TripSavvy
Trip Planning
Because one-piece outfits make everything easier
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Updated on 08/02/23
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When it comes to choosing the perfect travel dress, a few key things are important. Comfort is essential, of course—whether you’re boarding a 12-hour flight to Buenos Aires or taking a two-hour train ride to Chicago, transit probably isn’t the time to bust out a form-fitting bodysuit or complicated romper situation. Flowy, breathable, lightweight fabrics are essential. However, that doesn’t mean you have to trade style for a potato-sack-like dress or sweatpants. Travel dresses should be comfortable, stylish, and versatile enough to wear for any occasion. The type of fabric you want will depend on your destination, and machine-washable fabrics always make the trip home that much easier. Lastly, consider the fit. A snug elastane option is comfortable to move in and transitions well to dressed-up affairs. On the other hand, if you have a long journey that ends in a locally-owned B&B, a flowy pick is the way to go. We've researched the best travel dresses for every scenario, including our favorite—the AUSELILY Women's Long Sleeve Casual Flare Dress, chosen for its style, comfort, and convenient pockets. The Rundown Best Budget: Most Breathable: Best Print: Best for Cold Weather: Naadam Cashmere Turtleneck Dress with Slits at Naadam.co ($250) Best Tropical: Table of contents Our Picks Final Verdict What to Look For FAQ Why Trust TripSavvy What We Like Light, comfy fabric Color choices for everyone Pretty, understated aesthetic What We Don't Like Not machine washable Pockets are essential when traveling: Those hotel keys, coins, cellphones, and other paraphernalia all need a home. Luckily, AUSELILY have created a dress that's not only sleek and comfy but also adorned with super functional pockets. There are two large ones on either side, perfect for a phone. The lightweight material feels like pajamas, yet the sleek design makes it ideal for a day (or night) out. Bonus: It comes in 33 different color and pattern options. This dress stands out for its comfort, stretch, and softness. One thing to note: It is hand wash only, but it dries quickly. Material: Rayon, spandex | Sizes: XS to XXL What We Like Easy to pull on Performance fabric Easy to clean What We Don't Like Sizing can be inconsistent Not all little black dresses have to come with a price tag. Columbia's Freezer III dress is a classic LBD with many extras. For example, the fabric is moisture-wicking, keeping you comfortable on the go while also providing UPF 30 sun protection. And since it's a sportswear brand, the dress is also stretchy enough to allow for a wide range of motion. Best of all, you won't have to shell out a ton of cash. Material: Polyester, elastane jersey | Sizes: XS to 3X What We Like Smooth, billowy fabric Multi-seasonal Made in the USA What We Don't Like More geared toward casual use This comfortable, flowy frock can work in fancier situations thanks to its fashionable A-line cut and classic crew neck design. You won't have to sacrifice comfort for style since the soft rayon fabric has a comfortable, t-shirt-like feel. Throw on a jacket, and it's perfect for fall, or simply wear as-is during the warmer months. And did we mention the easy-access pockets? They're ideal for stashing those small travel necessities. Material: Rayon | Sizes: 1X to 5X What We Like Wrinkle-resistant material Adjustable tie belt Machine washable What We Don't Like Runs large This luxe wrap dress looks like it comes right off the runway, but is also perfect for leaving the airport runway and heading out on the town. Details include a unique silhouette that's structured yet flowy, allowing for supreme comfort. Long sleeves and a calf-length hem make it a versatile piece; meanwhile, the classic wrap functionality enables you to adjust the styling for a looser look and feel when traveling or a sleeker look when you want it. And it's made from a comfortable, thin-knit fabric that's cozy without being bulky. Material: Acrylic, nylon | Sizes: XS to XXL The Best Women's Travel Leggings What We Like Good range of colors and patterns Ideal for hot weather Affordable What We Don't Like Hand wash only Maxi dresses work for pretty much every scenario, especially when traveling. They're super comfortable, generally flattering, and generous on coverage. MakeMeChic's boho-style maxi features loose short sleeves, a V-neck, and two side pockets, all made from a soft and stretchy fabric. Pair it with a denim jacket or cardigan if it's chilly, or accessorize with a belt for an added personal touch. Plus, you can choose the pattern that best suits your personality since it comes in over 42 options, ranging from a rainbow color scheme to a solid grey. Material: Rayon, spandex | Sizes: XS to XL What We Like Machine washable Back waist darts add shape Many ways to style What We Don't Like Not ideal for higher temperatures Versatility is the key to denim's staying power in wardrobes the world over. Originally crafted for heavy labor jobs, this hardworking fabric has been re-imaged and revamped in every category of apparel. This denim shirt dress is a flattering and flexible option that works just as well for fall foliage getaways as it does for sightseeing around posh cities in the springtime. Pair it with boots or a heel for dinner, or go casual and functional with your favorite sneakers. It features a self-tie belt to enhance your waistline, side on-seam pockets, and an attractive dark wash that goes with any accent color you choose. Material: Cotton | Sizes: 0 to 18 The Best Women's Travel Shoes What We Like Breathable, quick-drying fabric Great for any high-output activities Machine washable What We Don't Like No pockets Sweaty Betty is known for making top-notch athletic gear. So, if they make a dress, you know it's bound to be one designed for being on the move. The round-neck Explorer Ace Midi is made from a super lightweight material that won't cause you to overheat when exploring a new city or rushing through the airport. Meanwhile, the high-low hem adds more mobility. But, even though it offers the same benefits as workout clothes, the dress also works in various non-gym situations. Available in black, it can easily be paired with a pair of sneakers, heels, or sandals for a stylish outfit with zero effort. Material: Polyamide, elastane | Sizes: XXS to XXL What We Like Excellent variety of patterns Two side pockets Affordable What We Don't Like Colors appear differently in images Flowy, breathable, and available in over 50 prints and patterns, the Short Party Dress is bound to become your new go-to travel dress. The cut is feminine and figure-hugging in all the right places, and the polyester-spandex blend provides just the right amount of stretch to keep you comfortable all day. Whether you're headed to a tropical island resort or planning on tasting your way through a wine trail, this summery garment dresses up or down perfectly to fit your itinerary. When it's time for a refresh, just pop it into the washing machine. Material: Polyester, spandex | Sizes: S to 3X The Best Swimsuits for Mature Women What We Like Easy to clean Attractive slits increase ease of movement Versatile What We Don't Like No pockets Traveling in the winter can come with lots of advantages, like off-season rates and shorter lines, to name a few. But depending on your plans, you may not be escaping the cold weather. That's where this cashmere turtleneck dress comes in. The buttery soft fabric wraps you from neck to calf in a stunning silhouette that's perfect for long travel days and afternoons exploring new places. We love that you can pair it with a denim jacket and tennis shoes for a streetwear-inspired look or get glammed up with statement earrings and heels for a special event. Material: Mongolian cashmere | Sizes: XXS to 3X What We Like Ready for sunny and wet conditions Allows free movement Bluesign-approved materials What We Don't Like Only two color options Heading to a beachy locale? Lucky you! Before you go, be sure to pack the REI Co-op Aoraki Travel Dress. It's ideal for warm days along the shoreline since it has UPF 50 sun protection and water-repellent fabric. And the outdoorsy brand crafted the dress especially from four-way stretch fabric so you can be comfortable even when active. Material: Polyester, spandex | Sizes: XS to XL We recommend the AUSELILY Long Sleeve Casual Flare Dress thanks to its ultrasoft fabric, two large pockets for all your essentials, and versatile aesthetic. With a UPF rating of 30 and stretchy material that's designed to keep you cool, we also like the Columbia Freezer III Dress. The type of fabric used in travel dresses can vary. Polyester is more moisture-wicking than cotton, while acrylic will keep you warmer. For a super soft feel, rayon is incredibly comfortable and good in hot and cold weather. Spandex (aka elastane) will provide more stretch, which is excellent for flexible movement while traveling. Your destination of choice will help decide which of the above is best for your travels. Going long haul? You'll want something soft and stretchy. Need to be ready for a more elegant affair? Rayon and acrylic might be better choices. No one likes feeling uncomfortable when traveling, so prioritize making sure your dress isn't too tight. When pure comfort is top of your agenda, a flowy style is probably the best bet. But if your itinerary includes an upscale night out and you want a snugger fit, opt for a dress with stretchy fabrics like spandex or rayon. After a trip, the last thing you want to do is go to the dry cleaner. So, machine-washable materials will make coming back from vacation easier. And of course, wrinkles are never fun if you need to be out and about or at a meeting. Opting for a wrinkle-resistant fabric will prevent wasting time ironing in your hotel room. Frequently Asked Questions How do you keep your dress wrinkle free? The first option in combating wrinkles is to choose a fabric that resists them. Polyester is one choice. Denim can also escape wrinkles if removed from the dryer promptly. Rolling your clothing items is another good way to prevent deep creases. Even with the best practices, however, clothing can wrinkle while traveling. Depending on the type of traveler you are, it may be worth investing in a travel steamer instead of having to rely on your accommodation to provide an iron. How do you look stylish while traveling? Layers, layers, layers! Choose a comfortable, versatile base layer like any of our picks above. Then pair it with a lightweight jacket, add accessories, and consider the type of shoe that fits what you'll be doing. These extra layers help you adjust to changing temperatures (like ice-cold flight cabins) while preserving the look you put together. Author Jordi Lippe-McGraw has researched and written about travel and lifestyle products for nearly a decade. When making this list, she researched dozens of products, looking at key specs like material, fit, and ease of care, plus the number of positive and negative reviews. The Best Women’s Travel Pants of 2024, Tested and ReviewedBest Overall
AUSELILY Women's Long Sleeve Casual Flare Dress
Best Maxi
MakeMeChic Women's Boho Maxi Tie Dye Long Dress
Most Breathable
Sweaty Betty Explorer Ace Midi Dress
Final Verdict
What to Look For in Travel Dresses
Material
Fit
Ease of Care
Why Trust TripSavvy
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