Not to sound cliché, but there’s something so reinvigorating about summertime. Maybe it’s the warmer weather, but I suspect that it’s deeper than that. Summer allows us to not only embrace change but desire it. It acts as a permission slip for many to finally switch things up and adopt a new beauty regime, do a deep closet cleanout, or even book a vacation. And while I’ll never deny the power of a few wardrobe updates, I’d be lying if I didn’t say that the prospect of travel is one of the best parts of summer.
There’s something to be said about how revitalizing it can be to step outside your daily routine, no matter where you go. But to fully reap the benefits of this time off, you must be intentional about what you choose to pack. After all, no one wants to pay insane baggage fees only to realize upon landing that they have mispacked entirely. So, how does one avoid this mishap? First, you’ll want to identify a few staples you can wear throughout your trip. While those items will vary depending upon your destination, there are some universal staples you can rely upon, like a great swimsuit, linen trousers, or sandals. But the safest piece you can pack is a dress.
They are the secret to looking stylish sans effort; it’s why many world travelers (including many French women) continuously pack them for trips. But if you’re unsure of what kind of dress is worth the space in your suitcase, you’ll want to keep reading. Through scouring Instagram, I identified 15 types of dresses French women regularly pack for trips. You won’t want to pack every style listed ahead—no one has that much baggage space, and you should consider your travel needs and personal style. However, they’re a great starting point for renewing your relationship with packing.
1. Colorful Linen Dress
So what’s one style you’ll find in French women’s suitcases most of the time? Colorful linen dresses. The style is ideal for warm-weather destinations (as the lightweight linen is breathable), while the vibrant hues allow them to stand out in a sea of tourists.
Reformation
Delilah Linen Dress
$278
Please take a moment to stop to appreciate this dress.
ME+EM
Linen-Blend Crossover Maxi Dress
$465
Divine.
Lilly Pulitzer
Calina Linen Midi Sundress
$278
Dreaming of wearing this blue dress to grab a little aperitivo on the Amalfi coast.
2. A Day-to-Night Dress
One rule of thumb you should always follow when traveling is to have items that can be styled more than one way. And a way to adhere to that trick is to opt for a dress that lends itself to being transitional from day to night. Ideally, it’s a style (like a cutout dress) that you could wear with flip-flops for a day excursion and with heeled sandals for a night out.
Bardot
Neve Maxi Dress
$119
Doesn’t this dress make you want to book a trip?
Sndys
Tahlia Dress
$87
The silhouette of this dress ensures it will look universally flattering on anyone.
Andrea Iyamah
Ratu Ruched Jersey Midi Dress
$380
Trust me; this dress is the most flattering thing you can pack.
3. Punchy Printed Dress
What better way to elude to being on vacation than wearing a dress that’s got a punchy nature-inspired print? Sure, it may be kitchy, but if you’re visiting the Mediterranean but choosing to wear a seashell print dress by the seashore, it’s camp.
Hutch
Jones Halter Mini Dress
$253
I’m obsessed with this dress.
SIR The Label
Ramona Asymmetric Bias Dress
$190
You’ll want to zoom-in to see the beaded strap on this dress because they’re beautiful.
FARM Rio
Tropical Scenario Sleeveless Maxi Dress
$245$172
The print on this dress makes it the perfect item to pack if you’re bound for the tropics.
4. Breezy White Dress
When you want to spend your entire trip relaxing, there’s no better item to pack than a breezy white dress. Just be sure to opt for a flattering waistline, neckline, or innate design details to make it feel vacation-worthy.
Free-est
All For Sun Maxi Dress
$98
Meet the perfect dress for a balmy summer day.
COS
A-Line Linen Maxi Dress
$175
Nothing is more flattering than a dress with a boat neckline.
Faithfull the Brand
Nahna Maxi Dress White
$224
So sophisticated.
5.Shirt Dress
If you’re looking to invest in items you can re-wear long after you return from your trip, you’ll want to consider the shirt dress. A beloved style among the French fashion set, it comes in everything from versions with vintage-inspired necklines and floral prints to classic oversized preppy poplin shift dresses, making it the most versatile piece you can buy.
Rouje
Raquel Dress
$295
Now, here’s a dress that feels French.
Madewell
Belted Mini Shirtdress
$128
Just add sandals!
STAUD
Rocco Dress in White
$395
You can wear this to the beach or the boardroom.
6.Knit Dress
You thought you’d have to pack away your knit dresses until next fall? Think again. Knitted dresses are the ideal piece to pack for a chillier destination or for layering over swimwear. Just be sure to opt for a ribbed or lighter knit version so you’re not breaking a sweat.
Dissh
Reign White Sleeved Knit Midi Dress
$160
The great thing about this dress is that it will transition well into the fall long after you’ve returned from your trip.
Posse
Theo Strapless Dress
$250
You can throw this on over a swimsuit during the day or with heels and a clutch bag at night.
Cult Gaia
Andreas Knit Midi Dress
$488
Is it even a vacation if you don’t pack at least one piece from Cult Gaia?
7.Slip Dress
You can never go wrong with a slip dress when in doubt. Not only are they comfortable and versatile, but because they’re a beloved warm-weather staple, you will likely own one in the back of your closet. But should you find that the version of this style you own doesn’t feel “dramatic” enough for those vacation grams, you can buy one with a vibrant hue, print, or luxe fabrication to elevate it.
Rails
Laura Midi Dress
$288
Perfect for that destination wedding.
Aritzia
Wilfred Only Slip Satin Midi Dress
$118
If you’re opposed to color, this slip dress is right up your alley.
L’AGENCE
Akiya Tank Maxi Dress
$325
L’Agence’s slip dresses will make you look like a goddess in all your photos.
8. Pretty Minidress
Planning a vacation during the peak of summer? Then you’ll want to make sure you find a minidress to take with you. The key to making this ubiquitous style feel vacation-ready is by opting for versions with pretty details like ruching, bows, ruffles, and rosettes.
VRG GRL
Discoteca Mini Dress White
$92
A moment of silence for the hardware on this dress, please.
MISA Los Angeles
Radha Dress
$360$216
The dramatic sleeves are everything.
AJE
Cove Pendant Mini Dress
$425
The perfect long-term investment for the summer.
9. A Modest Dress
While summer may illicit fantasies around wearing as few layers as possible, one of the biggest traveling packing faux pas you can make is not considering local customs. Whether you’re visiting a more conservative country or a place of worship, it’s essential to be respectful and opt for more modest pieces. It will ensure you’re not only honoring the traditions of the place you’re visiting but will make you feel comfortable too.
Madewell
V-Neck Balloon-Sleeve Maxi Dress
$148
You can be covered and look chic!
Maeve
The Soren Long-Sleeve Shirt Dress
$148
You can wear this on your vacation or to work.
Massimo Dutti
Linen Midi Dress With Asymmetric Neckline
$199
Reminder: You’ll want to research local dressing customs for your trip still, but opting for a dress with a high neckline is always a safe call.
10.Crochet Dress
Crochet is a quientessital part of any warm-weather wardrobe, even more so when packing for a holiday. The style is ideal for laying over a swimsuit after you’ve taken a dip or dressing up for an evening out on the town.
MANGO
Crochet Knitted Dress
$80
Peak summer energy.
Diotima
Totem Dress
$1995
You’ll be the best-dressed person on the trip in this dress, no doubt.
The Garment
Tanzania Organic Cotton Midi Dress – the Garment – Women | Luisaviaroma
$325
Ideal for lounging by the water.
11. Strapless Dress
Mark my words: Tube dress will be what every stylish woman wears on vacation this year. Not only have we regularly seen French women don this style, but the ’90s-inspired neckline also dominated the runways, making it prime for takeoff this summer.
By Antropologie
The Fleur Strapless Maxi Slip Dress: Linen Edition
$148
The fabrication of this dress will ensure you’re not sweating the entire trip.
H&M
Rib-Knit Bandeau Dress
$35
Simple yet stunning.
Christopher Esber
Aura Silk Strapless Dress
$1100
A pop color is never a bad idea.
12. Drop-Waist Dress
Another style that cropped up on the runway and is sure to be spotted at every resort this summer? Drop-waist dresses. The style is a perennial favorite among the French fashion set because the silhouette is as stylish as it is effortless.
Abercrombie
Drop-Waist Midi Dress
$120
IDK about you, but I was sold the minute I saw the back of this dress.
Ciao Lucia
Tadeo Dress
$385
BRB, will be dreaming of wearing this dress in Paris for the unforeseeable future.
Tanya Taylor
Crew Neck Josephina Dress
$495
Everything about this dress is sublime.
13. Statement Maxi Dress
One of the best things about traveling (besides soaking in the sights, sounds, and culture) is that you can be more explorative with your style. After all, you’re in a new place, so why not embrace something a bit bolder, perhaps a statement maxi dress? It’s a style that stylish women always pack on their trips because it’s fun and looks great in photos.
Rat & Boa
Lucille Dress
$325
All the fashion girlies love to pack a Rat & Boa piece for their trips.
Réalisation Par
The Gia Dress in Animal
$270
Imagine this billowing in the wind. Gorgeous, right?
Hanifa
Flora Sheer Maxi
$179
Did your jaw just drop? Same.
14. Halter Dress
Not into the dramatic antics? Or just can’t fit an oversize maxi dress into your carry-on? A more practical style you can pack is a halter dress. Whether you opt for this silhouette in a neutral hue or unique print, it’s an approachable piece that won’t make you stand out as a tourist.
Pixie Market
Attica Gold Cuff Halter Dress
$205
You’ll wear this for the rest of the summer.
ESSE STUDIOS
Two-Tone Stretch-Knit and Organic Cotton-Poplin Halterneck Maxi Dress
$645
You may visit a few museums on your trip, but this dress is its own form of artwork.
The Wolf Gang
Irida Vest Dress
$248
You can dress this piece up or down based on your destination.
15. Off-the-Shoulder Dress
Another elegant style that French women rely on to look good while traveling? Off-the-shoulder dresses. While it’s not for everyone (after all, it requires you to go braless or have the right undergarments), it’s a silhouette that, if styled right, feels effortless.
MATTEAU
One-Shoulder Organic Cotton and Silk-Blend Maxi Dress
$540
I could stare at this dress all day.
COS
The Gauze Off-The-Shoulder Dress
$168
You’ll be cozy and look chic if you pack this smocked dress.
Eloquii
Off The Shoulder Maxi Dress
$110$66
The epitome of elegance.
16. Swimsuit Cover-Up
Last but certainly not least, we’d be remiss if we didn’t at least touch on the universal type of dress you can find in suitcases: the swimsuit cover-up. Whether planning a boat trip on Lake Cuomo, heading to Tulum, or driving a few hours to a local beach, this dress style is worth packing. It’s the most versatile piece you can take with you, both in where it can be taken and in all the different iterations it can be found in. It fits the golden rule of packing: functionality. Sure, so many pieces follow this rule, but none take up more space in the suitcase of women (French or otherwise) than this piece—it is the vacation dress every time.
J.Crew
Tiered Tie-Front Dress in Beach Cotton
$88
Pair this with an oversize hat, cool sunglasses, and sandals, and you’ve got a look.
Louisa Ballou
Exclusive Helios Ring-Detailed Jersey Mini Dress
$238
Louisa Ballou’s bold pieces are a must-pack for the fashion set.
ZARA
100% Linen Tunic Dress ZW Collection
$109
