15 Best Travel Dresses for Jet-Setters, According to a Fashion Expert

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Going to a luxurious destination sometime soon? You’re going to need a great travel dress (or maybe 15). To guide you in finding the perfect fit for your next journey, we’ve consulted M. K. Quinlan, a Birmingham-based personal stylist and interior designer, for her expertise on all things related to dressing.

Packing well involves both science and method—and a travel dress is a must-have piece to the puzzle. Quinlan shares that you should choose clothes that lay flat, require minimal fuss, and pairing them with accessories that transition seamlessly from day to night.

Deciding what to wear for travel begins well before you reach your destination. Remember that your journey starts at the airport, so it’s important to dress the part, even when navigating through TSA security. Quinlan shares, “One of my pet peeves is folks who wear pajamas in the airport, but you do want to be comfortable. It’s just the reality.” And she’s found pieces that don’t compromise on either style or comfort.

Read on to discover the best travel dresses handpicked by Quinlan and VERANDA editors that are guaranteed to impress.Regardless of whether you’re going on a European grand tour or taking it to the tropics, there’s a dress on this list that is practically made for you.

Abigail Silk Jersey Midi Wrap Dress

When a dress stands the testament of time, it’s sure to travel well—and the wrap dress is a perfect example. Quinlan says, “The wrap dress is great because it’s easy.”

This style has been popular since the 1930s, but it truly experienced a renaissance in 1974 when Diane von Furstenberg started making her version of the style. It has since become synonymous with the namesake brand she created, and is still being sold 50 years on.

It’s the versatility of this style that makes it a fan favorite. Quinlan further notes, “A wrap dress can go from day to night no problem.”

If your travel plans include business meetings or a cocktail hour, you’ll want to easily slip one of these fabulous pieces into your carry-on.

Coatue Caftan

Editor in Chief Steele Marcoux has an eye for design—but she also has an eye for fashion. Marcoux recently pulled this caftan from Julia Amory that’s perfect for travel and events alike.

The bold contrasting threads set against a solid 100% cotton base make for a fashionable statement. Versatile enough for practically every season, this dress offers flexibility in style. Roll up the wrist-length sleeves for a casual look, and wear it with or without the belt to suit your preference.

Fleur Dress

When you travel, it’s always important to have something fabulous to wear. And for Quinlan, silk is everything. “I love silk. A simple silk in clean silhouettes is super stylish and feminine,” she says. “If you are wanting to make a little bit of a splash at night in the summer silk is the way to go. It’s just an easy way to dress up.”

While this dress may be a little bold in its print, Saloni keeps the shape chic and sophisticated. The high neckline paired with the tapered waist is a breathtaking combination.

Caron Callahan Jocelyn Dress

Available at her Birmingham shop, Quinlan is a huge fan of Caron Callahan’s global and thoughtfully crafted designs. The Jocelyn Dress, with its loose shape that pulls in with just a single knot at the waist, has become Quinlan’s personal go-to for her own travels.

“The Caron Callahan dress to me is really the ultimate must have because it’s really, really comfortable, but it has a polish to it,” Quinlan shares.

Cargo Tie Midi Dress

Another style that you can find at her namesake shop, Quinlan loves the cargo, cool-girl look this Find Me Now Dress has to offer. She explains, “There’s nothing more essential than a little black dress. Especially if it’s in a material that you can wear during the day and dress up at night.”

Quinlan further notes that in a world where we love color, it’s important to not overlook the classic look of a black dress.

Ischia Dress

Longer, mid-calf dresses are the ideal choice for navigating planes, trains, and automobiles. Quinlan explains that this length is great because it offers comfort during travel.

The effortless and relaxed California style of this Dôen dress is perfect not only for enjoying your vacation but also for the journey there. Also, if you have plans right after your flight, you don’t even have to change with this fabulous number.

Off-White Midi Dress

As mentioned, packing a versatile dress that transitions from day to night is essential. It saves suitcase space, allowing you to bring more accessories and leaves room for any treasures you may find along your travels.

This white dress is just as great for a quiet breakfast as it is for a lively beach-front dinner. Pair with espadrilles for a laidback look.

Adavi Stretch-Linen Shirtdress

In the spring and fall seasons, when you aren’t entirely sure how many layers you may need, a shirtdress is always a good base. Layer with a sweater, add a scarf, and pair with boots to create the perfect autumn ensemble for exploring. Remove the layers and add a cute pair of sandals, and you have a sophisticated look for the spring.

The sharp suiting details of this piece make it an excellent, transitional staple that will enhance your wardrobe beyond just your travels.

Phoebe Dress Prado Ditsy

Material is always important when it comes to picking a dress that can travel well. Quinlan’s choice material for travel is cotton, but she’s also a huge fan of silk and light linen, particularly in the summer.

She says. “You can run a steam shower in your hotel bathroom and hang [the dress] in there and any kind of wrinkles will fall out quickly.”

This dress, crafted from a soft cotton-silk blend, offers the best of both worlds: the added silk provides a more luxurious feel to the cotton, which maintains its shape well. Also, it’s incredibly lightweight, making it ideal for warmer climates

Striped Ribbed Cotton-Blend Dress

When you’re on the go during your travels, having clothes that can be thrown into the washer and dryer without worry is an absolute must. A dress like this one from Polo Ralph Lauren is a game changer. Machine washable, you’ll love how easy this dress is and how much easier it will make your life.

Midi Marlowe Dress

Both casual and elegant at the same time, you can find a reason to wear this frock practically wherever you go. The more casual cotton blend allows for easy packing, and the drop waist along with the back detailing makes it perfect for a date night or a garden party

Emy Dress

While basics like black and white are tried and true, there’s something to be said about color. It adds a layer of brightness to your travel wardrobe and is a staple in its own right.

Sézane, the French brand that’s been blowing up the internet as of late, has offerings perfect for travel. Just slip on one of the brand’s dresses and embrace the French girl chic look.

The Ellie Nap Dress

In 2019, Hill House Home introduced the Nap Dress, which quickly became a global sensation. Nell Diamond, the CEO and founder of the brand, designed the dress as a stylish yet comfortable option for everyday wear. The thoughtful design makes the dress a welcome travel companion.

“If you’re at the beach, I’m all for it,” Quinlan says. “You can wear it over your bathing suit, and you can wear it to dinner with a pretty piece of jewelry.”

Luisa Shift Dress

A shift dress is always a good idea. We love this one for travel because of its longer length, removable slip, and eyelet detailing. These elements modernize the classic shift and make it worthy of space in your suitcase

However, a classic sift is an excellent option too. Quinlan loves a linen a-line shift that hits just above the knee, which is something you probably already have in your closet. It’s totally timeless and will never go out of style.

The Polo Dress

You never know when an impromptu tennis match, golf game, or other activity might arise, making it essential to have this dress within reach. Its relaxed structure ensures it is suitable for a wide range of activities, from social gatherings to sporting events.

Meet the Expert

M. K. Quinlan is a Birmingham, Alabama-based personal stylist and interior designer. She is also the owner of her namesake shop in Birmingham’s Forest Park neighborhood.

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