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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.
Karen Kane Brigitte Sleeveless Midi Dress | Sizes XS-XL
The Perfect Little Black Dress
This Karen Kane midi dress is such an elegant and versatile piece. It’s sleeveless and flowy, so it’s great for warm summer days, but 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!
Available in sizes XS-XL.
Dresses are the perfect staple to add to your functional travel capsule wardrobe. Learn more in my guide!
Short Sleeve Summer Casual Flared Midi Dress | Sizes S-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!
For a similar style with a hemline below the knees, try this dress instead!
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!
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
PrAna Skypath Dress | Sizes XS-XL
Short Black Dress with Built in Bra
For female travelers that prefer a braless option, the prAna Skypath dress features a built-in shelf bra for the ultimate wire-free experience. Perfect for hot weather and travel, the dress has moisture-wicking, wrinkle resistant fabric that will pack light and keep you fresh, too.
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!
Just pair it with slide sandals or cute and comfortable ballet flats to complete your look!
Lululemon All Yours T-Shirt Dress | Sizes 0-20
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!
Shop sizes 0-20.
Here are our readers favorite t-shirt dresses that are perfect for any destination and occasion!
The Drop Women’s Sleeveless Maxi Dress | Sizes XS-XXL and 1X-4X
Stylishly Simple Black Dress (Plus Sizes Available)
This classy black dress is as practical as it is stylish. It has a cute ruffled bottom, soft and breathable 100% cotton fabric, and is comfortable enough to be worn for a long sightseeing day.
This adorable dress is an amazing budget option, too! Available in sizes XS-XXL and plus sizes 1X-4X.
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!
Wooly Clothing Merino Ribbed Summer Travel Dress | Sizes XS-XL
Casual 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.
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.
Check out these flip flops that you can add to your wardrobe!
Anatomie Ambra Super Jersey Dress | Sizes XS-XL
Long Sleeve Black Dress
Anatomie is a brand that’s gotten on our radar for cute and practical travel clothes, especially their jackets and dresses. The Ambra dress is a stylish and very flattering dress that would be as appropriate worn in a business class lounge as it would be while dining at a quaint European cafe.
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!
Best Black Dress Comparison Chart
| BRANDS | REVIEWS | RATINGS | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Karen Kane Brigitte Sleeveless Midi Dress |
It’s sleeveless and flowy, so it’s great for warm summer days, but 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! | Check Price | |
|
Short Sleeve Summer Casual Flared 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! | 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. It can be dressed up and down easily, and packs really well. | Check Price | |
|
Columbia Moisture Wicking Fabric Freezer III Dress |
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! | Check Price | |
|
PrAna Skypath Dress |
For female travelers that prefer a braless option, the prAna Skypath dress features a built-in shelf bra for the ultimate wire-free experience. 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 |
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! | Check Price | |
|
Lululemon All Yours 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. | Check Price | |
|
The Drop Women’s Sleeveless Maxi Dress |
This classy black dress is as practical as it is stylish. It has a cute ruffled bottom, soft and breathable 100% cotton fabric, and is comfortable enough to be worn for a long sightseeing day. | Check Price | |
|
Simier Fariry Knee-Length Dress with Pockets |
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. | Check Price | |
|
Wooly Clothing Merino Ribbed Summer Travel 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, they keep you cool and fresh in tropical climates, and they’re also very packable. | Check Price | |
|
Loveappella V-Neck Jersey Maxi Dress |
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! | Check Price | |
|
Anatomie Ambra Super Jersey Dress |
Anatomie is a brand that’s gotten on our radar for cute and practical travel clothes, especially their jackets and dresses. The Ambra dress is a stylish and very flattering dress that would be as appropriate worn in a business class lounge as it would be while dining at a quaint European cafe. | Check Price | |
|
Karen Kane Quinn Pocket 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! | Check Price |
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
- Cute Summer Dresses for Women Who Travel
- Chic White Dresses
- Versatile Dresses: How to Wear One Dress, Many Ways
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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!