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Many women love dresses for travel because they offer an all-in-one outfit without the need to mix and match tops and bottoms. In summer, they can be particularly practical keeping you cool in the heat, but not all dresses are made equal.
If you’re headed abroad, take a look at our carefully curated list of dresses that aren’t just pretty, they’ll actually help you stay fresh and cool, too.
Dresses for Traveling Europe
Table of Contents
Despite the fact that I’ve been to various parts of Europe in summer, the heat in certain cities seems to always catch me off guard.
Rome with a Halter Neck Summer Dress with Packable Braided Straw Hat
As I’ve trudged through the hilly streets of Lisbon or sweated my way around the ancient sites in Rome, I always cursed myself at the fact that my dresses never seemed to be the right fabric. They were either pretty but not breathable because they were made from polyester or thin but clung to my body because they were made from a jersey blend.
Rome with a Bravissimo Dress and Naot Sabrina Sandals
Below you’ll find a list of the dresses I wish I’d brought on all my past European summer travels. I’ve chosen classic, timeless, versatile styles in the most featherlight fabrics that would be perfect for Paris or just about any other hot summer destination!
Plus check out our Guide to Europe in the Summer for more tips to help you put together the perfect packing list!
What are the best lightweight, comfortable, and stylish dresses for summer in Europe? Here are our favorites!
Sizes XS-XL: Quince 100% European Linen Button Front Dress
Linen Shirt Dress
You can never go wrong wearing a shirtdress for a trip abroad, just make sure it’s in a light, breathable fabric such as this linen shirtdress by Quince.
Beautiful yet easy to wear, this is the perfect type of dress to take with you anywhere you go! Wear it with a pair of comfortable yet stylish black sandals for effortless European fashion flair.
If you’re looking for a sleeveless shirtdress, here’s a great option too!
Shop Sizes XXS-XXL | 1X-4X: Caslon Short Sleeve Tiered Chambray Dress
Chambray Midi Dress
Chambray is a neutral fabric that’s elegant yet fresh in hot weather. The above short sleeve chambray midi dress by Caslon exudes chic casual comfort that you can wear for a summer vacation, on a cruise, at a beach resort, or on a hot day at home, too.
If you’re looking for a chambray dress with sleeves, this cotton wrap dress is a great option too!
Shop Sizes XS-3X: Spanx AirEssentials Tank Dress
Knee Length Tank Dress
Cities such as Barcelona and Venice get so hot in the summer so opt for lightweight airy fabrics to keep you from overheating. This sleeveless midi dress from Spanx has a straightforward, classic style with a tie-waist belt that defines your silhouette, low-profile front pockets and high-side slits for easy movement.
Shop Boden: Sizes 2-22 Regular | 2-12 Petite
Linen Midi Dress
This lovely dress from Boden is the perfect piece for galavanting around Paris or island hopping in Greece. It has a flattering smocked bodice and a chic midi length. Made of 100% linen, this flowy dress will keep you cool as the temperatures heat up because it’ll draw moisture away from the body, keeping you from being overheated!
The hibiscus color is stunning, but it also comes in a few other shades and prints and is available in sizes 2-22 and petite 2-12.
Shop Sizes XS-2XL: Pact
Sleeveless Maxi Dress with Secret Pockets
This organic cotton cami maxi dress is one of our reader’s must haves. The slinky double straps and elegant front panels, adds just the right amount of interest to this flowy maxi dress making it ideal for a trip to Europe in the summer.
If you’re looking for even more dresses with pockets this is for you
Shop Sizes XXS-3X: Anthropologie
V Neck Tiered Maxi Dress
Whether you’re traveling for business, touring Italy’s religious sites, or simply want to exude a sophisticated look while staying fresh in the heat, this Somerset maxi dress from Anthropologie checks all the boxes. Its soft A-line silhouette, flattering smocked waist, and everyday-elegant tiers make it an ideal go-to travel dress.
Shop Athleta Sizes: XXS-3X | Tall S-XL | Petite XS-L
Sleeveless Lightweight Maxi Dress
Long, flowy and fun, the Athleta Elation dress is a cute hybrid piece that checks off about every functional box you could think of! Aside from its stylish look, the fabric is lightweight, quick-drying, has UPF 50+, and of course, is wrinkle-resistant! To top it off, it’s designed with an internal shelf bra with removable pads for extra support and has roomy side pockets for your small essentials.
Dress it up with comfortable low wedges for outdoor dining in a Parisian cafe or wear it casually with secure slides for a seaside stroll in Dubrovnik.
Wear with a cute, lightweight denim jacket for cooler days.
Shop Sizes XS-XXL: Amazon
Rayon Wrap Dress
I have this featherlight Zesica wrap dress in two colors. It’s inexpensive, and the rayon fabric is the best for the summer heat – just the thing to keep you cool for a long day of exploration! It’s a true wrap dress and very flattering on a range of figures. Check out the pictures in the reviews!
Tip: Choose a neutral print for European cities for the most versatility vs. a loud whimsical print, which is better suited for a cruise or beach resort.
If you prefer long dresses, take a look at the maxi version! I have both!
Shop Sizes XS-4X: Old Navy
Linen Blend Sleeveless Midi Dress
Love the timelessness of this midi linen dress by Old Navy. It skims the body without being overly fitted yet the structured design keeps it from looking too frumpy. The linen and rayon blend will keep you cool and fresh for a day spent touring the sights.
The bestselling Isha dress is available in short version too!
Shop Sizes XS-XL: Quince
Short Sleeve Midi Maxi Dress
If you prefer more coverage for the legs, the fluid tiered silhouette and short sleeves of this Quince midi maxi length dress makes it wearable year-round. Wear with cute and comfortable white sneakers during the day or take take it out at night with some cushioned, stylish wedges and jewelry.
Shop Sizes XS-3XL: Amazon
Moisture Wicking Short Sleeve Dress
The best balance of form and function is found with the Columbia Freezer Iii Dress. It’s perfect for hot weather because the technical fabric is moisture wicking, lightweight, and breathable, yet it still looks like a cute regular dress. Featuring so many different colors including the Tiki Pink Waterbrush Print pictured above and more right here!
TFG editor-in-chief Alex wearing Navy Blue Wrap Dress in Greece
What shoes should I wear with my dresses?
Pair Summer Dresses with Cute Comfortable Walking Sandals
When visiting Paris in summer, you’ll want to be comfortable, so be sure to pick shoes that are both practical and fashionable. You can pair any of the above summer dresses with cute walking sandals like the one above.
Dress for Europe with stylish and comfortable footwear!
See our list of comfortable walking sandals that are stylish, too!
White Sneakers for Summer Dresses
The canvas leather and removable footbed makes these easy to wash and keep them clean. With a lace-up closure, rubber outsole, and soft textile lining, you can be sure of having a flexible fit with traction for various landscapes. This Taos Footwear Star Sneaker also has a great arch support perfect for walking around.
Halter Dress paired with Taos Plim Soul Lux Leather Sneakers
One reader shared, “Taos are awesome. They’re comfy and have great support. My feet were never tired after a day in them.” Overall, these Taos sneakers rank as the number one seller with our readers!
Find out the top recommendations from our community for the best white sneakers!
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, lengths and sizes from XS-6X!
How do I pack my dresses?
Compass Rose Carryon Size Packing Cubes: Slim Size Cubes | Medium Size Cubes
Packing Cubes
Dresses are the easiest thing to pack for a warm weather trip. If you’re going on a seven-day trip, pack seven dresses and you’re good to go. It’s as easy as that! Then, use slim packing cubes to save space in your suitcase and travel carry-on only.
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!
Learn how millions of women have traveled in a smaller suitcase using packing cubes!
What are your recommendations for top summer dresses for a trip abroad? Share in the comments below!
For more tips on what to wear in Paris, please read these posts:
- Ten-Step Packing Guide for Paris
- What to Wear in Paris Packing List
- What to Wear in Paris in Summer
- What to Wear in Paris in Winter
- Paris Travel Essentials
- French Fashion Tips
- What Shoes to Pack for Paris
- Best Luggage for Paris
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I was happy to see Thigh Society shorts mentioned. I have 3 pairs in various colours and I never leave home without at least one pair in my carry-on. Perfect under pants and dresses.
Very popular with our community Frieda, thanks for adding on your review!
I have been looking for the perfect dress that I can wash and that will dry overnight. But your idea of taking 7 dresses for 7 days eliminates the need to wash clothes. Great!
Totally love the chambray midi dress for my 2 week trip to England next June! I travel frequently to Beirut to visit family and have used your site so many times to hone my packing list.
Thank you for this dress inspiration and for including different size options. The moisture-wicking one looks perfect for this super hot summer.
Highly recommend Reformation dresses. They’re so cute, come in a million styles and prints, and are airy and easy wearing. I prefer a midi dress and they’ve got the most diverse selection. I’ll be taking at least two on my upcoming trip to Italy.
Thank you for sharing your recommendation with us Katie. 🥰 Have an incredible time in Italy
I agree. I love Reformation dresses and I also love the Somerset dress from Anthropology.
Your posts have been my go to for a long time now! I love the new packing ideas, styles and comfortable clothing/shoes! We travel a lot, so I’m reading your posts regularly. Thank you for what you do! You are making a difference ?
Wow thank you for saying that Amanda, I really appreciate your kind words and I’ll let the team know you feel that way ☺️
Thank you
You’re welcome Brenda 🙂
Aritzia has gorgeous linen and broderie anglaise dresses.
I wouldn’t have thought to wear dresses a few years ago when I started traveling internationally, but they are a great addition to a travel wardrobe. You only need a few accessories and your packing is done. The red print dress is my favorite, it’s a very versatile design.
Super easy and cute outfits too 🙂
I don’t usually wear dresses, but would like to get one for my upcoming trip to Europe. These suggestions give me a great place to start looking.
I just got back from a trip to Paris, Rome, Venice and Nice. In Paris, I kept seeing women wearing body-skimming (not tight and not overly revealing) knee length dresses with metallic flat sandals or white thick-soled sneakers. I had taken an ankle length dress and I ditched it because it looked so frumpy.
Not long ago, I don’t think I’d be brave enough to take a dress for every day. No shorts? No skirts? What will I do if….. Then I realized there really wasn’t an “if”. They are pack and require minimal matching (always a good thing for a match-a-holic). Thanks for the cool picks–I really like the patterned red one!
Thank you!
I love the idea of the dresses instead of anything else. Recently bought “one for all and all for one” dress that doesn’t wrinkle or shows stains, has a comfy fit and looks good in any situation. I wish there were more dresses like that because this one inspires me to be more feminine while staying comfortable. OMG, and the way it folds: takes less space than my bra. Thank you for the post! I would love to see what you will recommend for winter of fall.
Thanks Julia!
These dress ideas are perfect! I just came back from a trip to Italy in May and my most comfortable outfits were dresses. You feel put together, but they are nice and breezy for the heat. Also took along a pair of those iPanema’s you suggested and they ended up being the shoes I wore most! We were walking close to 7 miles a day and they were comfortable. Keep the great advice coming 🙂
Glad you had a great trip and enjoyed my tips 🙂 Thank you for taking the time to give me feedback.
Leaving for Rome and Germany in two weeks and loved these tips! I see a shopping trip in my future! 🙂
Thanks!