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If you’re headed to a resort or beach vacation, versatile dresses that can work on and off the sand are perfect, especially if you’re headed to a hot destination! I live in a light and floaty beach dress in Playa del Carmen and prioritize breezy fabrics that will keep me cool and ready for anything, from day to night. Here are my top picks!
Beach Cover Up Dresses
Table Of Contents
One of the biggest mistakes I see travelers make when traveling to hot and humid beach destinations is that they mostly pack or wear denim shorts with tees. While I love this classic beach outfit, dresses are so much easier to pack and they are much more comfortable than a fitted t-shirt. Trust me on this one!
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Below I’ve compiled a range of easy to wear beach dress options including styles that are available in a range of sleeve lengths and sizes or mini and maxi. Hope my list helps you create your perfect vacation wardrobe.
Don’t overpack for a beach trip! Read my packng tips on how to pack kight stylishly!
Best Beach Vacation Dresses
Ekouaer Swimsuit Beach Cover Up
Ekouaer White Beach Cover Up Dress (Available in Plus Size)
My favorite beach dress is one you can wear on and off the sand such as a classic shirtdress cover up! Wear it over your bathing suit at the beach or layer it over a slip dress with strappy sandals in the evening. For bonus points, wear it as a top tucked into denim shorts topped off with a sun hat to complete the casual chic look!
The Ekouaer Shirtdress Cover Up shown above is under $30, available in over a dozen colors, and offers sizes S-3XL.
For more plus size beach cover up dresses in a similar style to the above, take a look at this and this! And if you’re looking for other brand option, here’s a similar style from Tommy Bahama!
Old Navy Fit & Flare Sleeveless Midi Dress
Old Navy Stripe Linen Beach Dress
Readers are currently obsessed with the brand Old Navy! Most of their clothing is well-priced and made from fabrics that are breathable like linen, cotton, or rayon! One wearer says, “Wore this for Valentine’s day dinner down at the beach and it was perfect. As someone with a larger mid-section, I like the neckline which pulls attention more toward the bust. I like the thicker straps so you can wear a regular bra without your straps showing. Lots of room if you are putting on some weight like during pregnancy. Can be dressed up and down. AND IT HAS POCKETS! I bought 3 more in different colors and patterns. I am going to live in these dresses this spring and summer!”
The above linen-rayon dress is available in sizes XS-4XL, tall and petite sizes too!
Madewell Button-Front Beach Dress
Madewell Black Short Sleeve Beach Dress Cover Up (Available in Plus Size)
This button front Madewell sleeved beach dress is perfect to wear on and off the sand as it’s made of cotton and is super breathable and airy! It’s ideal to show off your cute bikini and light enough to be layered over a cropped cami and jean shorts for an afternoon adventure. The style shown above is available in three colors and sizes XXS-XXL and plus sizes 1X-4X.
J Crew is another brand that I love for chic yet comfortable vacation clothing. Check out their beach swim cover ups!
Pact Coastal Double Gauze Cutout Midi Tank Dress
Pact Tank Beach Casual Dress with Pockets
Whether you’re at the beach, on a boat or just around the house this Pact Coastal casual beach dress is perfect! Lightweight and airy with good coverage, it’s sure to become your summer uniform for home and beach trips, too. The style shown above is available in five fun colors and sizes XS-3XL.
Here’s a full list of Pact’s summer dresses to wear on beach and beyond!
Quince 100% European Linen Trapeze Midi Dress
Quince Tiered Linen Long Beach Dress
If you’re looking for long flowy beach dresses, you’re in luck because they’re everywhere this season! This beautiful Quince linen tiered midi-dress is perfect for sunset strolls by the sea. The loose tiered design of a dress like this is heaven sent when the humidity hits record breaking highs. Available in three colors and sizes XS-XL.
These are more linen dresses that are our top recommendations for resort and beach trips!
Anthropologie The Marisol Smocked Gauze Maxi Dress
Anthropologie Smocked Womens Beach Dress
It’s easy to see why this Anthropologie smocked cotton dress is a hit. It has an easy to wear fit, removable straps, flattering A-line cut with smocked elasticated top and tiered poplin skirt, all in breathable, made with natural cotton poplin for a comfortable seaside look.
Layer it with a light cardigan or throw a denim jacket over it for a look you can wear at home or on vacation. If you’re looking for cute beach dresses, consider a midi-length as a fresh and airy option. Available in standard sizes XS-XL.
Quince is another brand with awesome beach dresses for summer vacation. Take a look!
Elan Maxi Length Beach Dress Cover Up
Maxi beach dresses like Elan cover up above is made from rayon, which is incredibly cool and refreshing in the heat. As a bonus, the classic cut is elegant and can easily be worn as a slip dress to be used as a beach evening dress, too. Also available in gray color too!
For more Elan cover ups, take a look at these!
Coolibar Sampika Tunic Dress UPF 50+
Coolibar Blue Long Sleeve Beach Dress Cover Up
This pretty and versatile tunic style by Coolibar is just the thing if you’re looking for a little arm coverage. Great for moderate, less humid beach destinations! Also available in four colors, sizes XS-3XL.
Coolibar is a popular brand for beach clothing and swimwear. They have so many cute options, take a look at all their entire beach dress collection!
J.Crew Relaxed-Fit Beach Shirt in Linen-Cotton Blend
J.Crew Black Plus Size Beach Dress Cover Up
Made with lightweight, slightly sheer linen-cotton fabric and a relaxed fit, this J.Crew relaxed black beach coverup can double as a sassy dress! It’s the perfect thing to throw over a bikini or into your bag for a day at the beach. Comes in sizes XXS-3X, and this is an excellent budget option at $70!
Here are more J.Crew swim cover up from petite to plus size in many colors and prints too!
Faherty Dream Cotton Gauze Isha Dress
Faherty Isha Blue Beach Dress
For an easy transition from pool to beach to dining on your next Hawaii vacation, these Faherty beach resort dresses can also be worn as a cover up. They’re available in a range of colors, sizes XXS-XXL, and are made of a soft organic cotton!
Take a look at more dresses from Faherty!
Columbia Women’s Freezer Iii Swing Dress
Columbia Short Tropical Beach Dress (Available in Plus Size)
The Columbia Freezer swing dress looks SO comfy for hot weather, it’s just the type of thing I’d love to wear in Playa del Carmen! I’d wear it at home, to run errands, as a beach cover up, and as a casual outfit to meet up with friends for coffee. This relaxed, lightweight dress is definitely on my wishlist! When the heat and humidity go up in the Caribbean, the lighter, looser, and more breathable the dress the better! Available in XS-3X.
These ultra-versatile styles will keep you cool and comfortable on the go due to their moisture wicking fabrics!
Qearal Boho Floral Printed Summer Dress
Qearal Budget-Friendly Floral Amazon Beach Dress
For easy breezy cheap beach dresses up you can wear from the beach and beyond, this fabric is the best! Rayon is super lightweight and will take up no space in your luggage at all. Plus, it will also keep you cool in the heat. The Qearal Floral Dress shown above is available in over a dozen prints and sizes S-XXL.
If you prefer sleeves, take a look at this version and for a long lengths, this is the version for you!
Riviera Sun White Summer Dress
Riviera Sun Purple Beach Dresses Plus Size
Loose and airy, the Riviera Sun plus size summer beach dresses are made out of rayon and make the ideal cover ups for hot destinations. Wear it on and off the beach, you can easily sightsee and dine in this comfy dress! Available in over a dozen colors and sizes S-3XL.
Elan Sleeveless Cover-Up Slip Dress
Elan White Beach Dress Cover Up
NOT A DRESS, the Elan Sleeveless Cover-Up Slip Dress is incredibly popular but note that it’s see-through so you’ll need to wear it over a tank and shorts for a boardwalk stroll. Available in four colors and sizes XS-XL. Also available on Nordstrom Rack!
If you’re an Elan fan, check out all of their cute beach dress options!
Ecowish V-Neck Backless Mini Swing Dress
Ecowish Backless Sexy Beach Dress
If you prefer something above the knee and flowy, Ecowish has a range of cute short beach dresses such as the V-Neck Backless Mini Swing Dress shown above. This one’s backless so it’s perfect as a cover up and also to wear off the sand. Comes in many gorgeous colors and is S-XL sizes, but note that it runs a little loose.
If you’re a Ecowish fan, check out all of their cute beach dress options!
Anthropologie The Kallie Flowy Maxi Dress
Anthropologie Long Elegant Beach Dress Cover Up
This Anthropologie maxi cover up makes a chic option to be worn at your resort, a seaside beach club, or add a pretty wrap and pair with wedges at night. So versatile and breathable, this lightweight classic dress is must-have! Available in sizes XXS-XL!
Tip: when shopping for maxi dresses beach cover ups, avoid heavy fabrics to save room in your luggage and also to avoid having the material absorb sweat and moisture.
Versatile Beach Dresses Comparison Chart
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Thigh Society The Cooling Shorts | Sizes XS-6X
Shorts to Wear Under Dresses
If your looking for a shorts to wear under your dresses Thigh Society is a reader favorite! The Cooling anti-chafe shorts from ThighSociety are raved about by TFGers for so many reasons, especially their silky, hi-tech performance fabric. These shorts pull heat and moisture away from the body, keeping things cool, fresh, and chafe-free on even the hottest of days.
They’re tagless, don’t roll or bunch, and are ultra-thin and lightweight yet stretchy and durable as can be. Plus, they come in a wide range of colors and lengths and range in sizes from XS-6X!
How to Pack Beach Dresses
Packing dresses are the perfect way to create a fresh outfit every day. If you’re going on a seven-day trip, pack seven dresses. It’s as easy as that!
Then, use slim packing cubes to save space in your suitcase and travel carry-on only.
Learn our hacks with packing cubes in the video above!
We put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carry-on only!
Buy Compass Rose Packing Cubes here!
What are your favorite beach dresses? Share your thoughts below!
For more on women’s dresses, please read these posts:
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I love all these beach dresses. I’m planning a holiday next month and I left my shopping late. Hopefully, they will arrive quickly.
Have an awesome time on your travels Maria! 🥰
I have the Sunkissed Maxi Dress from T&Co in Black. I think the black is chic enough for Paris. I wear it with a thin belt at the waist and chunky jewelry. It’s great with brown leather accessories, but you can use it as a blank canvas. A cropped denim jacket or short cardi for layering. Style it to suit your personality!
My solution to the “blowing open” problem is a small safety pin on the inside, with the inner layer of the skirt pinned to the right pocket.
Many ladies wear bike shorts under this dress. I find that my silky texture knee-length yoga pants with shirking at the knees works as a cute layer under it for transitional weather. A short half-slip works well, if you like to wear them.
For sizing, it seems to be true to size. I am between sizes so I ordered 2 sizes and kept the larger one. This one fit my hourglass figure well, with the waist fitting right on mine and the opening in the back was so much smaller, just a hint of ventilation and the shape of the petals of the back wrap is the same as the front. On the smaller size, the back vent felt odd to me somehow.
Hi Diane, thank you for sharing your amazing review of the Toad&Co dress!!! This is so helpful ?
Heading to Hawaii for first time for group birthday trip…one really nice dinner out, road to Hana and whale watching, also reggae cruise and one semi nice dinner…I always overpack so any suggestions welcome!
This packing list should help you out Michelle: https://travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-pack-for-hawaii-packing-list-for-vacation/ Enjoy your trip! Sounds awesome!
where do i find the floral high neck maxi dress in middle picture?
thanks.
Hi Susan, just click on the link under the dress 🙂 I have it in a blue print and love it!
Hi off to North & South of Italy mid October not sure if I should pack dresses & what type given that the weather will be cooler.
I usually pack a few dresses but in the past we have travelled during summer.
Packing during Autumn in Europe has not really been easy.
Keen for any feedback & aggressions.
Thanks
Hi Ane, thank you for reaching out! You may find our 10 step guide to Italy a good place to start to plan your packing for your trip: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/10-step-packing-guides/10-step-packing-guide-italy/ Layers are essential especially as the weather begins to cool. don’t forget a sweater and light jacket for layering on cold days and evenings and a waterproof outerwear item, such as a light trench coat, for unexpected rainstorms. Dresses are a great item to pack when traveling in the fall. Not only are dresses a one-piece outfit, but if layered and accessorized strategically, they can take you in between seasons and accommodate changes in weather, learn more here: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/versatile-dresses-one-dress-many-ways/ Hope this helps answer your question. Have an incredible time on your trip! ?