Let's be honest—one of the best parts of going on a vacation is planning the looks you're going to wear before you go. If you ask me, no vacation wardrobe is complete without one standout dress (or several), and each summer, there are always a handful of specific styles that end up achieving cult status. Whether it's the affordable Zara find everyone agreed was worth it or the dream designer piece we all couldn't scroll on social media without seeing someone wearing, there are always a few vacation dresses that break through the rest to become, well, "it."
We're still technically a month out from the official start of summer, but I'm already well into my vacation shopping (and vacation planning) and starting to see the early signs of the dresses destined for greatness. While I was shopping for what to bring on my next trip, these 30 picks, ranging from airy cotton midis to fun printed minidresses, stood out to me. Whether you're traveling somewhere locally or packing up your passport for an adventure abroad, bringing along one of these vacation dresses is an absolute must. If you don't, another fashion person is destined to.
I'm convinced this was made for swanning around a sprawling balcony with a fizzy cocktail in hand.
We're still a month from the first day of summer, yet I already know the season will be defined by polka-dot dresses.
I saw this on Courtney Grow's story and immediately added it to my cart.
Do yourself a favor and keep an eye on this brand—it's set to be everywhere very soon.
So striking.
Despite all the dress trends heating up at the moment, people with classic style will gravitate toward gingham prints like this.
Dripping in French Riviera energy.
Each version of Alémais's satin shift dress is better than the last.
Summer's prettiest trend? Broderie anglaise details that are as effortless to wear as they are nice to look at.
Did you also see Alexandra Saint Mleux wearing this at the Miami Grand Prix and go down a Google rabbit hole to find out where it's from, or are you normal?
Because I know you already have a million white dresses.
A cult-loved classic.
Hailey Bieber's striped knit minidress from Coachella is long gone, but this H&M alt is honestly better and cheaper.
It's hard to believe this is under $100 and still fully in stock at Revolve.
At this point, I refuse to leave for a beach vacation if there's not a SIR piece in my suitcase.
So delicate.
French women will be all over this exact piece.
I can't stop staring at this.
So hot.
This dress has been viral for going on three summers, and now, it's available in ultra-current butter yellow.
It should be illegal to book a trip to Hawaii without this dress in tow.
Prim, proper, polished, perfect.
It doubles as a swim cover-up and a going-out dress if you're smart enough.
Restock alert!
Immediately yes to this color contrast.
Have you heard? Crochet is so back.
For city vacations.
All about this belt!
Just add flat sandals.
Another dress I'm coveting from the Miami Grand Prix looks.
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