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30 Ultra-Packable Travel Dresses for Summer

Dresses: They’re easy to pack, they’re a fashion no-brainer, and they can go from casual to fancy even more easily than pants. That’s why they’re my absolute favorite type of clothing for travel. But you have to pack the right dresses for summer travel—versatile, wrinkle-free, and odor-resistant pieces that rock a travel wardrobe. Here are the best travel dresses for everyone.

Travel Sundresses

Stay cool with these sleeveless travel dresses for summer.

Jack Wolfskin Sommerwald Dress

Model showing two views of the Jack Wolfskin Sommerwald Dress in pink
Jack Wolfskin

Be prepared for everything from an impromptu beach day to an outdoor dinner on a hot night with Jack Wolfskin’s Sommerwald Dress. This loose-fitting but not shapeless dress is made from a soft and slightly stretchy fabric that won’t cling but allows for plenty of movement (the integrated belt helps give a custom fit). Made from a quick-drying fabric, this dress is perfect for light packers who handwash their outfits in the hotel room sink. Best of all, the Sommerwald Dress has two roomy pockets.

prAna Ayla Dress

Model showing two angles of the prAna Ayla Dress in orange
PrAna

PrAna has a great reputation for sustainable threads that embody comfort and style in your day-to-day life. Right now we’re loving this sundress, which can be a staple on both a summer day at home or a sunny day abroad. With functional pockets and a fabric that can move with you, this comfortable dress is a must-buy.

Everlane The Smock Dress

Model showing two angles of the Everlane The Smock Dress in black
Everlane

Everlane’s weekend the smock dress is the ultimate breezy vacation dress. The smocked top with slight stretch and extra thick straps make for ultimate comfort. Pair with some lightweight sandals for a day of sightseeing or dress it up with some heels and accessories for a mid-morning brunch look.

Elan Cover-Up Slipdress

Model showing two angles of the Elan Cover-Up Slipdress in black
Nordstrom

Ideal for a day on the beach, this swingy dress pulls on and off with ease. The light material adds a breezy comfort to a steamy day and keeps you covered from the boardwalk to the oceanfront.

Zella Live in Rib Dress

Model showing two angles of the Zella Live in Rib Dress in black
Nordstrom

Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, Zella’s Live in Rib dress is built to be the easiest dress you’ll ever take on the road. With no buttons, zippers, or fasteners, this baby effortlessly slips on like your favorite comfy tee. 

Amazon Essentials Tank Swing Dress

Model showing two angles of the Amazon Essentials Tank Swing Dress in grey stripe fabric
Amazon

Amazon has a slew of awesome summer travel dresses for all kinds of women. This sleeveless number is a casual, everyday jersey dress that works well for layering, and it’s so comfortable that it would make for a great plane outfit even on a long flight.

VIISHOW Summer Swing Dress

Model showing two angles of the VIISHOW Summer Swing Dress in teal
Amazon

VIISHOW’s summer swing dress is made from a very cool rayon/spandex knit fabric that’s colorful and easy. Wear this, and you can easily go from the plane to dinner without changing.

Match Point Dress

Model showing two angles of the Match Point Dress in vermillion
Athleta

Be ready for adventure with this lightweight Venture Out Dress from Athleta, which beats out all other dresses for function and fashion. Made for running and hiking, with built-in shorts, this is the perfect option for an active vacation. It is also made from recycled nylon, is moisture-wicking, and has UPF 50+ protection.

Travel Maxi Dresses

Maxi dresses’ longer length protects you from the sun and offers an elegant look, without making you overheat.

REVOLVE Rain Maxi Dress

Model showing two angles of the REVOLVE Rain Maxi Dress in black
Revolve

You won’t believe how unbelievably breezy and cool the Rain Maxi Dress is until you try it on. Made with a trendy thigh-high front slit and an easy pullover design, you can throw this on and be at the beach in seconds.

Loveappella Maxi Dress

Model showing two angles of the Loveappella Maxi Dress in red
Nordstrom

This maxi dress is so perfect for travel that you’ll want to buy one in each of the five colors that it comes in. The jersey fabric is cool, lightweight, easy to pack—and extremely comfortable.

Hard Tail Easy Paloma Dress

Model showing two angles of the Hard Tail Easy Paloma Dress in black
Zappos

Crafted with a blend of cotton and spandex and featuring above-the-knee slits on either side, this sleeveless maxi is a comfortable alternative to the traditional little black dress. Shaping numerous body types in the most flattering way possible, this one’s hard to resist.

Short-Sleeve Travel Dresses

These short-sleeve travel dresses for summer can go from casual to elegant with the right shoes and accessories.

Pact The Mix Tee Dress

Model showing two angles of the Pact The Mix Tee Dress in lavender
pact

The softness of a T-shirt mixed with the convenience of a sundress come together to create this cute but casual T-shirt dress from pact. Though it’s adorable worn as is, the addition of your coziest cardigan completes this look for your next plane ride.

Carve Designs Nellie Linen Dress

Model showing two angles of the Carve Designs Nellie Linen Dress in soft grey
Backcountry

Carve Designs Nellie Linen Dress is the perfect multifunctional outfit to pack for vacation. Paired with your favorite sandals, this dress is ideal for a a casual day exploring your destination. Pair it with something a little more upscale and you’re ready to head out for the night. 

JollieLovin Women’s T-Shirt Dress

Model showing two angles of the JollieLovin Women's T-Shirt Dress in blue and green tie dye
Amazon

JollieLovin Women’s t-shirt dress has an easy-to-wear, casual silhouette that works with sneakers or sandals. Wear it as is or cinch it with a fashionable tie or belt to dress it up.

eShakti Cotton Knit Midi Wrap Dress

Model showing two angles of the eShakti Cotton Knit Midi Wrap Dress in maroon
eShakti

Don’t you hate it when you find a dress off the rack that’s great—except it fits weird? That will never be the case at online retailer eShakti, where you can customize clothing to your specifications. Best of all, it’s shockingly cheap—check out the Cotton Knit Midi Wrap Dress, which is perfect for travel thanks to its cotton/spandex jersey knit fabric.

Modest Travel Dresses

These modest travel dresses for summer are ideal for visiting destinations where you want to be covered up, but still cool.

Karen Kane V-Back A-Line Maxi Dress

Model showing two angles of the Karen Kane V-Back A-Line Maxi Dress in black
Nordstrom

If you’re looking for a modest staple piece, this dress is for you. Truly bringing it back to basics with a soft jersey material and t-shirt fit, you can dress it up or down according to the occasion. For chillier evenings or further coverage, pair with a cozy cardigan or shawl.

Floral Print Puff Sleeve Dress

Model showing two angles of the Floral Print Puff Sleeve Dress in a blue, green, pink, and red floral print
Nordstrom

A quintessential midi with elbow-length sleeves is a classic that will never go out of style. Choosing to keep it modest without the extra lengthy bulkiness is a true plus—you will stay cool all day and won’t have to worry about making much room in your carry-on.

Caslon Long Sleeve Midi Shirtdress

Model showing two angles of the Caslon Long Sleeve Midi Shirtdress in green
Nordstrom

This long-sleeve option is the epitome of a modest summer dress. The olive green color is vibrant enough for daytime but easily transitions to a classy night look.

Grecerelle Long Sleeve Maxi Dress

Model showing two angles of the Grecerelle Long Sleeve Maxi Dress in maroon
Amazon

This maxi dress has long sleeves, a modest neckline, and pockets—what more do you need? It’s also extremely affordable, so go ahead and get one in every color and print available.

Plus-Size Travel Dresses

These travel dresses are specifically designed for plus sizes.

Karen Kane Floral Print Chloe Dress

Model showing two angles of the Karen Kane Floral Print Chloe Dress in a black fabric with a floral pattern
Lord & Taylor

Bring in the sunshine with this floral dress from Karen Kane. The light polyester/elastane blend and and sleeveless silhouette will keep you cool in warmer weather and allow for an easy transition to evening wear.

Women’s Short Sleeve A-Line Dress – Knox Rose™

Model showing two angles of the Women's Short Sleeve A-Line Dress - Knox Rose™ in hot pink
Target

The light, breezy fabric and fluttery sleeves and hemline of this dress make it an instant summer staple. It comes in magenta, navy or an orange floral, and, because you can dress it up and down, this one can be worn at any time of the day.

HBEYYTO Women’s Plus Size Maxi Dress

Model showing two angles of the HBEYYTO Women’s Plus Size Maxi Dress in maroon
Amazon

For those days when all you want is to throw on a cozy t-shirt but still want to feel put together, this is the dress to grab. It’s made from 95% rayon, comes in 18 colors and patterns, and —for the best part—it has pockets.

Floral Tiered Babydoll Minidress

Model showing two angles of the Floral Tiered Babydoll Minidress in a blue floral pattern
Nordstrom

It doesn’t get more casual than this minidress and a well-worn pair of Converse. Join the two with a denim jacket and you’ll be ready to face the day in no time.

Amazon Essentials Cap Sleeve Wrap Dress

Model showing two angles of the Amazon Essentials Cap Sleeve Wrap Dress in maroon
Amazon

Whether you’re heading out on a business trip or a beach vacation, you’ll want to pack this dress by Amazon Essentials. This classic style pairs cap sleeves with a tulip hem and wrap style for a polished look.

Floerns Women’s Boho Floral Print Off Shoulder Dress

Amazon

This flowy off-the-shoulder dress shows off your shoulders and legs but still leaves a little mystery. It comes in 23 different colors and patterns and is made from a stretchy rayon, so you can stay comfortable while sightseeing and still show off your fashion sense.

Rompers and Jumpsuits for Travel

It seems rompers and jumpsuits are becoming more and more popular with each season, and for good reason. These super comfortable and stylish ones are perfect to throw in your suitcase. 

Spanx AirEssentials Short Sleeve Romper

Model showing two angles of the Spanx AirEssentials Short Sleeve Romper in black
Spanx

Stay comfortable and stylish in this light-as-air romper from Spanx. Easily dressed up with a cute sandal, it is super versatile, and with four way stretch, you will love wearing it all day long. Available in regular and plus sizes. 

Happy Sailed Women’s Jumpsuit

Model showing two angles of the Happy Sailed Women's Jumpsuit in green
Amazon

Get your wallet ready, because you will want this jumpsuit in all the available 41 colors and patterns it comes in. Flowy, breezy and easy to pull on, this may become your newest wardrobe staple. 

Free People Alice One Piece

Model showing two angles of the Free People Alice One Piece in green
Free People

You’ll stay cool in this free-flowing jumpsuit from Free People. Available in six colors, it can be dressed up with a dressy, strappy sandal, or add a sweater or button down to take it from the daytime heat into cooler nights. 

City Chic First Date Stripe Plus Sized Romper 

Model showing two angles of the City Chic First Date Stripe Plus Sized Romper in black
Nordstrom

This romper from City Chic  is one of those pieces that whenever you wear it, you will proudly announce that it is actually a romper, not a dress. Super chic, with ruffles and a subtle stripe, it’s perfect for any occasion. 

Flovey Harem Jumpsuit 

Flovey Harem Jumpsuit  on a white backdrop (left) and four close up photos of the jumpsuit fabric (right)
Amazon

Stay comfortable and stylish in this harem style jumpsuit from Flovey. Available in ten fun patterns, you will make a statement and stand out from the crowd when you wear this on your next vacation.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

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We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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