![See Ya, Sweatpants: Here's Proof That You Can Totally Travel in Dresses (1) See Ya, Sweatpants: Here's Proof That You Can Totally Travel in Dresses (1)](https://i0.wp.com/hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/travel-dresses-1661881628.png?crop=0.662xw:1.00xh;0.170xw,0&resize=640:*)
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Unless you're the kind of person who intentionally plans on taking a pre-flight #OOTD at the airport (so that you can post on the 'gram before takeoff, of course), figuring out a travel look is often an afterthought. We're usually pouring all our attention and energy into curating the best 'fits to wear once we reach our final destination! But when it's actually time to start the trek, you're probably frantically rummaging through your closet hoping to find something that's both travel appropriate and stylish. More often than not, that results in an ensemble that's comfy, sure, but nowhere near as chic as what's packed away in that carry-on.
Whether you're traveling by bus, train, car, boat, plane, or any other mode of land, sea, or air transport, we get how tough it can be to choose a gorge 'fit that's also extremely functional for the varied stages of the journey. Within the same hour, you could be hustling to the airport, sprinting through the terminal, sweating at the gate, and freezing once you've boarded. Or, you might find yourself uncomfortable as hell on a looong drive, regretting the decision to wear too-stiff jeans or a cute but itchy AF sweater. Don't stress: we've got ya covered! Ahead, we've curated the absolute best travel dresses to wear en route to your next trip.
Why dresses, you might be wondering? Even if you swear by leggings and a tee whenever it's time to face that TSA line, hear us out: A dress that's cute and comfy is the ultimate one-piece foundation for hustling from point A to point B. It'll simplify getting dressed as you wrestle to get your suitcase zipped and check in for your flight, and is so easy to throw layers on when the A/C is blasting on your seat or peel off that scarf or hoodie the second you start to overheat at any point of the journey.
Our top picks for the best travel dresses of 2022:
this slinky stunner
ASOS DESIGN Slinky Short Sleeve Maxi Dress in Khaki
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this stylish sweats alternative
NSF Luq Hooded Zip Sweatshirt Dress
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this time-saving beaut
Vix Paula Hermanny Naomi Dress
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this bold, bell sleeve dress
Reb Dolls Karmia Bell Sleeve Tie Waist Mini A Line Dress
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You deserve to look and feel good wherever you go. Now that CosmoTrips has debuted (ICYMI, it's our brilliant travel booking biz where we do the trip planning for you and you do absolutely zero work), you can keep your pre-vacay focus on those excited vibes and dressing with ease! Whether you need a perf airport look or the ultimate road trip 'fit to throw on, keep reading for 15 gorge and effortless travel dresses that'll help you do just that. And these options aren't only for getting to and from paradise: Trust us, you'll be wearing these lewks throughout your whole trip.
Pros
breezy a-line silhouette
perf for warm weather
lightweight fabric
Cons
non-stretch material
A ruffle trim, tiered skirt, square neckline, floral print—there are so many pretty details to love with this breathable smocked dress! It's got the sweetest puff sleeves to keep your arms covered during a freezing flight (you can throw on your go-to moto or shacket for extra warmth), but feeling cool enough once you land for your beach vacay.
Pros
super comfy
chic side slit detail
versatile neutral hue
matches pretty much anything
Cons
doesn't run true to size
You can never go wrong with a knit maxi—this one features a great wide-ribbed texture and a flirty low back. Pair with a bold pair of sunnies and you're instantly giving celeb street style vibes.
this chic shirt dress
Ena Pelly Bree Cotton Shirt Dress
this chic shirt dress
Ena Pelly Bree Cotton Shirt Dress
Pros
airy 100% cotton material
cute shirttail hem
cinched waist
perf for going straight from the office to the airport
Cons
doesn't come in other colors
Globetrotter on a mission? You'll def look the part in this peach-hued striped shirt dress. It's like wearing your partner's button-down, but way chicer. Plus, there's nothin' like cotton to keep ya cool!
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Pros
easy pull-on design sans zippers or buttons
cute back tie detail
wrinkle-free material
Cons
isn't available in other colors
Heading out to brunch directly from the train station? We've got the perfect 'fit: This goddess-y viscose crepe midi won't wrinkle on the ride there, and the muted neutral shade is so easy to style with basically everything in your suitcase. You'll love the saucy deep v neckline and slit, too. Throw it on and go!
Pros
true to size
ultra-soft texture
gorge sage hue
Cons
Slip into this short-sleeved, ankle-skimming dress to immerse yourself in out-of-this-world softness. Sage is such a pretty color, forever and always, and we're lovin' how the subtle shine on this maxi pairs with the soothing hue. And aren't the tiny buttons such a cute touch?
Pros
super affordable
comes in multiple colors
has some stretch
totally opaque fabric
Cons
some reviewers say the material is a tad thick
Ya gotta love a T-shirt dress for total comfort and versatility; now, here's the stunning sleeveless version, perfect if you're headed somewhere with steamy weather. It's casual but super easy to dress up, and how cute is that side-tie with ruched detailing? There's so much to love about this number; just check out the 700+ rave reviews over on Amazon for proof. It's the perf piece for getting to and from your destination, as well as any day trips on the itinerary.
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this stylish sweats alternative
NSF Luq Hooded Zip Sweatshirt Dress
this stylish sweats alternative
NSF Luq Hooded Zip Sweatshirt Dress
Pros
crazy soft material
has pockets!
slouchy fit
two words: sweatshirt dress.
Cons
wish it came in black, too
Can't give up your sweats? No prob! This hooded sweatshirt dress is the perfect 'fit to zip on and hit the road, and proof that you really don't have to sacrifice comfort to look and feel cute.
Pros
silky feel
faux wrap skirt
bold design
style it multiple ways
Cons
watch out for nip slips
Imagine this: your flight is delayed, but you're in no rush since you don't need an outfit change once you land—because you're already wearing this effortless number straight to that dinner party. This color-block showstopper has a flattering asymmetrical side-tie knot, flirty slit, and cool speckled print overlay. It's the definition of effortlessly chic, basically!
this bold, bell sleeve dress
Reb Dolls Karmia Bell Sleeve Tie Waist Mini A Line Dress
this bold, bell sleeve dress
Reb Dolls Karmia Bell Sleeve Tie Waist Mini A Line Dress
Now 75% Off
Pros
bright hue
compliment magnet
soft material
a statement piece
Cons
chest pockets aren't functional
non-stretch fabric
Need something that's not fussy and totally bold? This orange mini with billowy sleeves and an airy oversized silhouette will def turn heads. Plus, it's got pockets! You look put together without even trying.
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Pros
functional pockets
will be your new travel go-to
comes in three other colors
Cons
only available up to XXL
can get a lil wrinkled
We're all about ease when we're on the go, and this mod mini totally speaks to that v important factor when choosing a travel dress. The breezy shift silhouette makes it an essential transitional piece you need on every trip, since it'll look great under any jacket, pairs perfectly with sneaks or heels, and looks great with bare legs or, for chillier destinations, a pair of opaque tights. We're loving the side pockets and a v-neckline. It's equally charming in black, too!
Pros
look at that slit!
non-transparent material
breathable and light
Cons
the bust area is kinda tight
weird sizing
This scoop neck beaut is exactly what you need to be wearing when you hop off the plane and immediately mosey on over to the beach. Pair it with platform sandals and you'll absolutely slay on the boardwalk.
Pros
an upscale lewk
reminiscent of a sunset
there's a hood!
Cons
a lil investment
Okay, this robe has major royalty vibes. Fe Noel's pieces serve up amazing quality and a good dose of the luxe life, and this number is no exception. Picture yourself walking onto the resort after a long drive, where you're handed a drink as you settle into your poolside cabana. I know, we're swooning, too.
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Pros
the baddie award goes to you
sleeveless design
Loose Fit Silhouette
perf for transitioning seasons
Cons
You will look like a certified b-o-s-s in this cheeky mini. When you think of travel attire, (faux) leather probably isn't the first material that comes to mind, but this stunner will change that, stat. Style it with cool combat boots for 'fit that truly commands attention!
this poplin number
FARM Rio Yellow 3D Flowers Midi Dress
this poplin number
FARM Rio Yellow 3D Flowers Midi Dress
Pros
the cutest embellishments
a cheery hue
major day-to-night potential
Cons
non-stretch
We're heart eyes over this crochet floral embellishment and tier design! This lightweight dress will bring the sunshine with ya wherever you go. And get this: there's a statement bow and cutout in the back! Yeah, we can't deal either.
Pros
100% cotton
unique print
loose fit
Cons
unlined
Throw this cozy number on for instant cool girl factor. The airy jersey material and roomy cut are made for in-flight naps, and how fun is that muted tie dye pattern? Also, yay for long sleeves!
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Okay, so here's what you should consider when shopping for travel dresses:
Okay, so here's what you should consider when shopping for travel dresses:
When shopping for travel dresses, consider these helpful factors to figure out the best 'fit for any and every trip:
- This one kinda goes without saying, but we'll say it anyway: What's the weather like wherever you're headed?
- How long will you be traveling and what are your modes of transportation throughout the journey?
- Will you have time for a 'fit change once you arrive? If so, how much time do you have? If not, what sort of dress (think: material, shape, and length) checks as many boxes as possible for traveling in, and once you get to your destination?
Why trust Cosmo:
Why trust Cosmo:
Cosmo’s team of digital fashion experts—which includes Fashion Features Director Rachel Torgerson, Fashion Editor Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien, and Contributing Fashion Features Director Alexandra Ilyashov—have decades of combined experience in the industry. They spot relevant trends on the runway before they even hit your TikTok FYP or Insta Explore Page and conduct research across retailers of all kinds—testing many brands IRL—to bring you the best clothing and accessory picks for every season.
Basically, we’ve curated the internet to bring you the chicest options like it’s our job (because it is, heh).Each of our shopping articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge and includes products for all sizes. These travel dresses were chosen based off of style, functionality, comfortability, price point, and so many reviews to put together this shoppable list of the very best for you!
Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien
Fashion Editor
Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien is the fashion editor at Cosmopolitan, writing weighty and witty stories that run the gamut of gushing over Zendaya to convincing you of everything you need in your closet! She began her journey in the industry with a fashion and faith blog and an internship at Elle.com almost 10 years ago. Since then, she's also served as the style editor at The Haitian Times. The Haitian-American pageant queen is a Syracuse Masters graduate and the author of two books, including: Claim Your Crown. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @iamtarahlynn.