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Every jetsetter needs to have a little black travel dress in her wardrobe. It’s the basic that makes up the core of a travel wardrobe, an item that you can always count on trip after trip. We’ve compiled a few of our favorite dresses along with our reader favorites. Which one will you bring on your next trip?
Best Black Dresses for Women
Table Of Contents
Below you’ll find our favorite black dresses for women that work well for spring or summer travel—they’re comfortable and stylish, too! Note: There are many plus size black dress styles available below, but not all retailers show all sizes on the same listing; we’ve tried our best to indicate this in the descriptions as shown above.
Quince Linen Button Front Midi Dress | Sizes XS-XL
The Perfect Little Black Dress
Linen is the ultimate year-round fabric because it’s breathable and naturally heat-regulating and this Quince linen button fronted midi dress is so versatile and cute, the compliments will be rolling in, great for warm summer days.
It can also be layered for chilly fall outings. The classic silhouette is super flattering, and it can work for truly any occasion or destination! Plus it has pockets. Available in sizes XS-XL.
Dresses are the perfect staple to add to your functional travel capsule wardrobe. Learn more in my guide!
Eddie Bauer Departure Tank Dress | Sizes XS-3XXL Regular Petite Sizes S-L, and Plus Sizes
Cute Short Black Dresses
Eddie Bauer’s Departure tank dress does it all! The lightweight (and super comfy) fabric is moisture wicking and has UPF 50+ sun protection, so you can wear this dress in warm weather or for active outings, feeling cool and comfortable–and cute!
It has a relaxed and flattering fit for all body types and features a drawstring at the waist for a cinched and more feminine look. It can be dressed up and down easily, and packs really well. Shop sizes XS-XXL, petite sizes S-L, and plus sizes 2X-3X.
Take a look at these stylish linen dresses to help keep you cool on vacation!
Loveappella Faux Wrap Dress | Sizes XS-XL
Mini Black Wrap Dress
This chic mini black wrap dress features a flattering faux-wrap design with a waist tie, offering a sleek and feminine silhouette. Crafted from a soft, stretchy knit, it’s comfortable and easy to wear.
The surplice V-neck and short sleeves add a touch of elegance, making it perfect for both casual and dressier occasions. It’ll look great with elevated slip on sneakers or can be dressy enough to pair with flats or sandals for special occasions. This dress is budget-friendly, too, and will hold up super well throughout your travels! It comes in sizes XS-XL.
Spanx Short Sleeve Summer Casual Midi Dress | Sizes XS-3XL
Black Short Sleeve Midi Dress
This versatile cute womens black dress is perfect for any occasion. Crafted from ultra-soft, breathable spacer fabric, it’s light-as-air and designed for all-day comfort. The flattering wrap design and relaxed fit create a feminine silhouette, while the crew neckline adds a polished touch.
Whether paired with sneakers or comfortable sandals during the day, or dressed up with pretty jewelry and ballet flats for the evening, this dress is as stylish as it is functional. It features 4-way stretch for ease of movement and built-in UPF 50+ sun protection, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor activities. Easy to care for and available in sizes XS-3XL and in Nordstrom too, this dress is a must-have wardrobe staple.
Columbia Moisture Wicking Fabric Freezer III Dress | Sizes XS-XL and 1X-3X Plus
Basic Black Dresses
While dresses are ideal for travel, choosing styles with the right fabrics is incredibly important. This is where an outdoor company such as Columbia comes into play.
This easy to wear plain black dress looks good in a range of destinations yet offers the functionality of active or fitness wear. Talk about striking the perfect travel fashion balance! Shop sizes XS-XL and plus sizes 1X-3X.
Add a light blazer and white sneakers for an easy dinner look!
Old Navy Fit & Flare Linen-Blend Midi Dress | Shop Sizes XS-4XL
Stylish Black Summer Dress
Effortlessly chic and perfect for warm-weather days, this black summer dress combines a fitted top with a flattering full skirt that hits mid-calf. The notched sweetheart neckline and wide straps offer a feminine, comfortable fit, while the smocked back provides a touch of stretch for all-day comfort. Featuring on-seam pockets for added convenience, this dress is as functional as it is stylish.
Made from a breathable blend of linen and rayon, it’s perfect for a day out or a casual evening. Pair this chic closet staple with a denim jacket and sandals, or dress it up with a sleek heel. Wear it during the day with stylish sandals as styled above, or take it out at night with some cute and comfortable white sneakers and dangly jewelry. Available in sizes XS to 4X.
prAna Railay Black Dress | Sizes XS-XL
Short Black Dress That’s Quick Drying
Ready for your next adventure, this travel-friendly black dress is designed for comfort and convenience. Made with moisture-wicking, stretch fabric and UPF 50+ protection, it keeps you cool and protected during long days outdoors. The racerback styling and adjustable waist offer a flattering fit, while the elasticated back waist adds extra comfort and will work with hiking sandals for active days or with some fun high top sneakers for casual outings.
The wrap-front design and drop-in hand pockets with snap closures make it both stylish and functional—perfect for holding valuables like your phone or wallet while you’re on the go. Lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, and versatile, this dress is the perfect travel companion.
Take a look at the latest trends with these cute summer dresses for women!
Toad&Co Sunkissed Maxi Dress | Sizes XS-XL
Long Black Dress
Toad and Co hit the mark with this maxi dress! It’s feminine yet insanely practical—a combination that so many travel clothing brands just don’t seem to understand. The fabric is feather light, quick-dry, and moisture wicking. Not only will it keep you cool, but it’s also ultra-packable!
Note: The top half of this dress seems best for bust sizes A-C. I did alter this dress by having it brought in at the shoulders to avoid my bra from showing under my arms. I love the style nonetheless! Buy it on their website or Zappos!
Just pair it with slide sandals or cute and comfortable ballet flats to complete your look!
Old Navy Black T Shirt Dress | Sizes XS-4X
Black T-Shirt Dress
A classic t-shirt dress is another popular option with our readers, and many travelers rate this one as the best little black dress for travel. It’s an easy-to-wear, versatile design, all while being comfortable enough to wear for all day sightseeing.
Ideal for spring and summer travels, you can wear it anywhere from New York to London and Sydney to Bangkok, too. Layer it with leggings underneath and it will transition into cooler weather in a pinch! This cheap black dress with sleeves are available in sizes XS-4X.
Here are our readers favorite t-shirt dresses that are perfect for any destination and occasion!
Pact Classic Black Travel Dress | Sizes XXS-3XXL
Stylishly Simple Black Dress
This classy black dress is as practical as it is stylish. It has clean lines, a peekaboo side slit, and is comfortable enough to be worn for a long sightseeing day or a night out.
This would look fabulous with tennis sneakers for the day or loafer flats in the evening. This adorable dress is available in sizes XXS-3XL.
We’ve compiled the ultimate list of what our readers rank as the best dress for hot weather travels!
Land’s End Cotton Jersey Notch Neck Dress with Soutache | Sizes XS-3XL
Cheap Sleeveless Black Dress
This cotton jersey notch neck dress with soutache from Land’s End is a versatile and affordable choice for a chic black dress. Crafted from soft cotton jersey, this dress features a flattering notch neckline and subtle soutache detailing, offering a refined yet relaxed look.
Perfect for both casual and semi-formal occasions, its timeless black color pairs effortlessly with accessories. Available in sizes XS-XL and 1X-3X.
We have rounded up our favorite travel dresses that will help you pack light and fashionably!
Wool& Short Sleeve Summer Casual Midi Dress | Sizes XS-3XL
Casual Merino Wool Black Dress
If you’re chasing the sun and need to pack more clothes in less space, merino wool summer dresses are the way to go. They’re ideal for backpackers and long term travelers because they can be worn repeatedly without washing (read why here), they keep you cool and fresh in tropical climates, and they’re also very packable.
The Maggie Swing Dress combines comfort and style with its flattering A-line silhouette and soft merino wool blend. Featuring a scoop neck, short sleeves, and convenient pockets, this dress offers a relaxed fit that’s perfect for any occasion. Breathable, odor-resistant, and wrinkle-free, it’s your go-to for effortless style. Also available in XS-1X and in many different colors!
Here are comfortable walking sandals that are stylish, too!
Loveappella V-Neck Jersey Maxi Dress | Sizes XS-XL and XSP-XLP
Full Length Black Dress (Petite Sizes Available)
Loveappella always gets top marks from our readers and this long black travel dress is no exception. In fact, this beauty is one of the most popular dresses with TFGers. Our readers absolutely LOVE this dress!
The lightweight fabric is so soft and comfortable, and the style is polished enough to be dressed up or just worn casually. The dress is high quality and perfect for travel and well worth it for frequent flyers. Grab them in sizes XS-XL.
Find out why the Loveappella maxi dress is a must-pack for warm-weather travels in this review!
Quince Long Sleeved Black Mini Wrap Dress | Sizes XS-XL
Long Sleeve Black Dress
This Quince black wrap dress is a polished and modern dress and is the most amazing travel, work, and everything dress by wearers! Flowy and bbreathable, it’s both flattering and comfortable, plus the styling options are endless!
The sleeves can be down or up depending on how you want to wear them, and the classic style means you can be wearing this dress for quite awhile. Available in sizes XS-XL!
Wear one of these chic sun hats for a fun and stylish way to update your outfit while staying protected in the sun!
Tommy Bahama Two Palms Short Sleeve Linen Dress | Sizes XS-XL
Black Shift Dress
A timeless piece that belongs in every wardrobe, this classic black shift dress from Tommy Bahama combines effortless style with versatile wear. Crafted from breathable linen, it features a relaxed fit and short sleeves, making it perfect for warm-weather days or tropical vacations. The simple yet sophisticated design pairs beautifully with sandals or dressier accessories for an elevated look.
Whether you’re lounging poolside or enjoying a dinner out, this dress keeps you cool and stylish. Easy to care for and available in various sizes, it’s an essential piece for your closet. Available in sizes XS-XL.
Athleta Presidio Quick Drying Black Dress | Sizes XXS-3X
Casual Black Dress
The Athleta Presidio quick dry black dress is a perfect go-to when you need a quick, stylish outfit while on vacation. It’s chic, lightweight, and super soft. Wrinkle resistant with packable fabric that stays sleek & smooth while breathable. Dries in a flash for the ultimate comfort when breaking a sweat and has UPF 50+ protection.
This classic dress is an amazingly versatile option for your sunny travels. Available in sizes XXS-3X.
Royal Robbins Tank Dress | Sizes XS-XL
Black Knee Length Dress
Beat the heat with this travel-approved Royal Robbins Spotless Traveler tank dress! The fabric is silky smooth, cooling, and breathable, with UPF 50+ sun protection. Wearers highlight the flattering yet relaxed fit and removable belt that adds a feminine shape, as well as the four handy pockets for storing small essentials while on the go!
It’s also wrinkle-resistant and stain-resistant, so it’s such a low-maintenance and easy travel dress! One traveler says it’s super comfortable; the cut is forgiving, it can be dressed up or down, and she especially loves the pockets! It comes in sizes XS-XL.
Thigh Society The Cooling Shorts | Sizes XS-6X
Shorts to Prevent Thigh Chaffing
If you’re looking for shorts to wear under your dresses, Thigh Society’s The Cooling Anti-Chafe Shorts are a reader favorite. These shorts pull heat and moisture away from the body, keeping things cool, fresh and chafe-free on even the hottest of days due to their silky hi-tech performance fabric.
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, lengths and sizes from XS-6X!
Compass Rose Carryon Size Packing Cubes: Slim Size Cubes | Medium Size Cubes
How to Pack Dresses
Bundle wrap the clothes and place them into packing cubes for organization. Many of our readers use Compass Rose Packing Cubes to organize and compress their clothing and other items they plan to bring. These packing cubes are the only ones on the market with a number and color-coded system, so you know where you packed everything.
And now the Compass Rose Packing Cubes are offered in two sizes: slim and medium. The slim size cubes measure 13” x 5” x 2.8”, and the medium size cubes measure 2.8” x 13” x 8.5”. Both fit an international carry-on suitcase. Users say the medium size is great for bulkier items! Watch this video to see this packing method in action!
Learn our hacks with packing cubes in the video above!
How TFG’s Editor Wears Little Black Dress
What do you think is the perfect black travel dress? Share and comment below!
For more of our favorite travel dresses, please read:
- These are the Best Vacation Maxi Dresses for Summer
- Moisture Wicking Dresses for Summer Travels
- Chic White Dresses
- Versatile Dresses: How to Wear One Dress, Many Ways
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I don’t see the black dress in the intro photo shown in the list, and that’s my favorite look. What is that one?
Sadly that dress is no longer available as the company went out of business a few years ago now 😢
The ‘little black dress’ or ‘little navy blue dress’ is a must-have staple for everyone’s wardrobe, always makes you look polished and put together, and is so versatile. Love the options shown here, especially the ones with petite sizes. Something to consider is Amazon’s $19 little black dresses, easy to pack, and Bloomingdales. I just bought a little black dress for my daughter who just graduated and started a full-time corporate job and she loves having it!
I really like the way you lay out the comparison of the little black dresses for the readers! It makes it so much nicer for us to scroll thru and see them all quickly and easily Good picks!