Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made on Amazon in addition to other retailers featured on the blog. Thank you, we appreciate your support!
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 Bravissimo Dress and Naot Sabrina Sandals
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.
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!
What are the best lightweight, comfortable, and stylish dresses for summer in Europe? Here are our favorites!
Shop on Madewell: Sizes XXS-XL | Shop on Zappos: Sizes 1X-3X
Linen Cotton Midi Dress
You can never go wrong with an LBD for a trip abroad, just make sure it’s in a light, breathable fabric such as this linen cotton blend side button dress by Madewell, available in sizes XXS-XL and Plus sizes.
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 tan sandals for effortless European fashion flair.
Shop Sizes XS-XL: Nordstrom
Chambray Midi Dress
Chambray is a lovely neutral fabric that’s elegant yet fresh in hot weather. The above tencel Beach Lunch Lounge midi dress exudes chic casual comfort that you can wear for a summer vacation abroad, at a beach resort, or on a hot day at home, too.
Shop on Nordstrom: Sizes 1X-2X | Size L
Long Sleeve Seersucker Knee Length Dress
Cities such as Barcelona and Venice get so hot in the summer so if you prefer sleeves, it’s essential to choose lightweight airy fabrics to keep you from overheating. The Eileen Fisher Organic Linen Dress won’t just help you pack carryon only, it will also keep you fresh on those long sightseeing days, too. Pair it with cute and comfortable white sneakers to replicate the look above.
Shop Sizes XS-XL: Nordstrom
Polka Dot Tiered Midi Dress
In the heat of summer, navy is the perfect alternative to black clothing and this airy cotton tiered midi dress by Beach Lunch Lounge is as comfy as it is classic. 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 S-XL: Amazon
Rayon Wrap Dress
I have this featherlight Temofon 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 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-XL: Amazon
Sleeveless Knee Length Dress with Secret Pockets
The Royal Robbins Spotless Traveler Dress is a reader favorite from our round up on the best dresses with pockets. It has four usable pockets including two that are hidden. Both stain and wrinkle-resistant, opt for one of their subdued prints for an easy to wear dress on the go.
Shop on J.Crew: Sizes XXXS-3X | Petite XXXS-L | Tall XS-XL
Linen Shift Dress
Whether you’re traveling for business or want to exude a sophisticated look while staying fresh in the heat, this J Crew Linen Shift Dress checks all the boxes. Available in four pretty colors and sizes regular, petite , and tall from 3XS – 3X. Don’t forget to bring a dual voltage travel steamer if your hotels don’t have an iron.
Shop Sizes 0-14: Madewell
Linen Blend Short Sleeve Midi Dress
Love the timelessness of this midi linen dress by Madewell. It skims the body without being overly fitted yet the structured design keeps it from looking too frumpy. The lining is 100% cotton to keep you cool but modest. The symmetric wooden button detailing adds just the right amount of interest to this classic silhouette making it ideal for a trip to Europe in the summer.
Shop Sizes XS-XL: Amazon
Moisture Wicking Short Sleeve Dress
The best balance of form and function is found with the Arcteryx Ardena dress. It’s perfect for hot weather because the technical fabric is moisture wicking, lightweight, and breathable yet it looks like a cute regular dress.
Shop all Arcteryx dresses – they have some awesome designs for jetsetters!
What shoes should I wear with my dresses?
Vionic Rest Kirra Brown Backstrap Sandal
Pair Summer Dresses with Classic Leather 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 classic leather sandals like these above or even classic Superga style sneakers.
Dress for Europe with stylish and comfortable footwear!
See our list of comfortable walking sandals that are stylish, too!
How do I pack my dresses?
Compass Rose Travel Packing 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.
Learn how millions of women have traveled in a smaller suitcase using packing cubes!
Top Summer Dresses Comparison Chart
| BRAND / MODEL | REVIEW | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
|
Linen Cotton Midi Dress |
You can never go wrong with an LBD for a trip abroad, just make sure it’s in a light, breathable fabric such as this linen cotton blend side button dress by Madewell, also available in Plus sizes. | Check Price |
|
Chambray Midi Dress |
Chambray is a lovely neutral fabric that’s elegant yet fresh in hot weather. The above tencel Beach Lunch Lounge midi dress exudes chic casual comfort that you can wear for a summer vacation abroad, at a beach resort, or on a hot day at home, too. | Check Price |
|
Long Sleeve Seersucker Knee Length Dress |
Cities such as Barcelona and Venice get so hot in the summer so if you prefer sleeves, it’s essential to choose lightweight airy fabrics to keep you from overheating. The Eileen Fisher Organic Linen Dress won’t just help you pack carryon only, it will also keep you fresh on those long sightseeing days, too. Pair it with cute and comfortable white sneakers to replicate the look above. | Check Price |
|
Polka Dot Tiered Midi Dress |
In the heat of summer, navy is the perfect alternative to black clothing and this airy cotton tiered midi dress by Beach Lunch Lounge is as comfy as it is classic. 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. | Check Price |
|
Rayon Wrap Dress |
I have this featherlight Temofon 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 the pictures in the reviews! | Check Price |
|
Sleeveless Knee Length Dress with Secret Pockets |
The Royal Robbins Spotless Traveler Dress is a reader favorite from our round up on the best dresses with pockets. It has four usable pockets including two that are hidden. Both stain and wrinkle-resistant, opt for one of their subdued prints for an easy to wear dress on the go. | Check Price |
|
Linen Shift Dress |
Whether you’re traveling for business or want to exude a sophisticated look while staying fresh in the heat, this J Crew Linen Shift Dress checks all the boxes. Available in four pretty colors and sizes regular, petite , and tall from 3XS - 3X. Don’t forget to bring a dual voltage travel steamer if your hotels don’t have an iron. | Check Price |
|
Linen Blend Short Sleeve Midi Dress |
Love the timelessness of this midi linen dress by Madewell. It skims the body without being overly fitted yet the structured design keeps it from looking too frumpy. The lining is 100% cotton to keep you cool but modest. The symmetric wooden button detailing adds just the right amount of interest to this classic silhouette making it ideal for a trip to Europe in the summer. | Check Price |
|
Moisture Wicking Short Sleeve Dress |
The best balance of form and function is found with the Arcteryx Ardena dress. It’s perfect for hot weather because the technical fabric is moisture wicking, lightweight, and breathable yet it looks like a cute regular dress. | Check Price |
What are your recommendations for top summer dresses for a trip abroad? Share in the comments below!
For more tips on travel dresses, please read these posts:
- Best Dresses With Pockets
- Best White Dresses for Women
- The Perfect Little Black Travel Dress
- Best Midi Dress for Summer
LIKED THIS POST? PIN THIS PIC TO SAVE IT!
If you enjoyed this post on top summer dresses for a trip abroad, please share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
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 🙂
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 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!