The Most Stylish Dresses for Your Trip Ahead
Most favored travel dresses, as recommended by fashion professionals and editors
Maxi dress: Athleta Presidio Traveler Maxi Dress
T-shirt dress: Don't Fall Behind Loft's Draped Mini Tee Dress
Nap dress: Hill House Home The Ellie Nap Dress
Washable silk dress: Quince Silk Slip Dress
Looking for travel attire that's both practical and fashion-forward? Leave the heavy clothing at home and opt for travel dresses instead! Not only do they take up less space in your luggage, but they also offer a one-and-done outfit that saves you precious vacation time.
Fashion-forward advice from renowned stylist, blogger Jana Meister suggests seeking out dresses made from loose, lightweight fabrics with stretch for added comfort. Comfortable yet chic athletic-style dresses, perfect for layering, also rank high on Meister's travel list. When it comes to casual dresses, she adores pairing them with tennis shoes for a stylish touch.
To help you select the best travel dress for your upcoming adventure, we've tapped insider tips from stylists and our sharp-eyed editors for their top travel dress recommendations!
Top Travel Dress Picks
Athleta Presidio Traveler Maxi Dress
If you're on the hunt for a dress that skims the knees, Meister recommends this Athleta number. Specifically designed with travel in mind, this maxi dress boasts a quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant polyester and spandex blend fabric, complete with pockets for stashing small items. It additionally boasts a UPF 40+ rating, making it perfect for long sun-soaked days packed with exploration.
Price: $99Ready for Takeoff: Athleta
Everlane The Weekend Tank Dress
Personal stylist and image consultant Cynthia Kennedy applauds Everlane's The Weekend Tank Dress, thanks to its stretchy, breathable, and convenient no-bra design. This dress is ideal for visiting hot weather cities where you'd still like to look polished in pictures, but if you need an extra layer, pair it with a denim jacket.
Price: $58Effortless Chic: Everlane
Buck Mason Mainstay Cotton Slip Dress
Fitness and food editor Tobey Grumet Segal owns multiple Buck Mason pieces, including this cotton slip dress. She loves traveling in it because the dress falls just above the ankles, is loose and comfortable, includes adjustable straps, and—her favorite feature—pockets. "It's a terrific dress for a flight to any warm destination, though I usually pair a cardigan over my shoulders for the colder plane ride," she shared.
Price: $168Vogue Vacation: Buck Mason
Maurice's 24/7 Clara Dress
Meister recommends this short-sleeved ribbed dress for its practical pockets, elasticated drawstring waist, and above-the-knee hemline. It makes an excellent choice for pairing with tennis shoes or sandals, so you can strut about in style. The dress comes in three colors - Biscay Bay, Dark Gray, and Rose of Sharon - and sizes ranging from XS to 4X.
Price: $21** affordable fashion:** Maurices
More Fabulous Options
Scheels Women's Recreation Millie Dress
Looking for a sporty dress to add to your travel wardrobe? Scheels' Women's Recreation Millie Dress, crafted from a comfy scuba material, is a top choice! Meister praises its elastic drawstring waist, full sleeves, dual pockets, and two fabulous colors—dusty jade and black.
Price: $35Sporty Style: Scheels
Hill House Home The Ellie Nap Dress
We've raved about nap dresses because they offer unparalleled comfort, but did you know they're perfect for travel too? "I can't deny I have more nap dresses than I can count on one hand," shared home and gifts editor Amina Lake Patel. "The Ellie nap dress is just as suitable for travel, as it can be dressed up or down. I often wear it with sneakers while exploring cities and paired with heeled sandals for a dinner night out."
Price: $178Cozy Getaway: Hill House Home
Maurice's 24/7 Bare Henley Wavy Rib Dress
Another winner from Maurice's, this ribbed dress receives Meister's seal of approval. Its polyester, rayon, and spandex blend makes it both comfortable and easy to care for, with pockets, an elasticated waist, and a hemline that hits above the knees—perfect for walking.
Price: $21cozy classics: Maurices
Uniqlo Airism Soft Mini Bra Dress
If packing space is limited, this Uniqlo dress is a must-have. Kennedy advocates for its practical construction, which consists of easy layers and a built-in bra, complete with adjustable straps and built-in shorts with pockets.
Price: $30Perfect Packing: Uniqlo
Loft Draped Mini Tee Dress
According to Meister, this comfy T-shirt dress from Loft is an excellent travel option, thanks to its 100% cotton fabric that's both breathable and lightweight for travel. Plus, she appreciates its draping in the front, which adds a touch of style and sophistication. Pair it with tennis shoes or mules for added versatility.
Price: $42loft lifestyle: Loft
Cozy Earth Brushed Bamboo Sleeveless Midi Dress
Fashion and beauty editor Sophie Shaw raves about Cozy Earth's soft, brushed bamboo blend jersey dress. "It feels like pyjamas, but still looks fabulous," she shared. "It's roomy yet sleek, incorporates pockets, and is perfect for the airport."
Price: $175Cozy Comfort: Cozy Earth
Quince 100% Washable Silk Slip Dress
Kennedy recommends Quince's mulberry silk slip dress, which offers easy care and versatility. This colorful dress features adjustable straps and a flattering bias cut. Plus, it comes in numerous colors and prints to suit various wardrobes.
Price: $90Clean & chic: Quince
Selecting the Ideal Travel Dress
According to Meister, a few essential factors come into play when shopping for travel apparel. At the top of the list: comfort. Pursue dresses that have a loose fit and a length that allows for comfortable walking and sitting. Meister also advises seeking out dresses with synthetic fabrics like nylon or polyester that don't wrinkle easily and are perfect for travel. Additional desirable features include pockets, adjustable straps, stretchy waistbands, and breathable or lightweight knit fabrics.
Kennedy advises using built-in bras, wrap-style dresses, and dresses featuring breathable or lightweight knit fabrics—but cautions that built-ins may not always offer the best level of support for everyone.
Other considerations when purchasing travel dresses include the cultural norms of the country you're visiting, the weather, and the ease of layering your outfits.
Related article: Summer Dresses under $50: 11 Amazing Picks from Our Editors
FAQs
To learn more about Meister's fashion insights, check out her answers to some frequently asked questions:
Meister suggests choosing dresses made from nylon, polyester, or cotton blends, as these fabrics don't wrinkle too much and provide enough softness for a long day of travel.
Meister emphasizes the significance of wrinkle-resistant, low-maintenance synthetic fabrics like nylon or polyester when dressing for travel. If you plan on packing your dresses, she recommends rolling them or using tissue paper to prevent wrinkles.
When storing your dresses during travel, using a garment bag is typically the best option, but rolling your dress or placing it in tissue paper and laying it flat under your other clothes is another viable choice. As soon as you arrive at your destination, remove your dress from your travel bag and let it hang before wearing it.
Meet Our Experts
We gathered insights from the following fashion stylists for this article:
- Cynthia Kennedy – Personal stylist and image consultant
- Jana Meister – Fashion stylist and blogger
Why Trust CNN Underscored
Our team of skilled writers and editors have many years of experience testing, researching, and recommending products. Our team consults top experts and ensures each article is carefully edited, ensuring we provide you with the best recommendations.
For this story, associate editor Rachel Dennis interviewed professional stylists, who shared their tips on shopping for travel dresses, as well as their favorite travel dress recommendations. She also tapped CNN Underscored's team of editors for their top travel dress picks.
- "Searching for travel attire that balances practicality and style? Forgo bulky garments and choose travel dresses instead. They require less luggage space and offer a one-piece outfit saving precious vacation time."
- "Renowned stylist and blogger Jana Meister recommends selections made from loose, lightweight fabrics with stretch for added comfort. She also praises athletic-style dresses as a top choice for layering and pairing with tennis shoes for a trendy touch."
- "To assist you in choosing the perfect travel dress for your upcoming adventure, our experts have provided top recommendations that include the Athleta Presidio Traveler Maxi Dress, Loft's Draped Mini Tee Dress, and Hill House Home's Ellie Nap Dress."
- "As you peruse travel dress options, remember the importance of comfort when selecting appropriate fabrics such as nylon, polyester, or cotton blends, which don't easily wrinkle and provide enough softness for travel."
