5 Must-Have Vacation Dresses

5 Must-Have Vacation Dresses

Whether you’re jetting off to another continent or just road-tripping to your favorite beach town, vacation dresses are the perfect mix of comfort and style. Plus, they’re easy to pack and can be worn during the day or at night if the occasion calls for it.

The key to finding the best travel dresses is picking a fabric that breathes well and requires less maintenance, like cotton or linen. We also love lightweight options with pretty details, like this floral-print dress from Hillhouse.

Farm Rio Ruffle Mini Dress

FARM Rio is the kind of brand that lets you reveal your whole fashion soundtrack, with earthy colors and feminine details woven into every design. This cotton minidress is adorned with ruffle details and a floral print that speaks to your romantic side, while a smocked panel at the neck and puff sleeves show off your playful spirit. Wear this dress with your coziest sandals and golden accessories for an exotic, toes-in-the-sand vibe. What began as a handful of goods at a fashion fair booth has grown into one of Brazil’s most recognizable labels for sun-soaked dressing. What’s not to love?

Reformation Puff Sleeve Dress

Every summer, there’s a crop of It pieces that the fashion set covets—last year it was that Reformation par silk leopard skirt and this season, it was the brand’s puffed-sleeved Pearl midi dress. Whether you’re looking for a dress for a beach vacation, a day of sightseeing or even just a date night, this versatile piece can be worn with almost anything from sandals to sneakers and blazers.

This airy organic cotton mini features a high neckline and dainty shoulder ties that can be made into a bow or left in a more vacation dresses classic style. A tulip hem silhouette and self-tie waist sash complete the look.

Shop authentic Reformation dresses at up to 90% off retail price on Poshmark. Free shipping and in-store pickup available. All items are authenticated through a rigorous process overseen by our experts. Buy with confidence!

BB Dakota Smocked Mini Dress

Achieve an ultra-ladylike look in this Cotton Candy Smocked Floral Minidress from BB Dakota by Steve Madden. The pretty floral pattern frames short puff sleeves and a figure-shaping smocked bodice that drops into a mini skirt. Add your favorite pair of heels and accessorize with delicate jewelry to complete your dreamy vacation ensemble.

Founded by mother and daughter duo Gloria and Katharine Brandes, BB Dakota marries function and fashion in its wear-with-anything dresses, jumpsuits, and separates. From playful fit and flare florals to ladylike lace, this Southern California-based women’s contemporary label has you covered from the beach to brunch to professional meetings and beyond with versatile pieces that work with anything. This off-shoulder floral print smocked mini dress is as easy to style as it is chic.

BB Dakota Corset Dress

Achieve a chic look with this stunning showstopper. Its sophisticated yet fun design makes it the ultimate statement dress. This dress will effortlessly transform you into a true fashionista. Read on to learn more about this beautiful piece, and how you can wear it to your next special event.

Dakota Johnson rocked this figure-hugging BB Dakota dress at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2019. The Fifty Shades of Grey actress opted for a black version with a sleeveless see-through corset style bodice, a sweetheart neckline and a mini length. She paired it with white ballet flats and pearl hoop earrings to complete her classic, summery outfit.

The Los Angeles-based contemporary brand specializes in feminine and edgy styles at affordable prices. The company doesn’t pay bloggers, YouTube stars or other so-called influencers to post shots of themselves in its clothes on Instagram or elsewhere, but focuses on supporting female artists with creative projects distributed on the brand’s site and social channels instead.

J.Crew Button-Up Shirtdress

We love the simplicity of this crew-collar dress in linen from Ireland’s century-old Baird McNutt mill. It comes in 15 colors and patterns, four fits (classic, slim, slim untucked, and tall), and sizes S to XXL. It’s a one-and-done essential that will see you through summer and beyond.

PureWow reader and model Clementine Desseaux wears hers buttoned just once over a bikini, accessorized with a straw hat for an easy look that’s a little more irreverent. Or, you can leave it open and cinch it with a belt for a more upscale take on the classic shirtdress.

Available in 15 colors and prints, this striped poplin dress is a seasonal staple that can be worn in many different ways. The hemline falls right above the knee, and it can be worn with sleeves rolled up for a carefree vibe or left down for a more structured look.

J.Crew Eyelet Lace Dress

Flowy eyelet dresses like this one may be considered a little too sweet for the office, but a tailored silhouette and darker colors can transform it into a piece that’s feminine and sophisticated. You can pair it with trousers and a blazer for vacation dresses a business look, or jeans and sneakers for an everyday outfit that still looks put together.

Shop hundreds of on-sale styles from J.Crew, including summer dresses that will beat the heat, floral tops and beachwear essentials. Whether you’re looking for a striped midi dress with ruffle cap sleeves, an office-friendly blouse or a daisy lace dress, the retailer has plenty of standout pieces to help you upgrade your warm-weather wardrobe.