I maintain that dresses are the easiest thing to pack for travel. Instead of coordinating multiple pieces (pants, top, whatever), it’s one item you don’t have to think twice about. And you get the bonus of looking instantly more put-together, whether that’s for travel photos or for transitioning directly from sightseeing to a nicer dinner without a pit stop back at the hotel to change.
Woolx Adrienne Active Dress
Made from a Merino wool/nylon/spandex blend that’s soft, wrinkle-resistant, and somehow odor-free even after a full day of sweat, the Woolx Adrienne Active Dress is my new favorite dress for travel (and for everyday life). Both shorts and a bra are built-in, so that’s two fewer things you have to pack. The built-in shorts have pockets big enough for your phone, and they’re only connected to the dress in the front (not the back), so you can pull them down without stripping off the whole dress. They’ve also got silicone grippers so they stay put instead of riding up, which I found to be a huge perk on bike rides.
Because it’s wool, the dress runs a bit heavier and thicker than most active dresses, but that’s exactly why it feels more luxurious and looks better than the rest. Blended with nylon and spandex, it’s buttery soft and never scratchy. I’ve worn it for everything from tennis matches (the pocket fits an actual tennis ball) to long flights.
Title Nine Round Trip Dress
When you’re traveling light, you’re going to want to make space for Title Nine’s Round Trip Dress. Between the adjustable side pleat, reversible neckline, and hidden pocket buttons, this thing can be worn a dozen different ways, so it basically counts as three dresses in one. However you wear it, the lightweight, quick-dry fabric means a rinse in the sink has it ready to wear again tomorrow.
Quince FlowKnit Breeze Fit & Flare Dress
Quince’s FlowKnit Breeze Fit & Flare Dress is a dupe for more expensive brands, but it feels and looks luxurious. The recycled poly-spandex blend feels way softer than it should for the price, with a stretch that moves with you instead of fighting you. The midi length and fit-and-flare shape make it look more expensive than it is, and the pockets are deep enough to hold your phone without that awkward saggy-pocket look. It dries fast, doesn’t wrinkle, and comes in a variety of colors.
Uniqlo Ultra Stretch AIRism Dress
Uniqlo took the AIRism fabric from their base layers, the stuff made for sweating in, and put it in dress form. It’s stretchy, breathable, and won’t wrinkle even if you have to ball it up to make it fit inside an overstuffed suitcase. And yes, it has pockets.
Royal Robbins Spotless Traveler Dress
If you travel for food, but have ruined too many outfits with an errant spill or drip, Royal Robbins Spotless Traveler Dress is the one for you. It’s treated with HeiQ stain-release tech, so wine, sauce, coffee, etc., can bead up and be wiped off instead of setting in for good. This magical dress also has a UPF 40+ fabric with four-way stretch and hidden pockets (including a zippered one to keep valuables safe).
