The Best Ladies Travel Dresses for Summer Getaways
Over the years, I’ve learned that the best travel dresses are the ones that truly earn their spot in your suitcase. When I’m packing for a summer trip, I want dresses that are comfortable enough for a plane ride, stylish enough for sightseeing, and versatile enough to wear straight to dinner—all without needing a steamer or taking up half my carry-on.
And let’s be honest, when you’re traveling, the last thing you want to fuss over is your outfit. I love a dress that you can throw on and instantly feel put together without tugging, adjusting, or layering required. Whether you’re headed to the coast, hopping on a plane to Europe, or just planning a weekend away, this list of travel dresses will keep you feeling cool, confident, and effortlessly stylish wherever you land.
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The Best Ladies Travel Dresses for Summer Getaways
Summer getaways are top of mind right now, so if you’re looking for more stylish travel outfit ideas and packing tips that actually work, I have a few more posts you will also want to check out!
- Best Walking Shoes for Europe for Women in 2025
- What to Pack for a European Summer Vacation Over 40
- Pack Smart: How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe for Travel Cruise
- Evening Resort Wear for a Beach Vacation Dinner
Tips for Picking the Perfect Summer Travel Dress
What fabric is best for summer travel dresses?
You can’t go wrong with lightweight knits, cotton blends, rayon, or technical fabrics like Tencel or modal. They’re breathable, pack easily, and don’t wrinkle the second you sit down. I tend to steer clear of anything too stiff or structured when I’m traveling. Comfort and ease are key!
Brown Button Front Midi Tank Dress | gold sandals | Faux leather woven tote | Oversized sunglasses
What shoes should I wear with a travel dress?
That depends on what activities you have planned on your trip, but I usually pack a stylish sandal, a comfortable sneaker, and one dressier option. A casual midi dress looks great with white sneakers for walking around, while a flowy maxi pairs beautifully with strappy flats or wedges for dinner out. The goal is always pretty and practical.
Are maxi dresses or shorter dresses better for travel?
Both can work! Maxi dresses are great for beach vacations or breezy evenings, and they offer more coverage if you’re sightseeing somewhere more conservative. Shorter dresses can be cooler during the day and are easier to layer over a swimsuit. I usually bring one of each so I’m ready for anything.
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Can I wear a travel dress more than once on vacation?
Yes! That’s the beauty of a great travel dress—it’s easy to rewear without anyone noticing. The key is in the accessories. A simple dress can go from sightseeing to dinner just by changing your shoes, adding a belt, or throwing on a statement necklace or scarf. A neutral or solid color dress gives you the most versatility, but you can also pick a pretty print that hides wrinkles or food spills.
The Best Ladies Travel Dresses for Summer Getaways
SPANX Jersey Scoop Neck Tank Midi Dress
This dress by Spanx skims the body without clinging, has just the perfect amount of stretch, and the midi length makes it great for everything from sightseeing to dinner. Pair it with flat sandals or dress it up with wedges and a belt—it’s as versatile as they come.
Tee Shirt Dress
If your summer travel plans involve sunshine, beaches, or just a whole lot of relaxing, this dress is a winner. It’s soft, breezy, and lightweight, with a tropical print that feels like vacation in dress form. Plus, it’s super affordable if you’re shopping for your trip on a budget!
Talbots Linen Shirtdress
This chic shirtdress from Talbots is a warm-weather classic. It’s beautifully tailored and lightweight, so it keeps you cool while still looking refined. The removable belt lets you define your waist when you want that hourglass shape or you can take it off for a breezier, more relaxed fit. Either way, it’s an easy yes for summer travel.
UPF 50+ Lilly Pulitzer Dress
If you’ll be spending long days in the sun, look for pieces with UPF or built-in sun protection like this one from Lilly Pulitzer. The fabric is so silky and cool to the touch that you’ll want to live in it on hot days. The color choices are fun and flattering, and the silhouette is just fitted enough to feel pulled together without being clingy!
SPANX® AirEssentials Tie-Waist Maxi Dress
If you’ve tried anything from the AirEssentials collection, you already know how dreamy the fabric is. This maxi dress is buttery soft, breathable, and has a flattering waist tie that gives it some shape without sacrificing comfort. It’s one of those dresses that feels like loungewear but looks like you really tried. I love that side tie that whittles your waist but doesn’t make the dress tight or clingy.
J.Jill Cotton-Gauze Midi Shirtdress
This cotton-gauze shirt dress is light as air, and the midi length makes it easy to wear with everything from sneakers to slides. I’d throw this on for a travel day, then wear it again later in the trip with some statement earrings. It would look great with a wide belt too.
Wrinkle-Resistant Travel Dresses
Wrinkle-Free Maxi Dress
This Amazon find is the kind of dress you’ll be glad you packed. It doesn’t wrinkle, it drapes beautifully, and it has that relaxed-but-still-stylish fit we’re always chasing for travel days. Bonus: it comes in tons of colors and sizes, so you’re bound to find one that works for you.
Athleta Presidio Traveler Maxi Dress
The perfect travel dress does exist! This one from Athleta resists wrinkles, wicks away sweat, and moves with you, making it perfect for long days of exploring. It also layers easily with a denim jacket or cardigan, which is ideal when temps swing from morning to evening.
Chico’s Travelers Convertible Maxi Dress
One dress, multiple looks—that’s what makes this travel dress a packing MVP. It’s a v-neck and scoop neck in one, and the fabric is that signature Travelers knit that doesn’t wrinkle, pill, or cling. You could style this one from day to night without missing a beat!
Karen Kane Half Zip Shift Dress
This one strikes the perfect balance between sporty and sophisticated. The half-zip neckline gives it a modern edge, while the shift shape keeps it easy and flattering. The wrinkle-resistant fabric makes it ideal for tossing in a carry-on—and the best part? It’s just as cute with sneakers as it is with espadrilles.
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So fun that your daughter is traveling to Portugal! I am Portuguese-American and have been many times! Make sure she tries the Pasteis de Nata, so delicious!
Thanks, Elizabeth, I’ll tell her! I’ve been to Portugal and it is gorgeous. Love the food too. Thanks for stopping by!