GOING away? These are the best holiday dresses that'll give your suitcase a stylish boost this summer.
Whether you're planning a trip somewhere hot and exotic or are counting down the days to a staycation on home soil, having a few dresses on hand is always a must.
You'll want a comfortable everyday option or two to keep you cool while sightseeing, plus a couple of statement styles for going out in the evenings – and of course, it's always a bonus if a dress works seamlessly from day to night.
The shops are teaming with holiday addresses already, so now is the perfect time to pick up a few designs ahead of your break – or simply refresh your wardrobe if you're in need of a new summery frock.
And of course, we've done the hard work for you and scoured the net to hunt down the very best holiday dresses available to shop now. Happy holidays!
Best holiday dresses at a glance:
- Best overall: AUSELILY Women's Summer Dresses Spaghetti Strap
- Best for summer: CUPSHE Women Summer Wrap Dress
- Best for nautical days: Mango Linen striped shirt dress
- Best plus size holiday dress: River Island Plus black crochet chevron stripe midi dress
- Best petite holiday dress: River Island Petite white embroidered mini dress
1. AUSELILY Women's Summer Dresses Spaghetti Strap
- AUSELILY Women's Summer Dresses Spaghetti Strap, £21.24 – £24.99 from Amazon – buy here
Available in over a dozen prints and colourways, this spaghetti strap dress by AUSELILY is a comfy option that looks cute to boot.
The fabric is described as lightweight but "not clingy" by reviewers, who also praise the fact that it packs down small without needing to be ironed.
The adjustable straps allow for the perfect fit, and we love that this red paisley boho style will look great dressed up or down.
Most read in Sun Selects
Be one of FIVE lucky people to win £200 worth of goodies from Lovehoney
13 Best sun creams UK 2023: Once-a-day, factor 50, and sensitive skin sunscreens
Best air conditioners you can buy in 2023
Best solar lights for the garden: we test out 9 sets for summer
One shopper raves: "This dress is made of a very nice material that is soft and does not stick to you. It is perfect for hot sunny days, I purchased it as a cover-up over my swimsuit, I am very pleased with it and am looking forward to using it on my holidays."
2. CUPSHE Women Summer Wrap Maxi Dress
- CUPSHE Women Summer Wrap Maxi Dress, £31.99 from Amazon – buy here
Wrap dresses are always a summer holiday hit, and this one by CUPSHE is a classic that will stay on-trend season after season.
The floaty angel sleeves are ultra-flattering and a breezy way to do sleeves in hotter weather, while the ruffle detail along the hemline of the dress adds a soft and feminine feel.
It's also available in black and dark red if green isn't your colour.
"Was pleasantly surprised when I received this dress. Very well made, fit very well and flattering. Want to add that, I wore this dress again this week and received so many compliments," writes one impressed shopper.
READ MORE:
- Best crossbody bags
- Cheap suitcases
- Best sun hats for women
- Best control swimwear for women
- Best petite midi dress
3. New Look Pink Broderie Frill Strappy Midi Dress
- New Look Pink Broderie Frill Strappy Midi Dress, £33.99 from New Look – buy here
Don't get us wrong: broderie dresses always look good in timeless white or black. But Barbie pink? Yes, please!
Featuring adjustable tie straps and a ruffle trim hem, this cotton dress is cut at comfy midi length so it'll suit daytime strolls just as well as dinner and drinks in the evening.
4. New Look Off White Stitch Knit Midi Dress
- New Look Off White Stitch Knit Midi Dress, £32.99 from New Look – buy here
Here's a dress that'll work perfectly from the beach to the bar.
The stitch-knit fabric will look effortlessly chic over a bikini – especially with a straw bag, tan sandals and a glamorously oversized floppy hat.
In the evening, all you'll need is layered jewellery, a bold lip and a heeled sandal to switch up the look. Easy!
5. New Look Bright Blue Jersey Tiered Mini Smock Dress
- New Look Bright Blue Jersey Tiered Mini Smock Dress, £19.99 from New Look – buy here
Holidays are all about comfy dresses you can throw on and look effortlessly put together – so this mini smock is a must.
The cotton fabric and oversized fit make this ideal for staying cool, while the bold blue hue and ruffle detailing elevate the look.
6. Mango Linen cross-back dress
- Mango Linen cross-back dress, £49.99 from Mango – buy here
If you're off somewhere hot or need a dress for when the heatwave hits, linen is a staple summer fabric that will keep you cool and dry.
We love the wooden beads that feature on the crossover straps of this long linen design by Mango, which has a simple but timeless feel.
It's also available in beige linen for a lighter and brighter look.
7. Mango Linen striped shirt dress
- Mango Linen striped shirt dress, £49.99 from Mango – buy here
Another linen beauty from Mango: this one has a shirt-style shape with a removable belt which gives it a cool retro feel.
The blue stripe is instantly nautical too. Saint Tropez vibes, anyone?
8. Mango Tropical shirt dress
- Tropical shirt dress, £35.99 from Mango – buy here
This Mango shirt dress was designed in Barcelona, which feels appropriate: we can totally see this being rocked on holiday around Las Ramblas.
The short sleeve, shirt style is perfect for dressing up or down too: just swap out strappy sandals for plimsolls and a shoulder bag for a canvas tote for stylish daytime wear.
9. John Lewis ANYDAY Stripe Smock Jersey Mini Dress
- John Lewis ANYDAY Stripe Smock Jersey Mini Dress, £24 from John Lewis – buy here
John Lewis's ANYDAY range is a favourite for bargain looks that offer great quality, so this smock jersey is a must.
The stripes will look great in the evening teamed with a bold red lip and sandals, while a pair of trainers will keep things casual in the daytime.
10. AND/OR Vierra Midi Dress, Orange
- AND/OR Vierra Midi Dress, Orange, £89 from John Lewis – buy here
AND/OR is a brand available exclusively at John Lewis, so you won't find this dress anywhere else.
The abstract print in shades of orange has an instant holiday feel, while the boxy neckline and puffy sleeves are bang on trend.
It's made from a lightweight cotton too, so it's ideal for hotter temperatures.
11. French Connection Rhodes Poplin Smocked Dress, Hibiscus
- French Connection Rhodes Poplin Smocked Dress, Hibiscus, £75 from John Lewis – buy here
Featuring pockets and a flattering fit and flare shape, this dress by French Connection will be a hit on your summer holiday, whether worn in the daytime or at night.
It's also available and black or green – but we have to say, this vibrant shade of hibiscus has completely won us over.
12. hush Albee Midi Dress, Midnight
- hush Albee Midi Dress, Midnight, £65 from John Lewis – buy here
If you're a fan of hush's easy-going style, then you'll love this asymmetric dress which is exclusive to the brand and John Lewis.
It gently skims the figure so it'll be super comfy for long days out, while the dipped hem adds modern appeal to the otherwise simple shape.
"I would recommend the dress for summer holidays or holidaying," says one shopper.
13. FatFace Devin Embroidered Dress, Ivory
- FatFace Devin Embroidered Dress, Ivory, £79 from John Lewis – buy here
We love a good dress with a boho feel: it'll always stay on trend, whether you pack it for a festival or a beach holiday.
This one has long sleeves with shirring detail, a shirred waistline to nip you in without needing a belt, plus a folky floral pattern that will perfectly set off your beach waves.
14. River Island Yellow Floral Slip Maxi Dress
- River Island Yellow Floral Slip Maxi Dress, £33 from River Island – buy here
Looking for a maxi slip dress for a holiday? This one by River Island deserves some attention in your wardrobe.
The floral print and tiered hem give it a soft, romantic feel, while the addition of bead embellishments on the cami straps adds some fashion-forward edge.
15. River Island Plus black crochet chevron stripe midi dress
- River Island Plus black crochet chevron stripe midi dress, £50 from River Island – buy here
We're obsessed with crochet dresses for summer holidays: they're fun, have a fabulously retro nod to the 70s and of course, add a little bit of breeziness with the open style of the knit.
Pattern-wise, there's loads of fun to be had – and River Island has done just that with this bold chevron print and striped number.
It's available in plus sizes 18 to 28 and there's even a matching longline cardigan.
16. River Island Petite white embroidered mini dress
- River Island Petite white embroidered mini dress, £39 from River Island – buy here
Every suitcase needs a white mini dress like this one by River Island.
The square neckline and embroidered detail add plenty of interest, while the cotton fabrication is perfect for keeping you cool on sunny days.
It's taken from the Petite collection, making it ideal for smaller frames.
17. River Island Orange maxi dress
- River Island Orange maxi dress, £50 from River Island – buy here
This beautiful maxi takes 'holiday dress' to its natural conclusion, with a print that quite literally depicts a dreamy summer holiday: from the beach to the villa.
The tie-back of this cotton number adds an even airier feel, while there's also a matching bikini top and bottoms if you can't get enough of the print.
18. River Island Cream printed beach maxi dress
- River Island Cream printed beach maxi dress, £38 from River Island – buy here
Monochrome geometric prints always deliver impact, and this beach maxi dress is no exception.
Crafted from cotton, it features a split hem and ties with gold hardware detailing on the straps for added luxe.
19. M&S Collection 2pk Mini Swing Beach Dresses
- M&S Collection 2pk Mini Swing Beach Dresses, £32.50 from M&S – buy here
If it's value and versatility that you're after, then this two-pack of mini dresses by M&S will go far in your holiday packing.
With one ditsy print and one plain black, these strappy swing dresses are perfect for the beach or the bar, with the lightweight jersey fabric and loose fit being comfy enough for all-day wear.
20. M&S Collection Linen Blend Animal Print Maxi Tiered Dress
- M&S Collection Linen Blend Animal Print Maxi Tiered Dress, £39.50 from M&S – buy here
At just under £40, this M&S linen blend dress is a great buy.
The sleeveless design features a tiered maxi-length skirt and gathered high neck which gives it bags of personality.
And that's before you even get to the painterly animal print. Perfection!
Which dress is best in summer?
Dresses in lightweight, breezy fabrics like cotton and linen are a must for keeping cool in the summer.
Meanwhile, silhouette-wise – you'll be wanting to flash some skin rather than baking it out in layers of fabric, so opt for sleeveless dresses and shorter hemlines.
That being said, breezy sleeves, floaty maxis and fabrics that don't touch the skin are also good options for staying cool, while offering protection from the sun.
What is a 'sundress' dress?
A sundress does what it says on the tin: it's a dress that can be worn in the sun. It's usually characterised by lightweight fabrics like cotton and sleeveless and short styles like spaghetti strap dresses.
They come in all shapes, lengths and designs though, so there's really no definitive answer. Some are loose, some form-fitting, some backless and some are off-the-shoulder – making the possibilities endless for your wardrobe.
How can I look sophisticated on holiday?
The key to a chic and sophisticated holiday wardrobe is a capsule collection of pieces that you can mix and match effortlessly: think day-to-night dresses that are easily switched up with accessories, natural fabrics like cotton and linen, and timeless items like Breton tops, leather sandals and wide-leg trousers.
Read More on The Sun
Little-known TV licence rule could save you up to £159 a year
Woman left unable to talk properly after her new dentures arrive totally uneven
Sophisticated style also leans more towards 'classic' than 'trend-led', so don't be afraid to rely on tried and tested staples that will always stand the test of time.
You can't go wrong with the likes of oversized shades, a wide-brimmed sunhat, white broderie tops and dresses, and a few pairs of denim shorts.
Looking for more stylish savings at your favourite fashion chains? Visit Sun Vouchers where you’ll find amazing discounts and voucher codes for hundreds of fashion retailers including ASOS, Very, River Island, Roman Originals, New Look and more.
Source: Read Full Article