From breezy slips to easy shirtdresses, these are the pieces worth saving space for in your suitcase.
No matter where your travels take you, a good dress earns its spot in your luggage. A linen sundress that carries you through a day of sightseeing can transition effortlessly to a dinner out, and a relaxed shirtdress worn for morning coffee can moonlight as a poolside cover-up.
To make packing simpler, here are eight dependable dress styles worth reaching for on your next getaway. Each one works just as well for a quiet weekend in the countryside as it does for hopping between Greek islands or wandering through Paris.
The Do-It-All Shirtdress
Hardly any travel outfit pulls its weight quite like a good shirtdress. Pair one with flats and a structured leather bag, and you can move seamlessly from an afternoon stroll to a polished dinner without missing a beat.
The Easygoing T-Shirt Dress
A soft cotton T-shirt dress is about as low-effort as travel dressing gets. A relaxed midi or clean maxi pairs happily with whatever shoes suit the day, whether that’s sneakers for exploring galleries or sandals for a laid-back lunch.
The Midi Sundress
Sundresses made from linen keep you cool when temperatures climb. They also act as a blank canvas for any shoes, bags, or trinkets you gather along the way.
The Breezy Mini
You don’t need to cross the Atlantic to channel that European summer feeling: a short linen shift or a cotton-poplin babydoll does the trick. Right now, gingham checks and playful florals are especially worth seeking out.
The Classic White Dress
Little feels more like summer than a crisp white dress. Whether it’s ivory denim or linen finished with lace, it’s the kind of piece you’ll keep reaching for well past your trip.
The Upgraded Tank Dress
If you’re traveling light, lean on pieces that resist wrinkles and pack down small. A tank dress in stretchy jersey fits the bill nicely, and even a plain black one turns holiday-ready with a few shell accessories and a woven raffia bag.
The Smocked Cotton Sundress
For days packed with activity, from touring historic sites to browsing exhibits, a smocked cotton sundress moves with you and looks especially charming finished with a silky headscarf.
The Refined Slip
A silky slip dress barely takes up room in your bag and always comes through for dressier moments. Wear it with heels and pearls for an evening out, then layer it under a button-up with flats for a relaxed brunch the next morning.
