26 Ultra-Packable Travel Dresses for Summer

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Dresses: They’re easy to pack, they’re a fashion no-brainer, and they can go from casual to fancy even more easily than pants. That’s why they’re my absolute favorite type of clothing for travel. But you have to pack the right dresses for summer travel—versatile, wrinkle-free, and odor-resistant pieces that rock a travel wardrobe. Here are the best travel dresses for everyone.

Travel Sundresses

Stay cool with these sleeveless travel dresses for summer.

Jack Wolfskin Tioga Road Dress

Be prepared for everything from an impromptu beach day to an outdoor dinner on a hot night with Jack Wolfskin’s Tioga Road Dress. This loose-fitting but not shapeless dress is made from a soft and slightly stretchy fabric that won’t cling but allows for plenty of movement (the integrated belt helps give a custom fit). Made from a quick-drying fabric, this dress is perfect for light packers who handwash their outfits in the hotel room sink. Best of all, the Tioga Road Dress has two roomy pockets.

prAna Sky Haven Dress

PrAna has a great reputation for sustainable threads that embody comfort and style in your day-to-day life. Right now we’re loving this fairly priced sundress, which can be a staple on both a summer day at home or a sunny day abroad. With functional pockets and a fabric that can move with you, this comfortable dress is a must-buy.

Everlane Weekend Tiered Dress

Everlane’s weekend tiered dress is the ultimate breezy vacation dress. The crew-neck and soft cotton give give it an ultra-comfortable fit while the tiered details and low-cut back elevate the look. Pair with some lightweight sandals for a day of sightseeing or dress it up with some heels and accessories for a mid-morning brunch look.

Elan Cover-Up Slipdress

Ideal for a day on the beach, this swingy dress pulls on and off with ease. The light material adds a breezy comfort to a steamy day and keeps you covered from the boardwalk to the oceanfront.

Betabrand Top-Notch Dress

Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, Betabrand’s top-notch dress is built to be the easiest dress you’ll ever take on the road. With no buttons, zippers, or fasteners, this baby effortlessly slips on like your favorite comfy tee. The wrinkle-free material means it’ll come out of your suitcase looking good.

Amazon Essentials Tank Swing Dress

Amazon has a slew of awesome summer travel dresses for all kinds of women. This sleeveless number is a casual, everyday jersey dress that works well for layering, and it’s so comfortable that it would make for a great plane outfit even on a long flight.

Topo Designs Global Sleeveless Dress

Lightweight, water-repellent, and has pockets? Say no more. Look cute and stay comfy on the go with this sleeveless dress from Topo Designs. Paired with your favorite walking shoe for the streets or your go-to slip-on sandals for the beach, this dress can fit any occasion.

VIISHOW Summer Swing Dress

VIISHOW’s summer swing dress is made from a very cool rayon/spandex knit fabric that’s colorful and easy. Wear this, and you can easily go from the plane to dinner without changing.

Match Point Dress

Game, set, match to this lightweight Matchpoint Dress from Athleta, which beats out all other dresses for function and fashion. Made for running, tennis, and golf and structured to allow you to layer with bike shorts, this is the perfect option for an active vacation. It is also made from recycled nylon, is moisture-wicking, and has UPF 50+ protection.

Travel Maxi Dresses

Maxi dresses’ longer length protects you from the sun and offers an elegant look, without making you overheat.

SUNDRESS Lotus Dress

You won’t believe how unbelievably breezy and cool the Lotus Dress is until you try it on. Made with a trendy thigh-high front slit and an easy pullover design, you can throw this on and be at the beach in seconds.

Loveappella V-Neck Jersey Maxi Dress

This maxi dress is so perfect for travel that you’ll want to buy one in each of the seven colors that it comes in. The jersey fabric is cool, lightweight, and easy to pack—and extremely comfortable.

SUNDRY Racerback Maxi Dress

Crafted with a blend of cotton and spandex and featuring above-the-knee slits on either side, this sleeveless maxi is a comfortable alternative to the traditional little black dress. Shaping numerous body types the most flattering way possible, this one’s hard to resist.

Short-Sleeve Travel Dresses

These short-sleeve travel dresses for summer can go from casual to elegant with the right shoes and accessories.

prAna Cozy Up Dress

The softness of a T-shirt mixed with the convenience of a sundress come together to create this cute but casual T-shirt dress from prAna. Though it’s adorable worn as is, the addition of your coziest cardigan completes this look for your next plane ride.

Carve Designs Willow Dress

Carve Designs Willow Dress is the perfect multifunctional outfit to pack for vacation. Paired with your favorite sandals, this dress is ideal for a a casual day exploring your destination. Pair it with something a little more upscale and you’re ready to head out for the night. The elastic waist and side pockets make sure you won’t sacrifice either comfort or convenience.

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Splendid Beam Tie-Dye T-Shirt Dress

Splendid’s Beam tie-dye t-shirt dress has an easy to wear, casual silhouette that works with sneakers or sandals. Wear it as is or cinch it with a fashionable tie or belt to dress it up.

eShakti Cotton Knit Midi Wrap Dress

Don’t you hate it when you find a dress off the rack that’s great—except it fits weird? That will never be the case at online retailer eShakti, where you can customize clothing to your specifications. Best of all, it’s shockingly cheap—check out the Cotton Knit Midi Wrap Dress, which is perfect for travel thanks to its cotton/spandex jersey knit fabric.

Modest Travel Dresses

These modest travel dresses for summer are ideal for visiting destinations where you want to be covered up, but still cool.

Karen Kane V-Back A-Line Maxi Dress

If you’re looking for a modest staple piece, this dress is for you. Truly bringing it back to basics with a soft jersey material and t-shirt fit, you can dress it up or down according to the occasion. For chillier evenings or further coverage, pair with a cozy cardigan or shawl.

Floral Lace Midi Dress

A quintessential midi with elbow-length sleeves is a classic that will never go out of style. Choosing to keep it modest without the extra lengthy bulkiness is a true plus—you will stay cool all day and won’t have to worry about making much room in your carry-on.

Long Sleeve Midi Shirtdress

This long-sleeve option is the epitome of a modest summer dress. The olive green color is vibrant enough for daytime but easily transitions to a classy night look.

Grecerelle Long Sleeve Maxi Dress

This maxi dress has long sleeves, a modest neckline, and pockets—what more do you need? It’s also extremely affordable, so go ahead and get one in every color and print available.

Plus-Size Travel Dresses

These travel dresses are specifically designed for plus sizes.

Karen Kane Floral Print Chloe Dress

Bring in the sunshine with this vibrant yellow maxi-dress from Micheal Kors. The light polyester/elastane blend and and sleeveless silhouette will keep you cool in warmer weather and allow for an easy transition to evening wear.

Women’s Flutter Short Sleeve Smocked Waist Dress – Knox Rose™

The light, breezy fabric and fluttery sleeves and hemline of this dress make it an instant summer staple. It comes in black or blush pink and, because you can dress it up and down, this one can be worn at any time of the day.

HBEYYTO Women’s Plus Size Maxi Dress

For those days when all you want is to throw on a cozy t-shirt but still want to feel put together, this is the dress to grab. It’s made from 95% rayon, comes in 18 colors and patterns, and —for the best part—it has pockets.

BP Henley Babydoll Minidress

It doesn’t get more casual than this tie dye minidress and a well-worn pair of Converse. Join the two with a denim jacket and you’ll be ready to face the day in no time.

Lark & Ro Classic Cap Sleeve Wrap Dress

Whether you’re heading out on a business trip or a beach vacation, you’ll want to pack this dress by Lark & Ro. This classic style pairs cap sleeves with a tulip hem and faux-wrap style (so you don’t have to worry about wardrobe malfunctions on a windy day).

Floerns Women’s Boho Floral Print Off Shoulder Dress

This flowy off-the-shoulder dress shows off your shoulders and legs but still leaves a little mystery. It comes in 23 different colors and patterns and is made from a stretchy rayon, so you can stay comfortable while sight-seeing and still show off your fashion sense.

Book a Stay With SmarterTravel Hotels

Have a dreamy destination in mind to show off your new wardrobe? Make your dream trip a reality—book your stay for a great rate with SmarterTravel Hotels.

Caroline Morse Teel contributed to this story. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline for style and travel photos from around the world. Tyler Schoeber contributed to this story.

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