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Lucky you, you’re about to go on vacation. Your plane tickets are booked and your itinerary is set, but now comes the hard part — what are you going to wear while you travel? Comfort is key, so step away from the heels and too-tight jeans for the journey. Instead, throw on one of the best travel dresses to see you through even the longest travel days.
Travel-friendly dresses should be quick-dry to withstand coffee spills and beach days, and it’s best to look for dresses that are lightweight so packing them is a breeze. The most comfortable travel dresses are breathable with flowy designs that move with your body. Maxi and wrap styles are some popular choices.
Whether you’re flying to Paris or Palm Beach, travel dresses are a winning option for looking put-together, even on minimal sleep.
Thanks to influencers like Cary Cristman, airport fashion is gaining traction. Cristman asks her Uber driver to take her photo whenever she gets dropped off at the airport. The social media mogul sets up the shot for her driver, then hops into place, flaunting her travel outfit and statement suitcase. And it makes sense she dresses so stylishly for her flights considering airports are busy hubs where you’ll encounter tons of people — meaning your outfit will get the attention it deserves.
Try your hand at airport fashion in a maxi dress and sporty sneakers. Or you could pair a sweater dress with boots that were made for walking.
Come touchdown, Cristman continues to look camera-ready by whipping out a cute travel dress stashed away in her carry-on. The casual queen loves styling her travel dresses with floppy hats and strappy sandals. It’s a great go-to when for when the jet lag sets in and outfit planning feels rough.
Rip a page from Cristman’s book and enter vacation mode in the best travel dresses for every trip. These dresses are all under $150, meaning you’ll have plenty of funds left over for souvenir shopping. Scoop up some of these can’t-miss picks for your next getaway, and happy traveling.
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
1 of 20 Image Credits: Free People
Free People Mickey Burnout Maxi Tee
Bring it back to childhood with a Mickey Mouse-themed tee. You don’t have to be spending the day at Disney to rock the vintage look with cool boots and a cardigan.
2 of 20 Image Credits: ASOS
Comfiest Travel Dress
ASOS Cami Swing Dress
Beach vacation in your future? Scoop up a swing dress then layer on a denim jacket for if you get cold. This adorable dress is only $13 — yes, you read that correctly.
3 of 20 Image Credits: Shopbop
Best Summer Travel Dress
BB Dakota Life Is Wild Sweater Dress
Claim the spotlight in a zebra print that will keep you cozy and on-trend. This dress is made for trendsetters transitioning from a chilly flight to touchdown.
4 of 20 Image Credits: ASOS
Best Cozy Travel Dress
ASOS Corset Stitch T-Shirt Dress
During long flights, the last thing you want to be thinking about is how uncomfortable your outfit is. Save yourself the trouble with a t-shirt dress and sneakers.
5 of 20 Image Credits: Athleta
Best T-Shirt Travel Dress
Athleta Destination Maxi Dress
You never know what your travels will throw at you, whether it’s a leaking water bottle or a spontaneous surf session. That’s why a lightweight travel dress that dries quickly is an absolute must.
6 of 20 Image Credits: ASOS
Best Quick Dry Travel Dress
Brave Soul Plus Striped Wrap Dress
You can’t bring your whole wardrobe when you travel, so instead pack versatile outfits you can wear every day. This plus-sized option can be dressed up or down, which makes planning your upcoming OOTD that much easier.
7 of 20 Image Credits: Lulus
Best Plus-Size Travel Dress
Murni Mustard Yellow Print Midi Dress
Fashionistas, meet your match. From the mustard yellow color to the trendy print, this dress would go great on the ’gram.
8 of 20 Image Credits: Lulus
Best Summer Travel Dress
Nathalia Black and White Embroidered Dress
Light out for the territory in a dress that’s designed for all your Wild West romps. Pair this dress with cowgirl boots as you embrace ranch life.
9 of 20 Image Credits: Lulus
Best Lightweight Travel Dress
Crisp Mornings Cozy Cable Knit Turtleneck Sweater Dress
Heading to the mountains? A knit dress and over-the-knee boots will keep you toasty as you snuggle up with some hot chocolate.
10 of 20 Image Credits: Nordstrom
Best Knit Travel Dress
Topshop IDOL Embellished Floral Midi Dress
If you’re planning to experience a place’s nightlife, make sure you pack the right outfit. This floral frock boasts a front slit and sheer detailing for your next girls’ night out.
11 of 20 Image Credits: Amazon
Best Travel Dress for a Party
Relipop Summer Short Sleeve Dress
Polka dots are all over the runways of Gucci and Balenciaga. Thanks to Amazon, you can try the trend in travel dress form for only $20. New York Fashion Week, here you come.
12 of 20 Image Credits: Nordstrom
Best Amazon Travel Dress
Reformation Rosehip Fit & Flare Dress
This Reformation dress is fitted up top then flows into a flared bottom that’s made for twirling. Add eclectic earrings and a red wristlet as you take on the town.
13 of 20 Image Credits: Lulus
Best Flowy Travel Dress
Midas Sheer Gold Maxi Cover-Up
Look like a Greek goddess in this sheer gold cover-up. After hitting the beaches of Mykonos or Miami, slide this cover-up over a white bikini.
14 of 20 Image Credits: Nordstrom
Best Beach Cover-Up Travel Dress
Free People Iris Floral Midi Dress
Since everyone is either reading "Little Women" right now or watching the movie, it’s time to unleash your inner March sister. Look the part with a romantic prairie dress styled with boots.
15 of 20 Image Credits: ASOS
Best Vintage Travel Dress
Brave Soul Petite Stripe Sundress
If you’re traveling to a big city, you’re bound to do loads of walking. This petite dress pairs perfectly with sneakers, meaning you can be sporty without compromising on fashion.
16 of 20 Image Credits: Lulus
Best Petite Travel Dress
French Countryside Blush Floral Print High-Low Dress
How dreamy is this dress? From dinner parties to wine tastings, this dress has you covered. Reviewers say it’s the “perfect summer dress” and they were in “love at first sight.”
17 of 20 Image Credits: Macy's
Best Floral Travel Dress
MICHAEL Michael Kors Plaid Short-Sleeve Shirt
Going on a business trip? Look pretty and polished as you move between meetings. The plaid print works well for any time of year, while the sleek silhouette is sure to flatter.
18 of 20 Image Credits: ASOS
Best Business Travel Dress
ASOS Soft Denim Tea Dress in Midwash Blue
Denim jeans and denim jackets are cute and all, but you definitely need a denim dress, too. Blake Lively recently wore a denim dress on a date with Ryan Reynolds, so need we say more?
19 of 20 Image Credits: Nordstrom
Best Denim Travel Dress
Free People Bella Smocked Mini Dress
Land a foreign lover in this fun frock. The rose print and tie shoulders add some sweetness to the sexy style.
20 of 20 Image Credits: Outdoor Voices
Best Sexy Travel Dress
Outdoor Voices The Exercise Dress
Reviewers say this dress is “easy to wear, wash and workout in,” so naturally it’s perfect for your travels. There are seven shades to choose from including Scarlet and Black Polka. Get ready to jet set in this flattering design.
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