Fashion & Beauty

10 Multi-Functional Dresses for Simple Packing and Styling


Ashley Rossi
Ashley Rossi
multi-functional dresses

    From UPF-protecting fabric to length changing hemlines, these 10 dresses have more than one travel-specific feature and don’t sacrifice style. Pack them and you’ll save both space and money since you won’t have to pack extra clothing and gear.

  • Stylish Multi-Functional Dresses



  • These 10 multi-functional dresses deserve a spot in your suitcase for their multi-functional features and cool style.

  • Nau Short Sleeve Twisted Shirtdress

  • Image



    If you’re headed somewhere where you’ll need sun protection, pack the Nau Short Sleeve Twisted Shirtdress. This multi-functional dress is made with Tencel Sun fabric (UPF 30+) that’s also moisture-wicking and sourced responsibly, you don’t have to worry about sweating off sunscreen.

    Related:8 Best Travel Sunglasses for Summer

  • Lululemon Cinch-It Dress

  • Image



    With an adjustable cinch up the side of this dress by Lululemon, you can customize your length to suit your body and/or the occasion. The black cherry color pairs well with neutrals but adds some color to your travel wardrobe.

  • Alternative Apparel Eco-Jersey Striped Pocket T-Shirt Dress

  • multi-functional dress eco-friendly



    This super-soft multi-functional dress by Alternative Apparel is great for sleeping, travel days, or can be warmed up with tights or leggings. Style it with a blazer, booties, or trendy cardigan for a night out, or take advantage of its deep pockets that’ll fit a phone and passport on the days you’re traveling.

    Related:Ultra-Packable Travel Dresses for Summer

  • Allen Allen 3/4 Sleeve Tie-Dye Dress

  • Image



    Wear this linen dress as a shirt, bathing suit cover-up, or standalone dress. The shorter length makes it great to pair with jeans or slacks, and pockets are always a welcome addition for travelers.

  • Puma Golf Dress

  • Image



    Pack this Puma Golf Dress for your resort vacation and you’ll look flawless going from the course (or courts) to pre-dinner drinks. The multi-functional dress boasts a fold-down collar, performance fabric, removable-inner shorts, and open-hand pockets.

    Related:What to Wear on an Active Vacation: An Outfit Guide for Women

  • Jen’s Pirate Booty Malva Dress

  • Image



    This boho chic tunic-style dress by Jen’s Pirate Booty can be worn as a bathing suit-cover up or on its own out to dinner. If the length is too short for you, add on cut-off denim shorts to complete the look.

  • Royal Robbins Calistoga Tunic



  • Great for travel days, on its own, or with leggings and jeans, this tunic dress by Royal Robbins is a traveler’s dream. The stretchy knit and boxy fit suit any body type, and the neutral color can be dressed up or down. Other notable features include a zippered pouch pocket, moisture-wicking fabric, and UPF 50+ sun protection.

    Related:13 Things You Need to Pack for an Active Vacation

  • Tory Burch Swimwear Clemence Convertible Dress Cover-Up

  • Image



    It’s a dress, skirt, and cover-up all in one. The smocked bodice and self-tie shoulder straps allow you to adjust the dress for your body, and the stylish print fabric pairs great with sandals and/or a light tank top (if worn as a skirt).

  • Craghoppers Insect Shield Daku Dress

  • Image

    Craghoppers’ Daku Dress serves many functions for travelers: It’s prepped with InsectShield and sun-protective fabric, and it’s  lightweight and has moisture-control for warm and sticky climates. This multi-functional dress has five pockets, convertible long-to-short sleeves, and a drawstring waist that adds to this dress’s comfort.

    Related:The Best Travel Dresses with Pockets

  • Nuu-Muu Scoop Neck Dress



  • The A-line cut of this dress by Nuu Muu is figure-flattering for everyone, and the semi-hidden back pocket makes it even more practical for travelers. Made from soft fabric, this scoop neck dress provides coverage but can still be dressed up, down, layered, or worn for outdoor activities.

  • More from SmarterTravel:

  • Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product.