Resort & Vacation Dresses

Beach and island dresses

Pack light cotton, linen and crochet that wear over swimwear and dry fast. See our guides to beach cover-up dresses and what to pack for a beach vacation, and shop beach dresses.

Kaftans and cover-ups

A kaftan goes from the pool to dinner with a change of sandals. Read how to wear a kaftan dress and browse kaftans.

City breaks and resort evenings

For cities, choose a poplin shirt dress and a cotton midi that walk all day; for resort dinners, a printed maxi with a heeled sandal. Read our vacation dresses guide by trip type and shop linen dresses and maxi dresses.

Resort and vacation dresses: FAQs

What is resort wear?

Resort wear is light, easy clothing for warm-weather holidays: linen, cotton, crochet and kaftans that work from the beach to dinner.

How many dresses should I pack for a week away?

Three to four dresses cover a week: one for the beach, one for day, and one to two for dinners.

What fabrics are best for a vacation dress?

Linen, cotton poplin, voile and crochet breathe in the heat; silk and viscose pack small for evenings.

What shoes go with a vacation dress?

Flat sandals and espadrilles for day, slides for the beach, and a low heeled sandal for dinner.

Can you wear a kaftan to dinner?

Yes. An embellished silk kaftan with heeled sandals and gold jewellery is a resort dinner classic.

How do you stop holiday dresses creasing in a suitcase?

Roll them rather than fold, pack linen in tissue, and hang them in a steamy bathroom on arrival.