped Dress
Old Navy Fit & Flare Linen-Blend Midi Dress
9
Best Striped Dress
Old Navy Fit & Flare Linen-Blend Midi Dress
Kick off your holiday with a Riviera-inspired striped linen sundress. A fitted bodice acts as an ideal foundation for an in-flight sweater or denim jacket, while the below-the-knee hemline offers just the right amount of coverage.
Colors: Blue and white stripe
Available Sizes: XS to 4X
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Made from a wrinkle-resistant fabric, this flattering fit-and-flare travel dress is ideal for planes, trains, automobiles, and everything in between. While the below-the-knee hemline offers just enough coverage, it's also a great layering piece. It also comes in petite and plus sizes.
Colors: Navy and black
Available Sizes: 2 to 24
11
Best Shirtdress
J.Crew Elena Shirtdress in Striped Cotton Poplin
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Best Shirtdress
J.Crew Elena Shirtdress in Striped Cotton Poplin
A breezy cotton shirtdress is a good idea when you want to feel comfortable and look polished. With a cinched waist and roomy cuffed sleeves, this beauty from J.Crew is as good as it gets.
Colors: Blue and white stripe, white, black, and green
Available Sizes: XS to 2X
Opt for pretty in pink with Chico's travel-ready maxi dress. It's made from a wrinkle-resistant fabric that looks fresh in transit or just out of your suitcase. Not only is it universally flattering, but elbow-length sleeves and a longer hemline keep you extra comfy. If pink's not for you, there's a shorter-sleeve version in black and green.
Colors: Fresh plum pink
Available Sizes: XS to 2X
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With traveling right in its name, this dress is made with a relaxed fit and pullover style, perfect for vacation and travel. A V-neckline and short bell sleeves enhance the flattering silhouette.
Colors: Moss meadow
Available Sizes: XS to M
14
Best Travel Dress on Amazon
Sopliagon Cotton and Linen Shirtdress
14
Best Travel Dress on Amazon
Sopliagon Cotton and Linen Shirtdress
Nail casual cool in this comfy long-sleeved shirtdress, which also works equally well over a swimsuit. It's an Amazon gem that won't take too much room in your bag and won't break the bank.
Colors: Apricot, olive green, black, black plaid, light blue, gray, denim, purple, navy, pink, red, rose, white, white stripe, and royal blue
Available Sizes: S to 2X
15
O'Neill Reid Light Blue Multi-Stripe Button-Up Midi Dress
15
O'Neill Reid Light Blue Multi-Stripe Button-Up Midi Dress
Stripes are a summer staple, and this lightweight button-up dress is sure to get tons of wear time. Short sleeves and a below-the-knee hemline balance the V-neckline.
Colors: Green and blue stripe
Available Sizes: S to XL
Sara Klausing
Sara Klausing covers all things fashion and style for Oprah Daily. Follow her on Instagram.
Paula Lee
Freelance Fashion Editor
Paula Lee is a freelance Fashion Editor. Off duty, she can be found day-tripping around the tri-state area, hanging around farm animals, or browsing the library stacks.