Katrina was with her pals, The Waves, when she told us, “I’m walking on sunshine.”
We never really heard from her again (woooahh), and that’s probably because she booked herself a beach vacation with all those royalties, put on a fabulous summer mini dress, and danced out of the music business with nary a care in the world!
Because that’s what great sun and vacation dresses do to you. They put you in a summer state of mind, every step of the way, from the moment you shop it, to the moment you rock it.
We’re bringing you a list of vacation dresses you can wear for your beach vacation, summer vacation, and all the days between June 1 and August 31…or 365 days a year in Los Angeles, the Florida Keys Costa Rica, Australia, South Africa, Bali, Bora Bora, and countless other perpetually sunny destinations!
We selected these dresses for vacation based on their styles, versatility, fabric, length, how comfy they are, and style. We also read online reviews and chose the best ones for our list.
Best Beach Dress that Doubles as a Cover-Up
Why buy a dress you can only wear for one thing? These do at least two things!
Ekouaer Women’s Cover-Up and Beach Summer Vacation Dress
I always love a garment that can do double duty, like the Ekouaer Women’s Swimsuit Beach Cover Up Shirt and Beach Dress. It’s a classic shirtdress, but you can also use it as a swimsuit cover-up.
You’ll look stylish enough to go straight from the sand to a restaurant or sightseeing. Or save it for layering to create a cute evening look. Add sandals, and you’re ready to go.
Wear distressed denim and a straw hat with a wide brim for a boho daytime outfit.
The dress features a flattering v-neck, asymmetrical hem, rolled cuff sleeves, and a leg-lengthening side split.
The fabric is a rayon mix, and it comes in sizes S through 3XL in a wide range of colors. It’s priced nicely too at $30.
Reviewers did note that the dress wrinkles easily, and they recommend hand-washing and hanging to dry as it shrinks in the dryer.
BISHUIGE Women Summer Casual V-Neck Beach Cover Up & Tank Dress
The affordable flowy BISHUIGE Beach Cover Up and Tank Dress is made of a rayon mix fabric and comes in tons of patterns.
The tank-style cheap vacation dress features a rounded neck, short hemline, and pockets and is soft and stretchy for comfort and would make a darling cover-up.
It would also look adorable with a camel-colored leather belt and sandals. Most reviewers liked the shape of the dress, but some shorter reviewers felt it was too long and big.
ZESICA Women’s Summer Wrap V Neck Bohemian Floral Print Ruffle Swing A-Line Beach Mini Dress
This mini dress looks great as one of your sundresses for vacation or a beach cover-up.
The ZESICA Women’s Summer Wrap V Neck Bohemian Floral Print Ruffle Swing A-Line Beach Mini Dress comes in many vibrant patterns and colors.
The dress is light rayon in a swingy A-line wrap style with a high waistline. It features a deep V-neck, sweet cap sleeves, and ruffled hemline.
Wear it with camel-colored sandals or wedges, or throw it on when you come from the beach to lunch or dinner. Of course, it would look adorable with a boho straw hat.
Hand-washing is recommended. Also, the wrap style is a true wrap with a tie closure and not sewn.
Versatile and affordable, the pinziko Women’s Summer Beach Dress is also a cover-up made of poly blend fabric.
The dress is a tank style with a knotted fringe on the asymmetrical hem. Reviewers loved this detail because the hemline makes the dress short, but the fringe gives the illusion the skirt is longer.
Some said the fabric is thin, but they loved it as a sarong-looking cover-up for beach use only.
Best Vacation Maxi Dress
These beach vacation dresses are long in hemlines and style.
Boho Floral Print
Show some sexy legs with a cutout dress with a daring side slit. If you’re going to a tropical destination, this Boho Floral Print High Split Maxi Dress for the Beach will keep you feeling cool.
The dress is made of stretch polyester and has a deep v-neck. The waistline is high and elongates your legs which will be exposed with every step.
The print is in a beautiful Boho floral that looks perfectly tropical and appropriate for the beach, a summer party, a nightclub, or padding around your Airbnb.
The back is designed so you can wear a bra and the straps won’t show, and the length is to the floor.
Note that the slits are very high, so you should add some kind of lower covering like a swimsuit bottom, tiny shorts, or a mini-skirt for modesty.
Or maybe not. Maybe you’re a supermodel and showing some skin is no big deal. If it’s a hot summer day, go for it.
Whatever you decide to do, all eyes will be on you when you wear this leg-baring outfit.
Reviewers overwhelmingly loved this dress but did say the legs are exposed to the top of the thighs, especially when you sit.
28 Palms Tropical Maxi Dress
Made of a viscose blend fabric, 28 Palms Vacation Maxi Dress with sleeves is machine washable and perfect for any tropical destination. It features an off-the-shoulder style with short, flowy sleeves.
The dress looks very feminine and is ruffled on the bodice and hemline – so flattering. Comes in several bright patterns and colors and is comfortable to wear all summer.
The skirt is not slit, but it’s still wide enough to walk in. Reviewers were impressed with the quality of the fabric and stitching.
Hand washing is recommended.
Milumia Women Plus Size Vacation Dress
Forget vacation clothing. You could wear the Milumia Women Plus Size Floral Maxi Bohemian Split Dress any time you needed a tropical lift to your day.
It comes in a variety of gorgeous Boho patterns. The fabric is 100% polyester with no stretch. It features a tie sash around the middle, spaghetti straps, a V-neckline, and a side slit.
Reviewers thought the dress was one of the most flattering they’ve owned, and many loved it for vacations, parties, and cruises.
The dress must be hand-washed and drip-dried, then perhaps steam to take out wrinkles. A strapless bra is recommended if one is needed.
IyMoo Women’s Sexy Chiffon Sundress Off Shoulder Ombre Tie Dye Long Boho Beach Maxi Dress
So tropical, so Boho, the IyMoo Women’s Sexy Chiffon Sundress Off Shoulder Ombre Tie Dye Long Boho Beach Maxi Dress is the best vacation dress in maxi length.
It features tons of chiffon pleats for gorgeous flowy, blowy movement. The sexy style bares your shoulders and is lovely with jewelry and sandals for either day or evening.
Most reviewers gushed about how flattering the dress was on, but some said the fabric was sheer, so be aware of what you wear underneath.
Milumia Women’s Button Up Split Floral Print Flowy Party Maxi Dress
This dress comes in several pretty prints and can be dressed up or down with just a few accessories to make several women’s summer vacation outfits.
Daytime or party time, the Milumia Button Up Split Floral Print Maxi dress is a show-stopper.
The rayon fabric is machine washable, and the V-neck, half sleeves, and split will flatter most body types. Wear for two seasons by pairing with sandals in the summer and boots in the fall.
The buttons go to the hem, so some reviewers said they wore leggings underneath for more coverage. But others thought that wasn’t a problem.
Best Off the Shoulder Dresses
Bare some skin with these slinky options.
Bohemian Off Shoulder Maxi Dress
The Bohemian Off Shoulder Maxi Dress would make the perfect dress for a summer vacation to a beachside hotel. The hem is asymmetrical to give it some swing.
It’s midi-length in the front with a maxi dress-length tail. The fabric is rayon with some stretch in a smocked style, so it’s comfy to wear from day tonight.
You can wear it on the shoulders for an adorable short-sleeve look with a round neckline or slide them down the arms for a casual evening.
The print is a pretty Boho floral that comes in various colors. Most reviewers loved the fit, but some noted that the overlap in the front can be revealing.
Also, taller women felt the waist sat too high on their figures, and the sizes ran a bit small.
Milumia Women’s Off Shoulder Ruffles Shift Loose Summer Vacation Mini Dress
Sweet and casual, the Milumia Women’s Off-Shoulder Ruffles Shift Loose Summer Vacation Mini Dresses are relaxed, easy-care dresses.
It’s made of polyester, so there’s no stretch. It can also be hand washed or machine washed. It has a loose style and comes in a variety of bright colors.
For a different look, it can be cinched with a belt. Flattering on most body types, however, has a short hemline.
Flying Tomato Off Shoulder Bohemian Maxi Dress – Off Shoulder Ethnic Floral Print Sundress with Waist Bow Tie
This dress is darling and will take you through the summer in style. It’s a great long dress for the beach.
Flying Tomato’s Off-Shoulder Bohemian Maxi Dress is long, so expect to wear heels. Still, the prints are vibrant, and the cut is flattering for most, with a sash to tie at the waist.
There is a lining, but it’s not as long as the whole dress.
Best Mini Dresses
Hemlines rise with the temperature with these short cute sundresses.
SweatyRocks Spaghetti Strap Dress
Our cutest mini dress is the SweatyRocks Spaghetti Strap Lace Up Back Casual Short Mini Dress in Gingham for Women.
It’s a fit and flare style adjustable in the back with laces. It’s a steal at under $10 for a cute petite vacation dress you can wear to the beach or a party.
Don’t you think the dress would also be cute to wear while driving a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air through the Catskills while playing the Dirty Dancing soundtrack?
Reviewers liked the adjustable straps but felt the skirt was a bit long to be an actual “mini dress.” Some reviews mentioned the skirt hit them mid-thigh.
The dress’s polyester fabric doesn’t have much stretch. Still, some reviewers liked that because they could adjust the bust with the laces and not worry about wearing a bra underneath.
The sizing also seems inconsistent, so look at the sizing charts to see what you should order. But when you get the correct size, it’s an adorable sexy vacation dress.
MILLY Women’s Summer Sleeveless Short Dress
With a sweet ruffled skirt, the MITILLY Women’s Summer Sleeveless Short Dress is an excellent option for almost any summer occasion.
It comes in many colors in a rayon mix (hand-wash only), soft, stretchy, and comfortable.
It features pockets(!), a flattering V-neck, buttons on the front, and a tiered skirt that will hit you well above the knee.
The dress also doesn’t limit what kind of underwear you need. The wide straps cover bras, and the skirt is flouncy and long enough for regular underpants.
Most reviewers found the cut flattering, while others said the V-neck wasn’t deep enough.
Amoretu Summer Tunic Dress
Day or night, the Amoretu Women Summer Tunic Dress V Neck Casual Loose Flowy Swing Shift Dress will make you look fantastic.
Available in many colors, the dacron tunic dress is machine washable and features long balloon sleeves that you’ll love when the sunsets.
The lightweight fabric is breathable and extremely comfortable. In addition, the fit and flare style is so flattering that you’ll want to wear them all the time.
It also has a deep v-neck and falls just above the knee. With tights and boots, you could get extra wear in the fall.
Reviewers loved how the cut camouflaged mid-sections. However, a few reviewers didn’t like how the dacron felt or looked.
BELONGS Mini Dress
The great thing about the BELONGSCI Sweet & Cute V-Neck Bell Sleeve Shift Dress is that it would look great at parties, but the bell sleeves give you plenty of comforts.
The chiffon dress comes in many colors and features a flattering V-neck and roomy bell sleeves.
The sophisticated shift style can go from summer to fall with a few accessories switched. For summer, this dress would look adorable with gladiator sandals and sunglasses, and it even goes well with jeans for chilly fall weather.
Reviewers loved the fit and reported they got many compliments when wearing it.
Best T-shirt Dress
With its close fit and flattering ruched style, the BTFBM T-shirt dress is the one thing you’ll love putting on at home and on vacation.
The poly-blend dress comes in dozens of colors – for the price they’re asking, you can get more than one! It’s also lined, so it’s not see-through.
Pull it on like your favorite tee. It’s soft and breathable, like your favorite shirt too. The style is slimming, and you can dress it up or down.
Choose either short-sleeved or sleeveless. This dress received great reviews about the lining and fit and how it’s an excellent cheap vacation dress.
Other reviewers felt the lining was too bulky and were disappointed that the dress was cut along the hemline and not sewn.
Best Floral Vacation Dress
Spring showers bring summer flowers in these pretty prints for a vacation sundress.
Floerns Women’s Ditsy Floral Dress
Your casual vacation dress won’t get prettier than Floerns Women’s Ditsy Floral Plunge Neck Knot Front A-Line Short Dress.
The vibrant print dresses are poly fabric and come in many patterns and colors. It has a tie closure for the open back, pleats, and fluttery kimono sleeves.
The hemline is very short so expect to show some leg while strolling on the beach or mingling at a party.
Since it’s backless and the neckline is a deep V, you’ll need to wear adhesive lingerie petals. Not all patterns are backless.
Angashion Women’s Dress-Summer Floral
The Angashion Women’s Dresses-Summer Floral Bohemian Spaghetti Strap Button Down Swing Midi Dress comes in so many gorgeous patterns you’ll have a hard time deciding which ones to get.
It’s made from a poly-cotton blend with button closure and a v-neck. It has an A-line cut and is a flowy midi dress length.
The spaghetti straps are adjustable, and the wrinkle-free fabric makes it packable for summer trips. Pair it with a cardigan for a sweet, tailored look.
This dress was overwhelmingly popular with buyers.
Dokotoo Womens Spring Summer Deep V Neck Ruffle Long Sleeve Floral Print Mini Dress
Very feminine and pretty, the Dokotoo Women’s Deep V Neck Ruffle Long Sleeve Floral Print Mini Dress will make your summer dreamy.
It comes in many colors and patterns, but this frilly mini’s florals are exceptionally gorgeous. The deep V-neck contrasts nicely with the whole, flared sleeves.
The polyester ruffled fabric has no stretch. Jewelry and heels will go great with this flouncy style.
The hemline is very short, but most reviewers liked how it fit.
Best Dresses with Pockets
Dresses with pockets are fantastic. End of discussion.
LONG YUAN Women’s Summer Dress
Available in dozens of prints and colors, the LONG YUAN Women’s Summer Dress is also a beach cover-up with…wait for it – POCKETS.
The fabric is a rayon blend that’s soft and comfy with some stretch. The tank style with a rounded neck is relaxed and flattering as a dress for a party or formal events like weddings.
The length is not too short and hits most reviewers right above the knee.
Some reviewers also said the fabric was sheerer than they expected, particularly on the white and light patterned dresses.
But did I mention; POCKETS?
MEROKEETY Women’s Summer Striped Short Sleeve T-Shirt Dress with Pockets
This pretty outfit combines my passions for T-shirt dresses and dresses with pockets.
The MEROKEETY Women’s Summer Striped Short Sleeve T-Shirt Dress also comes with a sash that ties around your waist for a gorgeous fitted look.
It’s made of a rayon blend fabric that’s machine washable and comfortable to wear. The style is a sheath with a crew neck, slim fitted, and at knee length.
Cinching the waist in with the matching fabric belt makes this one of the most flattering dresses you’ll own.
The muted stripes are also classic summer but the solid colors will take you right into fall. Wear sandals or heels. Wear it on a special occasion or for work. It goes anywhere.
This dress gets excellent reviews, but it seems as if shorter buyers thought the sash was in a weird placement and was too long to tie correctly.
Best Halter Dress
Long or short, halter dresses are classic summer.
Vivimos Women’s Summer Dress
This halter dress is one of the cutest vacation dresses on sale for this list. If you like Free People designs, check out this affordable R. Vivimos Women’s Summer Dress.
The cotton fabric is sheer and unlined, but you can wear swimsuit bottoms or rompers underneath. It comes in dozens of fun colors too.
It features a tie closure around the neck and is backless. It also has a ruffled hemline and a plunging neckline. You can also adjust the halter straps for coverage.
Many reviewers loved the Free People designer look, but some reported their halter straps ripped quickly.
PRETTY GARDEN Women’s Casual Halter Neck Sleeveless Floral Long Maxi Dress Backless Loose Ruffle Sundress with Belt
Elegant and relaxed, PRETTYGARDEN Women’s Casual Halter Neck Sleeveless Floral Long Maxi Dress Backless Loose Ruffle Sundress with Belt comes in many gorgeous prints.
It would make an exceptional black vacation dress. The ruffled length is flattering on most body types, and the high elastic waist ensures comfort.
It has a bohemian charm that will look amazing as vacation-style clothing. Wear it anywhere with anything from heels to sandals and jewelry to hats.
It can be hand washed or machine washed and is lined. Some reviewers reported shrinking, though, so definitely air dry and use cold water.
Best Vacation Midi Dress
The ECOWISH Tie Front Midi dress is the perfect balance in vacation clothes, not too schoolmarmish, not too scandalous. The skirt is an A-line in a midi length with spaghetti straps.
Buttons run down the front, and the fabric is a soft polyester-cotton blend with beautiful vintage style patterns available.
It also would make an adorable white vacation dress with its tie detail in the front.
Note there is not much support for your chest, so you might feel exposed if you have a large bust. Some reviewers used adhesive lingerie pieces and safety pins to keep it together.
In the comments section, there were other tips about tying the top so it doesn’t pop open.
Best Travel Dress
The best travel dresses are easy to pack or wear on your trip to enjoy the sun.
Daily Ritual Women’s Jersey Tee Dress
A classic t-shirt dress, Daily Ritual Women’s Jersey Tee is great for travel and hot summer days. It’s casual enough to be vacation-worthy, but it also looks great with any kind of footwear or bag.
The jersey fabric is soft, and it has a relaxed fit in a comfortable length. Dress it up or down with a different shoe style. Or try jackets and cardigans to make two-piece vacation sets.
It’s also machine washable. Reviewers loved this dress, and some said it was nice enough to wear to work. However, a few people downgraded it for fabric quality.
Amazon Essentials Women’s Standard Tank Swing Dress
When you need to pull something on that’s classic, comfortable, and stylish, the Amazon Essentials Women’s Standard Tank Swing Dress will work perfectly.
It’s machine washable with a casual, swingy fit and comes in many colors. The jersey fabric is soft and easy to wear on car trips or flights.
It can also be dressed up with some jewelry and heels. The tank style has a flattering scoop neckline too.
Most loved the fabric and fit, but some said it didn’t flatter their shape as much as they hoped. But try it and see. It’s an Amazon brand, so they’ll be easy to work with on returns.
Simone Women’s Long Sleeve Pocket Casual Loose T-Shirt Dress
Throw this cute HiMONE Women’s Long Sleeve T-Shirt Dress on when you travel, and you can go to the beach or restaurants in wrinkle-free style as soon as you land.
This pull-on style dress is made of lightweight jersey knit, so it stays looking fresh no matter what you do to it. It’s also soft, stretchy, and comes in a great choice of patterns.
Its tunic cut has a rounded neckline and long sleeves with hidden side seam pockets. The swing fit gently flares to a flattering finish.
Pair it with a belt and sandals or heels for a sexy night look.
Reviewers loved the dress’s versatility and noted you can wear certain prints into the cooler months. In addition, the fabric is so lightweight that it would make an excellent layer piece with tights and boots.
However, the same light fabric also needs smooth undergarments for the summer to avoid bumpy lines.
Best Party Dresses
Summer is huge for parties and weddings. Here are some great wardrobe choices so you can look amazing.
LILBETTER Off the Shoulder Ruffle Party Dress
Add a touch of glamour to your summer dresses wardrobe with the LILBETTER Women’s Off The Shoulder Ruffle Party Dresses Side Split Beach Maxi Dress.
It’s made from a rayon mix fabric that’s stretchy and soft. It’s also machine washable. It comes in various florals and even in white for a lovely vacation wedding dress.
The manufacturer suggests wearing nude-colored undergarments when wearing the white as it’s a bit sheer.
It can be worn off the shoulder, with both shoulders, with only one shoulder, or as a strapless vacation dress. The long-length dress has a side slit for a flowy look as your walk.
The dress also has everyone’s favorite feature; pockets. In addition, reviewers loved how forgiving the cut was even on larger sizes and taller wearers.
Some reviewers noted the stitching along the elastic in the neckline tended to come out.
Summer Beach Floral Dress
This dress begs to be worn to a wedding. So get invited to one or crash one. Either way, you need this ultra-flattering Maxi Off Shoulder Floral dress.
Maxi length with a sexy split, this dress guarantees you’ll look amazing in all the photos. In addition, it will look cute with heels or flat sandals.
It would make the perfect bridesmaid dress, formal event, or resort wear too.
Most reviewers said the dress fit them perfectly, especially when they wore heels, but some thought the waist was too bulky.
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