Not to sound cliché, but there’s something so reinvigorating about springtime. Maybe it’s the warmer weather or the blooming foliage, but I suspect that it’s deeper than that. Spring 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 spring (and 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—e.g., a great swimsuit, linen trousers, or sandals. But, possibly, 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.
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.
Please take a moment to stop and appreciate the bows on the back of this dress.
The draping on this Jacquemus dress is divine.
Dreaming of wearing this strappy orange dress to grab a little aperitivo on the Amalfi coast.
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.
The tiered ruching on this dress ensures it will look universally flattering on anyone.
Trust me; this dress is the most flattering thing you can pack.
Doesn’t this dress make you want to book a trip?
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.
I’m obsessed with this dress.
You’ll want to zoom-in to see the beaded straps on this dress because they’re beautiful.
The drop-waist paired with the nautical conch print on this dress makes it the perfect item to pack if you’re beach-bound.
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.
Meet the perfect dress for a balmy summer day.
Nothing is more flattering than a cinched-in waist.
The eyelet detail on the bottom of this dress is so pretty.
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.
Now, here’s a dress that feels French.
Just add a belt!
You can wear this to the beach or the boardroom.
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.
The great thing about this dress is that it will transition well into the fall long after you’ve returned from your trip.
Is it even a vacation if you don’t pack at least one piece from Cult Gaia?
You can throw this on over a swimsuit during the day or with heels and a clutch bag at night.
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.
L’Agence’s slip dresses will make you look like a goddess in all your photos.
Perfect for that destination wedding.
If you’re opposed to color, this slip dress is right up your alley.
Planning a vacation during the peak of summer? Then you’ll want to make sure you find a mini dress to take with you. The key to making this ubiquitous style feel vacation-ready is by opting for versions with pretty details—e.g., ruching, bows, ruffles, and rosettes.
Faithful The Brand’s dresses are the perfect longterm investment for the summer.
Baby pink mini dress? Don’t mind if we do.
The small rosette on this dress is very on-trend.
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.
You can wear this on your vacation or to work.
You’ll be fully covered and till look chic in this dress!
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.
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.
Peak summer energy.
You’ll be the best-dressed person on the trip in this dress, no doubt.
Ideal for lounging by the water.
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 dominated the runways too, making it prime for takeoff this summer.
The fabrication of this dress will ensure you’re not sweating the entire trip.
A pop color is never a bad idea.
Simple, yet stunning.
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.
Everything about this dress is sublime—the neckline, the ruching, the drop-waist, the hue.
BRB, will be dreaming of wearing this dress in Paris for the unforeseeable future.
IDK about you, but I was sold the minute I saw the lace-up detail on the bodice of this 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.
All the fashion girlies love to pack a Rat & Boa piece for their trips.
Imagine this billowing in the wind—gorgeous, right?
Did your jaw just drop? Us too, fam, us too.
Not into the dramatic antics? Or just can’t fit an oversized 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.
You’ll wear this for the rest of the summer.
You may visit a few museums on your trip, but this dress is its own form of artwork.
You can dress this piece up or down based on your destination.
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 is a silhouette that if styled right, feels effortless.
You’ll be cozy and look chic if you pack this smocked dress.
I could stare at the swirl appliqués on this dress all day.
Gap popped off with this off-the-shoulder puff-sleeve dress.
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 coverup. 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.
Pair this with an oversized hat, sunglasses, and wedges, and you’ve got a look.
Louisa Ballou’s bold pieces are a must-pack for the fashion set.
