Cute and Practical LBDs for Travel
Traveling in style is effortless with the right little black dress (LBD). Known for its elegance and versatility, the LBD is a must-have in every traveler’s wardrobe. This guide will help you find the perfect LBD for every kind of trip, from summer getaways to winter retreats.
The Importance of a Good Vacation Dress
Comfort is key when traveling. A survey by Expedia shows that 63% of women prioritize comfort in travel attire, and the LBD is a stylish solution.
Karl Lagerfeld, famed designer and creative director famously said “One is never over-dressed or under-dressed with a Little Black Dress.” It’s not just a fashion statement but a practical, space-saving choice for any travel itinerary.
The Best Little Black Dresses for Spring and Summer
I adore linen for it’s breathability and chic factor in the summer, but it wrinkles easily. The solution? A linen blend that will drape nicely and won’t hold onto wrinkles:
The Best Little Black Dresses for Winter Travel
Stay warm and wrinkle free on your travels with these flattering winter dresses. Merino wool is an excellent option for winter travel as it’s warm, doesn’t wrinkle easily, and naturally odor resistant. For more luxe fabrics like merino, I like to see what TheRealReal has to offer–you can find some great deals!
Maxi & Midi Travel Dresses:
Maxi and midi length dresses are some of the most versatile for travel! They’ve got you (literally) covered in countries and situations where modesty is necessary, can easily go from day to night, and are super chic.
Sleeveless & Off Shoulder Travel Dresses:
Enjoy the sun on your shoulders and show off those toned arms with a cute sleeveless dress. We’ve chosen these for fabrics that are packable and wrinkle resistant.
Knee Length Travel Dresses:
Cute and kicky little black dresses to show off those gams and keep you cool in summer weather.
Plus Size Travel Dresses:
How to Choose a Travel Dress
Generally synthetic blend fabrics make the best travel dresses, because they’re wrinkle and stain resistant. However, knit and sweater dresses from natural or synthetic fibers are amazing for travel in colder climates. Sweater dresses look chic, will keep you warm and cozy, and won’t wrinkle. Wool and cashmere are also naturally stain and water resistant (I mean, we’re talking small spills, not rainstorms or full glasses of wine).
I find that rolling clothing is best for preventing wrinkles. First fold the sleeves (if any) over the body of the dress. Then carefully roll the dress into a smooth, compact bundle, starting at the neck and smoothing wrinkles as you go. Many travel dresses are wrinkle resistant, but even the best designed clothing can wrinkle if you just crumple it up, so careful packing is still necessary! If you do arrive with wrinkled/ creased clothing, you can often ease out the wrinkles by hanging the item in the bathroom while you take a nice hot, steamy shower.
There’s multiple things to consider here. The first is keeping you smelling fresh! You’ll be able to pack lighter if you’re able to wash items on the road, so be sure to take a look at our ideas for doing laundry while traveling, and also consider booking an Airbnb or other vacation rental with on-site laundry facilities.
You should also think about how versatile your travel dresses (and other clothing) are. I don’t mind being seen wearing the same couple of outfits all the time, but I do make sure to plan for weather and local customs. A longer midi to maxi dress might be more comfortable when the weather turns cooler in the evening. And when combined with a lightweight cardigan, it will satisfy requirements to be covered up when you’re visiting historic churches, for example.
If you’re planning on dining at a nice restaurant or two, you’ll also want to think consider a something that can easily be dressed up, or simply bring a second, more formal dress.
Ultimately it’s an individual decision. With access to laundry, you could potentially get away with packing just one dress. I’m prone to spilling food and drink on myself, so I usually make sure I have at least one backup or a dress that’s super versatile and easy to spot clean.
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