The 17 Best Travel Dresses of 2023
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These travel dresses will take you from the plane right out to a day of adventure.
Travel + Leisure / Kristin Kempa
A good travel dress is one of the most versatile items you can pack for any trip. Whether you’re throwing it on over a swimsuit, strolling through a museum, or getting dolled up for dinner, the right travel dress will always look effortlessly chic while keeping you comfortable.
Of course, your on-the-road style is highly personal. If you don’t like it at home, you won’t like it any better in a hotel room. And while we understand the impulse to go on a shopping spree in anticipation of a big trip, the best travel clothing doesn’t necessarily need to be travel-specific; your favorite dress may already be the best travel dress for you. But if you’re looking to add a little extra swing to your step with a fun new piece, look for a dress that’s versatile across both climates and activities, as well as easy to maintain, durable enough to stand up to your suitcase, and not so expensive that you’ll be stressed about packing it. Here are our top picks for the best travel dresses to shop right now.
Best Overall: Quince Tencel Jersey Fit & Flare Dress
Why We Love It
It’s soft, stylish, easy to transition between activities, responsibly made, and affordable — it even has pockets.
What to Consider
We would have liked a few more color options, but the four they have are still great. Note that some people might find it a little low-cut.
This bestselling simple but stylish fit and flare dress checks all our boxes for the best travel dress. Tencel is a naturally wrinkle-resistant fabric, so you can stuff it in your suitcase or sleep in it on a plane worry-free, and it’s also stretchy and soft to the touch so you’ll be comfortable in the process. The fitted top makes sure the dress doesn’t descend into shapeless territory, but it also flares out into the loose skirt so you don’t feel constrained. It covers your knees, so you can sit comfortably on all kinds of transit and not stress about entering any religious buildings you may be visiting, be they ancient temples or Italian churches. The sleeveless, scoop-neck top is easy to layer if you get chilly and will keep you cool in hot weather. It even has pockets.
It’s also affordable enough that packing it won’t stress you out, and if it gets dirty on the way, it’s machine washable. There are four colors available: black, a warm brown, and dark olive, plus our favorite, a fun bright red. And as a bonus, Quince uses factories that aim to improve supply chain working conditions, Global Recycle Standard-certified yarn, and Tencel lyocell that’s made from sustainably grown wood in a lower-impact process.
Price at time of publish: $40
The Details: XS to XL | 95 percent Tencel, 5 percent spandex
Best Size Range: Universal Standard Iconic Geneva V-neck Dress
Why We Love It
An extensive range of sizes, colors, and even sleeve options make this dress super customizable.
What to Consider
Some people might find it somewhat shapeless, but you can always belt it for some extra sculpting.
This dress was a close second for the title of overall best travel dress (ultimately held back by the higher price point). There are a truly impressive number of ways to customize this dress, including choosing between a crew or V-neck as well as tank, short-sleeve, or long-sleeve styles, and seven different colors. Plus, an extensive size range means most anyone can find the travel dress of their dreams. The design simplicity makes it easy to adapt for any outing and layer as needed, and the asymmetric hem and side gather make it more interesting than a simple T-shirt dress. It’s also designed to hold its shape through multiple wears and resist pilling – both travel bonuses.
Price at time of publish: $128
The Details: 4XS to 4XL | 93 percent cotton, 7 percent elastane
Best Budget: Treasure & Bond Woven Favorite Dress
Why We Love It
This easy dress comes in plenty of sizes and colors and can be styled to go anywhere.
What to Consider
It’s hand-wash only.
This flowy maxi dress is super easy to style and can go nearly anywhere. Wear it as a beach coverup, daytime dress, or add heels and some jewelry for an evening style. The V-neck and spaghetti straps are simple enough for easy layering. It also comes in a pretty good size range, from XXS to XXL, and six different colors, whether you’re more in the mood for olive or black or looking for a bright pink or purple. Or at this price, why not get more than one? Just note that it’s hand-wash only.
Price at time of publish: $39
The Details: XXS to XXL | 100 percent rayon
Related: The 15 Best Wrinkle-resistant Dresses for Travel of 2023
Best Sustainable: Tentree Cypress Dress
Why We Love It
In addition to being both planet- and people-friendly, this dress is simple, versatile, and has pockets.
What to Consider
The fabric doesn’t offer a lot of stretch.
In terms of sustainability cred, Tentree plants ten trees for every one of its items purchased. It also uses an “Earth-First” approach to its products, which are “made in fair, safe working conditions, and constructed using only sustainably sourced and recycled materials.” It has a whole range of dresses, but our favorite is the Cypress. The lyocell is light and casual, but the high halter neck, keyhole back that ties at the neck, and elastic waist help elevate the style to one that can easily be dressed up or down. It even has pockets. There are six colors available, mostly in neutral shades using Tentree’s planet-friendly dyes.
Price at time of publish: $78
The Details: XS to XL | 100 percent Tencel lyocell
Best Athleisure: Wilson Cortlandt Dress
Why We Love It
It's stylish enough to wear on and off the courts.
What to Consider
The back cutout may not be comfortable for all users.
Whether you’re trying to fit in a workout while you’re on the road or just hiking up hills all day, an athleisure travel dress is a solid addition to trips with an athletic component. This flattering dress from Wilson can go from the tennis court to cobblestones thanks to its lightweight performance fabric and versatile cut. The open, cross-strap back keeps things fun, and there’s also a built-in shorts liner with a hidden pocket to stash your possessions and help avoid chafing.
Price at time of publish: $88
The Details: XS to XL | 64 percent nylon, 36 percent lycra
Best Solid Maxi: Fraiche by J Flutter Sleeve Jersey Maxi Dress
Why We Love It
This soft jersey dress combines comfort with a bit of shape.
What to Consider
It needs to be hand-washed.
Jersey is a great travel dress fabric choice thanks to its soft feel and ease of packing. This flowy dress is easy enough to wear to nearly every outing and even catch the train in between, thanks to the draped flutter sleeves, long skirt, and smooth fabric. A banded waist gives it a bit more structure than the traditional maxi without being too constraining, and it’s got excellent drape. As a bonus, if you’re going into any religious sites, you may need to have your knees and shoulders covered, which this dress takes care of. Choose from black, navy, or a bright coral. Unfortunately, it does need to be hand-washed.
Price at time of publish: $99
The Details: S to XL | 95 percent rayon, 5 percent spandex
Related: The 20 Best Dresses for Spring — From Minis to Maxis and Everything in Between
Best Print Maxi: Anthropologie The Somerset Maxi Dress
Why We Love It
It has an extensive size range, fun prints, and an easy, flattering fit.
What to Consider
Some people might find the neck a little deep, and it runs large so you’ll want to size down.
Sometimes you want to add something a little more interesting to your travel wardrobe. Since a dress is an outfit in itself, you don’t have to worry about matching it to anything else, so stand out with this print maxi from Anthropologie. The breathable cotton will work across climates and the smocked waist provides shape without being overly fitted. It has a very of-the-moment tiered skirt and V-neck, and simply pulls right on. Choose from four different prints or a basic black. It also comes in an extensive size range, from petites to plus sizes.
Price at time of publish: $168
The Details: XXS Petite to 3X | 100 percent cotton
Most Comfortable: Prana Cozy Up Bayjor Dress
Why We Love It
This flowy, soft dress adds visual interest with a contrasting top and skirt.
What to Consider
The elastic separating the two fabrics will hit differently on everyone, so consider where you want it to fall.
With a name like “Cozy Up,” how could this not be the most comfortable travel dress? The fabric, a blend of hemp, recycled polyester, and Tencel lyocell, is naturally bacteria-resistant, so you’ll be able to go longer between washes (which is always nice on the road) and it will dry quickly if you get caught in the rain or are just washing it in your hotel sink. The top and bottom are also designed in contrasting fabrics, with ribbing on the top and a jersey knit skirt with shirttail hemline, which adds a little extra visual contrast to keep things interesting. Bonus: It has pockets.
Price at time of publish: $89
The Details: XS to XL | 55 percent hemp, 25 percent recycled polyester, 20 percent Tencel lyocell
Best for Warm Weather: Daise Paige Midi Dress
Why We Love It
This easy, super-soft dress also includes UPF 50 coverage so you stay breezy and avoid getting sunburnt.
What to Consider
It’s on the looser side, and you’ll have to add accessories if you want to dress it up.
We know you mean to wear sunscreen when you travel, but sometimes if you’re out and about all day, it may simply slip your mind (or not fit in your bag). Daise was started as an effort to make stylish UV-protective clothing, and we think it’s succeeded. The Paige midi dress feels like your favorite T-shirt in dress form — plus it has a UPF 50+ sun protection factor, which is basically the highest you can get. The mock crewneck, side slits, and cap sleeves add some style (and shoulder protection), and the fabric is super soft so it keeps you breezy without getting burned.
Price at time of publish: $135
The Details: XS to XL | 67 percent bamboo viscose, 29 percent cotton, 4 percent spandex
Best for Cold Weather: Naadam Luxe Cashmere Turtleneck Dress
Why We Love It
This super-soft dress will keep you cozy and chic thanks to responsible cashmere and a wide range of sizes.
What to Consider
It’s not cheap, and you’ll have to be a little more delicate with it.
It may be a delicate fabric, but there’s nothing quite like swaddling yourself in an all-cashmere outfit. Wrap up in Naadam’s Luxe Cashmere Turtleneck Dress to master the cozy chic look, thanks to a roll neck, ribbed cuffs and hem, and slightly oversized fit. We also love that Naadam focuses on the sustainability and ethics of their cashmere sourcing and business practices and offers this dress in sizes XXS to 3XL. Pair it with leggings, boots, and as many winter accessories as you need and you’ll be warm wherever you go. It can even be machine-washed as long as you lay it flat to dry.
Price at time of publish: $325
The Details: XXS to 3XL | 100 percent Mongolian cashmere
Best Wrap: Everlane The Ribbed Wrap Midi Dress
Why We Love It
It’s simple and sustainable, with a just slightly swingy silhouette.
What to Consider
It may run a little large.
The scooped neck and swingy skirt of Everlane’s ribbed midi dress make it our pick for the best wrap travel dress. The fitted bodice and stitched chest detail keep things nicely shaped on the top half, while the skirt is relaxed enough that you don’t have to worry about it clinging too tightly. Meanwhile, the on-trend full ribbing helps it stay just interesting enough without being too distracting, and it has just a slight amount of stretch. Wear it on its own or layer with your favorite denim jacket for an afternoon walk or a blazer and statement jewelry for a night out. Plus, Everlane makes the dress out of recycled nylon and responsibly sourced viscose.
Price at time of publish: $178
The Details: XXS to XL | 65 percent viscose, 35 percent recycled nylon
Best Wrinkle-resistant: REI Co-op Aoraki Travel Dress
Why We Love It
This dress is stretchy, quick-drying and water-resistant, and even has a secret pocket.
What to Consider
The color selection is a little limited.
The four-way stretch polyester in our pick for the best wrinkle-resistant travel dress will wick moisture, allow for some breathability, dry quickly, and also protect you from the sun with UPF 50 protection. There’s also a DWR finish on the fabric, so water will bead up, rather than soak in, so spills or light rain won’t keep you down. There are two pockets, one of which has a secret zippered security pocket inside it, and an elastic belt to add some shape.
Price at time of publish: $70
The Details: XS to XL | 86 percent polyester, 14 percent spandex
Best Cutout: Banana Republic Lina Linen Cutout Midi Dress
Why We Love It
This dress will let you get in on the cutout trend without going overboard.
What to Consider
The back buttons can be a little loose.
If you want to hop on the cutout trend but aren't sure how it can fit into your wardrobe, our pick for best cutout travel dress might be the foot in the door you need. The waist cutout details, and stylish back buttons, show just enough skin to get cheeky without making you feel overexposed, and are balanced by the longer skirt. The high neckline also add structure and balance to the silhouette without being too imposing. Plus, it's made with linen with a cotton lining, so you can stay cool in warmer weather and still have that extra layer of support.
Price at time of publish: $190
The Details: 0 to 20, tall, regular, and petite | 100 percent linen
Best Two-piece: Reformation Lydia Knit Two-piece
Why We Love It
You can mix and match this outfit since both pieces work together or separately.
What to Consider
It should be hand-washed, and is designed with a slim fit.
A two-piece dress set gives you two items to either mix and match with the rest of your travel wardrobe or wear together, adding to its overall versatility. We love the fitted tank's high neckline and racer back. The fitted skirt is long enough that you won’t have to worry about it creeping up, but short enough to avoid any dragging on the ground or tripping hazards. An upraised accent stripe provides just enough contrast and visual interest to keep things interesting without sacrificing versatility. Plus, we’re big fans of Reformation’s sustainable ethos. Choose from black, chestnut brown, or a bright red.
Price at time of publish: $168
The Details: XS to XL | 88 percent Tencel lyocell, 12 percent spandex
Related: The 12 Best Garment Bags of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best Denim: Lauren Ralph Lauren Denim Shirt Dress
Why We Love It
A good denim dress should be like a good pair of jeans, flattering and capable of fitting in almost anywhere.
What to Consider
It only comes in one color.
This dark-washed denim shirt dress can take you from the pool deck to dinner. The point collar and button cuffs make it just a little dressier, while the tie belt and back waist darts add shape to the look. It does only come in a dark-wash denim, but like a good pair of dark jeans, that means you can wear it nearly anywhere and, also like your favorite jeans, it’s easy to both wear and care for (it’s machine-washable!). It even has side on-seam pockets.
Price at time of publish: $165
The Details: 0 to 18 | 100 percent cotton
Best Midi: Azazie Love of Romance Ruffled Midi Dress
Why We Love It
The fabric doesn't wrinkle as easily as other dresses.
What to Consider
You may need a friend to help adjust the straps.
This beautiful dress is the perfect addition for any vacation packing list. It's light and breezy, so you can comfortably wear it seaside or to an elegant dinner in your new favorite city. The straps are ties, which makes the dress extra adjustable, although you may need help getting the bows just right. There's also an added waist band that you can remove it it's not quite your style. We also love that the polyester minimizes wrinkles, so you can roll it or fold it without worry. At this budget price and with four colors to choose from, you may even want to buy more than one.
Price at time of publish: $39
The Details: XS to 3X | 95 percent polyester, 5 percent Spandex
Best Mini: Carve Designs Nellie Linen Dress
Why We Love It
It's a light and breezy dress that can be dressed up or down.
What to Consider
It's on the shorter side.
This linen dress from active brand Carve Designs will be your go-to staple for day or night. Whether you're heading off on a short hike, joining a tour group, or going out for the night, this dress can do it all. The knee-length skirt is light and flowy and doesn't minimize your movement. While this dress is perfect for various activities, we do recommend layering over a pair of compression shorts to maximize your comfort and minimize chafing if you're hiking or walking long distances (especially if it's windy). The dress can also be dressed up with a pair of heels or statement earrings for a perfect day to night look.
Price at time of publish: $98
The Details: XXS to XL | 55 percent linen, 45 percent tencel
Tips for Buying a Travel Dress
Prioritize versatility
The more space your clothes take up on the way there, the less room you’ll have for souvenirs on the way back. Rather than wasting suitcase space and your time when you need to go back to your room to change before dinner, choose a travel dress that will make you feel equally comfortable wandering around during the day and sitting down for an evening out. The LBD is a classic for a reason.
Consider care instructions
You don’t want to have to spend precious vacation time trying to figure out how to say “dry cleaner” in French. Plus, if you’re afraid of getting your clothes dirty, you won’t actually wear them, and thus will have wasted precious suitcase space. Look for dresses that are easy to clean, whether that’s an easy machine-wash or even hand-wash. We didn’t disqualify hand-wash items, since you may end up doing laundry in your hotel sink anyway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What material is best for a travel dress?
You want your travel dress to be comfortable and breathable above all else, as well as durable and non-wrinkling. Polyester is known for its anti-wrinkle capabilities, but isn’t always very eco-friendly or breathable. We prefer natural fibers, like cotton, with a touch of some kind of elastic to help them keep their shape between washes. Tencel lyocell is also a good choice as it’s anti-wrinkle but sourced from tree fibers.
What's the best way to pack a dress?
If it’s made of a more forgiving fabric, you can basically fold a dress like a very large shirt, or roll it up if that’s your preferred packing style. If it’s more delicate, fold it gently and lie it flat on top of the rest of your clothes, or travel with a separate garment bag. There are even some suitcases that come with garment folders if you’re being extra careful. Be sure to keep it away from your shoes or toiletries to avoid any stains from dirt or leaks.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
For this story, T+L contributor Rena Behar relied on her extensive experience as a gear reviewer, traveler, and extremely finicky shopper to create this list of the best dresses for travel to shop right now.
Related: The Best Sun-protective Clothing for Women of 2023
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