8 Vacation Dresses You’ll Love

8 Vacation Dresses You’ll Love

Whether you’re headed for the beach or a dinner party, these vacation dresses will keep you cool, comfortable, and stylish. They’re also wrinkle-resistant and easy to wash in a hotel sink.

The merino wool in this dress from Wool& is odor-resistant, breathable, and temperature-regulating. Plus, it can be worn for hours without feeling heavy.

1. Encircled Chrysalis Midi Dress

This versatile frock packs multiple looks into one garment, eliminating the need to bring a scarf and a cardigan when traveling. It can be worn as vacation dresses a dress, tunic and cape in eight different ways.

I’m a huge fan of convertible travel clothes, so I was thrilled when Encircled sent me their Chrysalis Cardi to try out. Their sustainable clothing brand puts sustainability first, supporting small businesses and considering their carbon footprint at every step of production.

The Chrysalis Cardi is a large circular piece of fabric outfitted with 6 snaps that create different looks, from a wrap to a dress. It’s easy to assemble, and Encircled provides instructions, a lookbook and tutorial videos to help you out. It comes in petite, regular and maxi sizes, so you can find the size that best fits your frame. It’s also available in several gorgeous color options, too.

2. Smocked Nap Dress

The nap dress—or breezy, nightgown-inspired frock—is enjoying something of a renaissance this summer. The smocked bodice dress has evolved from the sleepwear staple we used to throw on before our daily routine, with more elaborate details like frilly sleeves and embroidered flowers gracing the hemline.

The Nap Dress trademarked by Hill House Home is a staple, but there’s also a whole new generation of smocked cotton dresses popping up in shops across the country. Look for pastel colors, sweet nightgown-style ties and bows, and floral prints that are just as quaint and cute as your favorite Laura Ashley florals were in the 1980s.

For a casual look, go for a striped linen style with ruffled sleeves, like this one from Lacausa. Or, try this floral tie shoulder maxi dress if you prefer something with a touch of drama to it. Both styles are pregnancy and nursing friendly with the elasticated smocking stretch that grows with your bump and can be pulled down for breastfeeding access postpartum.

3. Palm Leaf Print Halter Dress

Tropical prints aren’t just for swimwear—they can elevate your entire wardrobe, including your vacation-ready dress collection. Saint Laurent keeps things monochrome with palm print dresses, while MSGM goes all out in vivid color. The result is just as chic as it is eye-catching.

Embrace your carefree vacay spirit in this mesmerizing dress that features a palm leaf print paired with a flattering halter neckline. This maxi dress is designed to turn heads while also keeping you comfortable thanks to a stretchy elastic waistband that shapes your figure.

Feminine and stylish, this vacation dresses green palm leaf print maxi dress is the one everyone will want. It’s the perfect addition to your date night and special occasion dresses.

4. Tie-Front Tie Dress

Bring a playful vibe to your vacation outfits with this wrap dress, made of soft recycled polyester with added spandex for breathable comfort. The short sleeve and midi length dress has a crew neckline, front tie that can be tied at the back or around the bust and relaxed butterfly sleeves for a charming look. Pair with strappy sandals and chunky sneakers for a casual day out with friends. This style is also available in off-white.

5. Tiered Tie Dress

Decidedly feminine with a dose of modern edge, this flowy tiered frock is woven in polished cotton imported from Italy. A high, ruffled stand collar and removable tie, dropped shoulders and puffed elbow-sleeves lead into rows of colorblocked tiers that flare to a midi hem; pockets. Because tiered dresses are gathered rather than fitted, they’re a good choice for sewing newbies. Choose a sleeveless strappy style for a cute sundress or opt for long, maxi tiers for an easy vacation dress. This summery frock is perfect for pairing with sneakers and a denim jacket for casual lunches and shopping adventures. It also makes a lovely beach coverup for laid-back swim sessions.

This free tiered dress pattern is available in a variety of fabric colors, with sleeved and sleeveless options, as well as mini and midi lengths.

6. Linen Tie Dress

If you’re on the hunt for a laid-back linen dress to wear while you’re vacationing in hot weather, look no further than this oversized tunic by Magic Linen. The linen and cotton-blend gauze fabric is light, airy, and has a crinkled texture that looks and feels cool.

If your budget is tight, this long button-front dress from Old Navy is a solid choice that’s both casual and polished, plus it offers plenty of coverage. Or, check out this high-quality 100 percent linen dress from Madewell that comes in a wide range of sizes, including plus.

For a dressier option, consider this floral embroidered linen maxi by Agua Bendita or a tie-front midi from Johanna Ortiz for a show-stopping look you can wear to dinners and beach weddings. Keep in mind that linen wrinkles easily, so if you’re going to be wearing it while traveling, make sure you pack a travel iron or spray bottle of water to help smooth out any creases.