Top 5 Vacation Beach Dresses From Express
Surrender to a tropical getaway with vacation dresses from Express. Pair a patterned dress with metallic sandals, cool round sunglasses, and a leather crossbody bag.
Swap out flip-flops for one of our simple beach dresses and you’re ready for lunch or a night out. Our resort wear clothes come in a variety of styles that easily fit into your carry-on.
1. Maxi Dresses
When packing for a beach vacation, a few maxi dresses can do double duty as casual daywear and stylish evening wear. Pair a pretty floral print like this Milumia Button Up Split Floral Maxi Dress with sandals or sneakers for walking around and exploring the sights on your destination. Swap out your footwear for heels and add a floppy hat or sunglasses for a chic look that works for dinner on the beach.
A tie front silhouette and soft Vacation Beach Dress jersey fabric make this a beach dress you’ll reach for time and again. It’s a great option to slip over your swimsuit and enjoy the sun on a hot tropical day, or you can pair it with a denim jacket for cooler temperatures.
Bright colors and bold patterns are a must when it comes to vacation dresses. A midi maxi dress with a twirling skirt and adjustable straps like this Free People Cami Long Dress in Ivory and Black can be worn as a swimsuit cover-up or to transition to a dinner date at a romantic seafood restaurant on the beach.
2. Shirt Dresses
Shirt dresses are one of the best vacation beach outfits for a day exploring your vacation destination. They balance the trendy and classic styles and are great for women who want to look put together but don’t want to pack a lot of clothes. Pair a stylish sweater dress with a straw hat, leather sandals, and a tote bag for a complete look.
The main difference between a shirt dress and a traditional shirt is the length. Unlike a normal shirt, these dresses are longer and have sleeves that can be rolled up or worn down. They also have a collar and front buttons for a more formal look. Shirt dresses can be made from casual fabrics like denim or more formal fabrics such as silk.
This midi-length shirt dress is perfect for casual strolls along the beach or dinner outings in your vacation spot. It has a flattering tie waist, handy pockets, and a classy and polished look that will have you ready to sightsee on your trip. It’s easy to wear with sneakers or heels and will keep you comfortable throughout your vacation.
3. Mini Dresses
You’ll look effortlessly stylish in a figure-hugging mini dress that shows off sun-kissed legs. Wear a cute floral patterned mini dress for the beach or brunch, or opt for a sexy satin mini that pairs well with your favorite pair of heels.
For a casual daytime look, try a light and airy ruched mini dress such as this ZESICA Women’s Summer Wrap V Neck Bohemian Floral Print Ruffle Swing A-Line Beach Mini Dress. It has a flattering v-neck and sweet cap sleeves with a flowing skirt that has a leg-lengthening asymmetrical hemline and tie closure. It can also be worn as a beach cover-up or for layering with a tank top or sweater.
You can also find cute mini dresses that feature pockets. These are great for walking around and sightseeing or for an easy going lunch with friends. You can wear these with sneakers, sandals or lace-up boots depending on your preference. A straw hat is a good choice to keep the sun off your face. Wear your hair up or down and accessorize with a chic shoulder bag or clutch.
4. Maxi Skirts
A maxi dress is a vacation staple. It’s the most versatile summer outfit you can pack—and it’s breathable enough to wear all day long at your tropical destination. Dress up with a pretty wrap Vacation Beach Dress and wedges for a sunset dinner on the beach or add a denim jacket to keep you warm and protected from the elements.
Maxi dresses also make great cover-ups for wearing over your bikini on a hot and sunny day at the beach. They’re easy to slip on and off when needed and can be worn during a casual lunch or dinner at a restaurant overlooking the ocean.
If you want to stay away from floral prints for a little while, opt for one of these other long bohemian dresses in fun patterns like tie dye or stripes. You’ll love them just as much as your floral midi and can continue to wear them even after you return home from your getaway.
5. Shorts
If you’re a beachy girl who doesn’t want to cover up your bare legs in full-length dresses, chino shorts are the ideal option. They err on the elegant side, so you’ll look put together but still feel comfortable when exploring on your trip. Pair them with a lightweight knit or strappy sandals for a vacation outfit that transitions from day to night.
The ECOWISH midi dress is the perfect balance of cute and practical, as it can be worn over your swimsuit for protection from the sun or tucked into jean shorts and paired with sneakers or heels for a casual dinner outing. The polyester-cotton blend fabric has a soft, stretchy fit that feels luxurious against your skin, and the asymmetrical hemline features a button-front detail with knotted fringe.
Whether you opt to style this papaya-colored poplin dress from Faithfull The Brand over an Ephemera high-waist bikini or tucked into Loulou Studio’s jean shorts, it will be the ultimate addition to your summer vacation wardrobe. Complete the look with a pair of raffia loafers from 3.1 Phillip Lim and a woven tote bag from Dragon Diffusion for a beachy-chic outfit you’ll wear from morning to night.
