Stylish Beach Dresses to Pack in Your Carry-On
Stylish dresses make a great addition to your beach vacation wardrobe, especially when you want to look more refined than flip-flops and denim shorts. Choose a pair of sandals, a chic crossbody bag and sunglasses for a polished resort look.
For more casual beach vacation clothes, a tropical print dress is perfect for daytime wear. Add a simple tank or tee to match with your maxi dress and you’re ready for the beach.
1. Tropical Print Maxi Dress
No matter what your destination may be, a few simple beach vacation dresses are essentials to pack in your carry-on. Look for versatile styles, like our printed two-piece dresses, that can be worn as a beach cover-up or belted and dressed up for eveningwear with just a few accessory swaps. Choose from a wide range of flattering silhouettes like sheath, shift, wrap, halter and tent dress designs.
This sleeveless tropical print maxi dress features a keyhole neckline, fitted waist and tiered skirt for an effortlessly chic outfit that goes from day to night. Pair with a leather crossbody bag, sunglasses and slide-on sandals to complete the look.
2. Minimalist Pleats Maxi Dress
When packing for a beach vacation, you need wardrobe staples that can take you from daytime to evening with minimal fuss. That means lightweight cotton dresses in sheath, shift, A-line, wrap, or halter styles that can be dressed up or down with a variety of accessories. Vacation Beach Dress Add a few cute beach cover-ups and some jeans or shorts to mix in, and you’ll have outfits that can cover any situation from casual to fancier.
This box pleat dress slips on easily and features a deep, graceful back pleat and wide sleeves that can be rolled up to show off your tan. It’s finished with a slim strap that crosses across your back.
Whether you’re staying close to home or traveling overseas, our assortment of beach vacation dresses will help you look and feel your best. Find the perfect look in a selection of sizes, including petite offerings with shortened sleeves, narrower shoulders, raised waists, and other details that flatter your frame.
3. Classic Resort Look
If there’s one nonnegotiable when it comes to packing for vacation, it’s a classic resort dress. Look for pieces that can be worn in multiple ways, like this papaya-colored poplin top from Faithfull The Brand. Worn as a cover-up by the beach or buttoned up for excursions out on the town, this piece is easy to dress up with a bold pink bag from Jacquemus and strappy sandals from Bottega Veneta.
Launched by designer Kirstin-Lee Keysers, KIVARI is a celebration of feminine freedom and style. This sleeveless v neck embroidered dress with matching bottoms is an effortless yet polished option for your trip to a tropical destination. Wear it with cateye sunglasses and a statement-making purse, like this one from Mango, to elevate your look.
4. Long-Line Classic Triangle Top with Matching Bottoms
You’ve seen Summersalt’s iconic Sidestroke one-piece on Instagram, beach-trotting influencers, or your BFFs — and now you can get the look in bikini form with this long-line classic triangle top and matching flouncy bottoms. The Vacation Beach Dress adjustable shoulder straps lift and enhance your bust, while the compressive recycled material is both sustainable and supportive.
Pair this splurge-worthy suit with the sexy and flattering Highway Bottom from size-inclusive brand Beach Riot for the ultimate vacation beach dress. The high-cut, full-coverage bottoms show a small but cheeky sliver of skin from behind and have just the right amount of cheekiness to make you feel confident AF.
A wardrobe of simple cotton dresses is an absolute must for vacation because they can be worn as a light beach coverup or a cute outfit for daytime or evening, depending on how you accessorize. Add a few pairs of sneakers or espadrilles and you’re ready to hit the beach, stroll the boardwalk, or head out for drinks.
5. Shirtdress with Ankle Strap Sandals
For a vacation dress that’s both casual and pretty, look no further than this shirtdress from Hillhouse. Made in the same silhouette as its Nap Dress (which is comfortable enough to sleep in), this summer frock adds drama with puffy sleeves and a tiered hem that flares out for added movement as you walk along your beach. This long-sleeved option also features a daring side split to show off your legs and is available in floral prints as well as white for a wedding-appropriate vacation dress.
For Lopez, the best beach vacation dresses are ones that “look beautiful and double as something you can wear in your everyday life” when you get back home. Pair this plunging floral midi dress with a sleek black heel and minimal silver jewelry for a chic outfit that’s ready to go from a sunset dinner to the resort bar for drinks with a friend.
6. One-Shoulder Cutout Swimsuit
Sometimes you want a bathing suit that’s just for looks — you know, for those poolside pics and walking around on the beach. This Hilor black one-piece fits the bill. The off-the-shoulder style looks cute and feminine, while the lace-up front offers some extra sexy drama. It’s also supportive with a shelf bra and removable cups. It’s available in XS-3X.
This one-piece swimsuit from Amazon-favorite Cupshe takes on two of the season’s hottest trends: scallops and cutouts. It’s a flattering style that won’t show off too much skin, so it won’t cause unwanted tan lines. It also has adjustable straps and back hook closure for a secure fit.
So pack a few stylish swimsuits, dresses, and tops for your vacation to feel comfortable all day and night. Add a few pairs of shorts or a lightweight romper to wear with sneakers or sandals for your daytime activities, and an evening dress that’s perfect for strolling or going out for sunset drinks.
