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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-XXL, Petite Sizes S-L, and Plus Sizes 2X-3X
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!
Pact Black Fit & Flare Dress | Sizes XS-3XL
Mini Black Wrap Dress
If you’re looking for cute black summer dresses, this Pact petal sleeve dress is so cute and SO flattering, and the petal sleeves add a pretty, feminine touch!
The fabric is lightweight and flowy, so it’s really comfy, even as the temps climb. Wearers love that the waist has an adjustable belt and that it fits well. 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 S-XXL.
Caslon Short Sleeve Summer Casual Midi Dress | Sizes XS-XL
Black Short Sleeve Midi Dress
Wear this cute womens black dress with sneakers or comfortable sandals during the day, and add pretty jewelry with ballet flats for the night. It’s soft, easy to wash, and inexpensive! Available in sizes XS-XL.
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!
Michael Stars Andrea One Shoulder Black Dress | Shop Sizes XS-XL
Stylish Black Summer Dress
You can never go wrong with Andrea Off Shoulder Black Dress from Michael Stars. It has a soft knit ribbed fabric with a side slit for easy movement and is easily styled up or down.
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.
The Michael Stars Ultra Rib Dress is also a reader’s favorite recommendation!
prAna Railay Black Dress | Sizes XS-XL
Short Black Dress That’s Quick Drying
For female travelers that prefer a braless option, the prAna Railay Dress is perfect for hot weather and travel, the dress has moisture-wicking, wrinkle resistant fabric that will pack light and keep you fresh and will work with hiking sandals for active days or with some fun high top sneakers for casual outings.
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, Amazon or Zappos!
Just pair it with slide sandals or cute and comfortable ballet flats to complete your look!
Caslon Black T Shirt Dress | Plus Sizes 1X-3X and Sizes XXS-XXL
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!
Here are our readers favorite t-shirt dresses that are perfect for any destination and occasion!
Chico’s Classic Black Travel Dress | Sizes XS-XXL and Petite Sizes PS-PXL
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 XS-XXL and petite sizes PS-PXL.
We’ve compiled the ultimate list of what our readers rank as the best dress for hot weather travels!
Simier Fariry Knee-Length Dress with Pockets | Sizes S-XL
Cheap Black Dress With Sleeves
This Simier Fariry dress is a fantastic option for female travelers. They offer travel-friendly, lightweight dresses in sizes S-XL. The drawstring waist enhances the modest and flattering fit, and pockets are a handy plus! Not to mention, this dress is easy on the budget, as well.
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. Also available in XS-1X and two 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.
Find out why the Loveappella maxi dress is a must-pack for warm-weather travels in this review!
Nordstrom Long Sleeved Black Shirtdress | Sizes XXS-XXL
Long Sleeve Black Dress
This Nordstrom shirtdress is a polished and modern dress and is the most amazing travel, work, and everything dress by wearers! Flowy and loose, 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 XXS-XXL!
Wear one of these chic sun hats for a fun and stylish way to update your outfit while staying protected in the sun!
Karen Kane Quin Pocket Shift Dress | Sizes XS-XL and 1X-3X Plus
Black Shift Dress
A classic shift is a must in every woman’s wardrobe. We’re very impressed with the selection of fashionable yet functional dresses by Karen Kane, especially this ultra-chic style, and so are our readers!
Karen Kane is highly recommended by readers, check out more of their gorgeous summer dresses here!
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.
Best Black Dress Comparison Chart
| BRAND | MODEL | FEATURES | REVIEWS | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
|
Quince Linen Button Front Midi Dress |
This Quince linen button fronted midi dress is so versatile and cute, the compliments will be rolling in, great for warm summer days. | Check Price |
|
Eddie Bauer Departure Tank Dress |
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. | Check Price |
|
Pact Black Fit & Flare Dress |
This Pact petal sleeve dress is so cute and SO flattering, and the petal sleeves add a pretty, feminine touch! | Check Price |
|
Caslon Short Sleeve Summer Casual Midi Dress |
Wear this cute womens black dress with sneakers or comfortable sandals during the day, and add pretty jewelry with ballet flats for the night. | Check Price |
|
Columbia Moisture Wicking Fabric Freezer III Dress |
This easy to wear plain black dress looks good in a range of destinations yet offers the functionality of active or fitness wear. | Check Price |
|
Michael Stars Andrea One Shoulder Black Dress |
It has a soft knit ribbed fabric with a side slit for easy movement and is easily styled up or down. | Check Price |
|
prAna Granite Springs Dress |
Perfect for hot weather and travel, the dress has moisture-wicking, wrinkle resistant fabric that will pack light and keep you fresh, too. | Check Price |
|
Toad&Co Sunkissed Maxi Dress |
The fabric is feather light, quick-dry, and moisture wicking. Not only will it keep you cool, but it’s also ultra-packable! | Check Price |
|
Caslon Black T Shirt Dress |
It’s an easy-to-wear, versatile design, all while being comfortable enough to wear for all day sightseeing. | Check Price |
|
Chico's Classic Black Travel Dress |
It has clean lines, a peekaboo side slit, and is comfortable enough to be worn for a long sightseeing day or a night out. | Check Price |
|
Simier Fariry Knee-Length Dress with Pockets |
The drawstring waist enhances the modest and flattering fit, and pockets are a handy plus! Not to mention, this dress is easy on the budget, as well. | Check Price |
|
Wool& Short Sleeve Summer Casual Midi Dress |
They’re ideal for backpackers and long term travelers because they can be worn repeatedly without washing, they keep you cool and fresh in tropical climates, and they’re also very packable. | Check Price |
|
Loveappella V-Neck Jersey Maxi Dress |
This beauty is one of the most popular dresses with TFGers. Our readers absolutely LOVE this dress! | Check Price |
|
Nordstrom Long Sleeved Black Shirtdress |
Flowy and loose, it’s both flattering and comfortable, plus the styling options are endless! | Check Price |
|
Karen Kane Quinn Pocket Shift Dress |
We’re very impressed with the selection of fashionable yet functional dresses by Karen Kane, especially this ultra-chic style, and so are our readers! | Check Price |
|
Athleta Presidio Quick Drying Black Dress |
Wrinkle resistant with packable fabric that stays sleek & smooth while breathable. | Check Price |
Thigh Society The Cooling Shorts | Sizes XS-6X
Shorts to Prevent Thigh Chaffing
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 Dresses
Bundle wrap the clothes and place them into packing cubes for organization. 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!