Top 10 Travel Dresses
The Best Dresses For Travel—Comfortable, Versatile, And Airport-Ready
There are dresses you can wear for a few hours, and then there are dresses you can wear for a few days (can, not should). Travel dresses fall into the latter category—they typically feature simple, wearable silhouettes and forgiving fabric blends that can hold up to sweat, humidity, and the occasional sprint through the airport. If you’re planning a trip, you’re probably looking for styles that fit this description. Good news: We’ve found them for you.
Before we get to the lineup, let’s talk about what to look for in a travel-friendly dress. As we hinted above, you want something more timeless than trendy—a style that will look chic no matter where you are in the world. You also want something lightweight enough to fit in your bag (even after you’ve shopped for souvenirs). Most importantly, you want a dress that’s comfortable enough to walk, lounge, eat, drink, and sightsee in; this usually comes down to the fabric, which is why we’ve paid close attention to what each of the dresses below are made from.
How We Found The Best Dresses for Vacation
In order to create our Top 10 lists, we use our proprietary ranking algorithm. This tool takes information from a variety of sources (including social media and user reviews) and uses it to determine which products deserve to be deemed the best. So, pack your bags and grab your passport, because the 10 travel dresses below are equal parts functional and fashionable.
May 9, 2024
Written By:Sierra Rogers
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Spanx AirEssentials Tie-Waist Tank Dress
Overall Score
4.25
10
Spanx AirEssentials Tie-Waist Tank Dress
4
61 User Reviews
2.4
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Belted Travel Dress
WHAT TO LOVE
Travel days are best endured in breathable, stretchy fabric, and that's exactly what Spanx's AirEssentials Tie-Waist Tank Dress has to offer. Made from a material that's described as "...light as air," this dress provides maximum comfort without sacrificing style. Did we mention it has pockets?
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"So flattering and comfortable—my go-to dress for both work and leisure. Will purchase in every color offered. A great investment piece."
More Colors
Inclusive
Quince Flowknit Breeze Fit & Flare Dress
Overall Score
4.25
09
Quince Flowknit Breeze Fit & Flare Dress
4.7
95 User Reviews
2.5
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Fit-And-Flare Travel Dress
WHAT TO LOVE
Combine a timeless silhouette with Quince's Flowknit fabric, and you've got a style that you'll have a hard time taking off. You can pick up the Breeze Fit & Flare Dress in four neutrals (navy, charcoal, black, and heather grey), as well as sizes from XS to XL.
MORE DETAILS
The Flowknit fabric is quick-drying, moisture-wicking, anti-microbial, and offers protection from UVA and UVB with an SPF of 40.
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Uniqlo Ultra Stretch AIRism Sleeveless Dress
Overall Score
4.35
08
Uniqlo Ultra Stretch AIRism Sleeveless Dress
4.4
56 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Relaxed-Fit Travel Dress
WHAT TO LOVE
A flattering boat neckline and a fit-and-flare silhouette make this midi dress from Uniqlo one of the most versatile dresses for travel. Made with Uniqlo's AIRism fabric, this style dries quickly and feels cool to the touch.
PROMISING REVIEW
"This dress is so cozy, comfortable, has pockets, and allows for a good twirl. The cut and style of it makes me feel so confident about myself and my body image. I need to buy this in every color now."
More Colors
lululemon All Aligned Ribbed Midi Dress
Overall Score
4.4
07
lululemon All Aligned Ribbed Midi Dress
4.5
189 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Ribbed Travel Dress
WHAT TO LOVE
If you need a travel dress that can be elevated for a nice dinner, lulu's All Aligned Ribbed Midi Dress is a good candidate. Sleek and simple, this dress is made from a buttery-soft ribbed fabric that offers a hint of compression.
MORE TO KNOW
To level up your look, try tossing a lightweight layer on top of this dress and donning a pair of sandals.
More Colors
Vuori Halo Essential Dress
Overall Score
4.45
06
Vuori Halo Essential Dress
4.62
795 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Travel Tank Dress
WHAT TO LOVE
Vuori's Halo Essential Dress is a body-skimming, form-flattering style that's designed with a shelf bra. It has a scoop neckline and it's made from Vuori's DreamKnit, a soft, stretchy material. Note that this style runs small—some shoppers ordered a size or two up to get the best fit possible.
PROMISING REVIEW
"Now that spring is finally here, and I’m officially pregnant with a bump, I decided to buy this dress (but one size up). Like everything Vuori, it really flatters my body without suffocating me. It makes my baby bump look so cute and it’s very stretchy. I love that it’s below my knees so I can wear it with sneakers or sandals. The built-in bra is very high support and not too tight."
More Colors
Athleta Elation V-Neck Hybrid Dress
Overall Score
4.5
05
Athleta Elation V-Neck Hybrid Dress
4.4
602 User Reviews
2.9
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Travel Dress With Built-In Bra
WHAT TO LOVE
Athleta's Elation V-Neck Hybrid Dress has a lot going on; it's got a built-in bra with removable cups, adjustable straps, and a tiered skirt. The PowerVita fabric it's made from makes it lightweight, stretchy, and soft (an unmatched combination), and you can snag it in regular, petite, and tall sizes.
MORE TO KNOW
This dress's straps can be criss-crossed in the back for added support (and style).
More Colors
Inclusive
Beyond Yoga City Chic Dress
Overall Score
4.5
04
Beyond Yoga City Chic Dress
4.92
9 User Reviews
4
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Utility Travel Dress
WHAT TO LOVE
With a sporty-cool look and plenty of functional features (like patch pockets and a drawstring waistband), the City Chic Dress lives up to its name. It's often released in seasonal shades, and here's an inside tip from one reviewer: You can leave the zipper undone and sport this dress as a coat.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"I really like this dress. I bought it for a trip and I think it is going to be great—easy and comfy!"
More Colors
Quince Tencel Jersey Tank Maxi Dress
Overall Score
4.55
03
Quince Tencel Jersey Tank Maxi Dress
4.7
566 User Reviews
2.9
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Affordable Travel Dress
WHAT TO LOVE
Ringing up under $40, Quince's Tencel Jersey Tank Maxi Dress is the budget buy you've been waiting for. With a slinky fabric and a maxi length, you'll turn heads anytime you take this style out on the town. Check out the sage rendition if you're looking for a more colorful option.
MORE TO KNOW
The Tencel fabric this dress is made from is soft, breathable, and uses 10-20 times less water in production when compared to cotton.
More Colors
Athleta Presidio Traveler Maxi Dress
Overall Score
4.6
02
Athleta Presidio Traveler Maxi Dress
4.5
230 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Travel Maxi Dress
WHAT TO LOVE
When "traveler" is a part of a style's name, you can trust that it's designed to be worn through long days of walking and sightseeing. That's definitely true for the Presidio Traveler Maxi Dress, which has a shift-like silhouette that's breezy, roomy, and ready to move.
MORE TO KNOW
According to Athleta, this dress runs slightly large. Shoppers mention sizing down for the best fit possible.
More Colors
Inclusive
Beyond Yoga Featherweight At The Ready Square Neck Dress
Overall Score
4.6
01
Beyond Yoga Featherweight At The Ready Square Neck Dress
4.53
1002 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Travel Dress Overall
WHAT TO LOVE
Classicly feminine but providing a level of comfort only possible through modern manufacturing, the At The Ready Square Neck Dress is a closet staple through and through. It was specifically designed to flatter a variety of body types, with a fit-and-flare silhouette crafted from springy fabric.
PROMISING REVIEW
"The most comfortable dress I’ve ever owned—it feels like wearing sweatpants (but it's also flattering)!"
More Colors
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