There’s no two ways about the fact that dresses make for the ultimate travel wardrobe hack. We’ve always loved having dresses in our suitcase as they require little styling effort and instantly make us look put together. What’s more, they’re the breeziest, comfiest, and most versatile pieces we have in our closet. Plus, we tend to get double the use out of summer dresses, as they can be dressed up with designer bags and dressed down with cute white sneakers! One retailer that’s big on these one-and-done pieces of clothing right now is Target. The best dresses from Target are not only trendy and affordable, but they’re downright comfy and match any kind of itinerary.
What’s more, we found that they tend to sell out quickly, thanks to the range of styles, affordable prices, fun silhouettes, and bright colors. Plus, many came with lining and pockets, which is a win-win in our book! To that end, here’s a comprehensive guide to the best dress options from the retailer.
A New Day Women’s Rib Knit Side Ruched Bodycon Dress
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This A New Day Women’s Rib Knit Side Ruched Bodycon Dress has a lot of fans – us included. This suitcase M.V.P. is a hero for the casual look it gives off, which features a midi silhouette and a flattering tank top-style V-neckline. So, it could be layered with a jacket and worn as well, especially when we were traveling in a place where women usually cover up. What’s more, the slit guaranteed that we were able to walk confidently and comfortably while adding a dash of flair to the form-fitting dress. If that wasn’t enough, the dress also features a style favorite of ours – stylish ruching along the side. The ruching helped make the dress even more comfortable, especially since it’s made from recycled polyester ribbed knit, stretchy material. Finally, the dress is available in six colors and only costs 22 USD!
Pros
- This is one of the most affordable dresses ever, costing just 22 USD.
- It comes in six colors, including this striped design.
- It has amazing reviews on Target, where other customers call it comfortable, versatile, and easy to pack and wear.
Cons
- Not everyone might like the body-hugging silhouette.
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Universal Thread Women’s Tie-Front Puff 3/4 Sleeve Midi Dress
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We were after a dress with length in both the sleeves and the hemline when we came across this Universal Thread Women’s Tie-Front Puff 3/4 Sleeve Midi Dress. This is one dress that feels both sophisticated and cool and is comfy to wear at the same time. It’s thanks to the linen rayon blend, which doesn’t wrinkly easily due to the rayon but also captures the texture of linen. The breezy V-neckline was very flattering on us, as was the cinched-in style due to the tie front with gathered detailing. Moreover, the midi length and solid color ensured we didn’t have to think much about our inners. But the thing about the dress we loved the most? It came with functional side pockets!
Pros
- This dress cost us just 30 USD.
- It comes in four colors that can be dressed up or down.
- It comes in various sizes, from XS to 2XL.
Cons
- It might not look form-fitting on small-chested women.
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Knox Rose Women’s Short Sleeve Wrap Dress
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Who says that plus-size dresses need to be boring? This Knox Rose Women’s Short Sleeve Wrap Dress is the perfect example of that. We loved everything about this bold dress that allowed us to bring all the drama to the table! Firstly, the wrap design looked very flattering on us, especially since it also came with a side-tie closure. What added to the comfort is that it’s made from breathable cotton. The balloon sleeves and the ruffled, tiered hemline only made the dress look more dramatic and cuter at the same time. We especially loved the deep V-neck, which allowed us to pair this dress with some of our favorite Etsy crystal necklaces. The entire ensemble elevated our look and allowed us to go from a day-to-night look in a flash.
Pros
- The fully elastic waistband kept this comfortable all the time.
- The dress is breathable, making it perfect for summer too.
- It’s dressy and chic at the same time.
Cons
- Not all color and pattern options are available in plus sizes.
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August Sky Women’s Smocked Midi Dress
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The romantic August Sky Women’s Smocked Midi Dress immediately caught our eye – and it’s easy to see why. Fitted at the top and flowy at the bottom, this sundress was flattering to a range of silhouettes and figures. With its ruffled straps and tiered skirt, it was made for the spring and summer seasons, making it both versatile and comfortable. Thanks to the smocked bust, we dress fit like a glove while also not being uncomfortable or drawing attention to the chest. What’s more, To say that we lived an entire summer in this comfortable sundress is an understatement! But what had us sold is that it comes in more than 10 colors, ranging from classic neutrals like olive green to various stunning pastel hues that are the epitome of summer, like the dusty yellow below.
Pros
- We could pair this dress with everything from flip-flops to platform sandals.
- The squared neckline and ruffled wide straps are flattering.
- The tiered bodice made movement very easy.
Cons
- Some colors didn’t have certain sizes, as this dress sells out fast.
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Petal and Pup Womens Franklin Dress
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Now this is what we call the dress of dresses – behold the Petal and Pup Womens Franklin Dress. We think this is the perfect midi dress for every destination and occasion out there – and for more reasons than one. For one, this dress is covered up without looking frumpy, which is a huge plus point. What’s more, it adds pizzazz to the modesty by incorporating a totally manageable side slit. In fact, the side slit can be easily pinned up for when we didn’t want our knees to show! The ruched bust detailing, as is the sweetheart neckline, is flattering and comfortable. Wrapping up the details are the short sleeves with the shirred cuffs.
Pros
- This dress is available in sizes 0 to 14.
- It’s modest without being unfashionable.
- The side slit made it very easy for us to walk.
Cons
- It comes in just two neutral colors.
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Universal Thread Long Sleeve Denim Mini Shirtdress
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There’s no way to have a best travel dress list without including a denim dress, right? That’s why we come to the Universal Thread Long Sleeve Denim Mini Shirtdress, which is everything we were looking for in a denim dress – and then some. Made from midweight cotton fabric, this dress kept us comfortable all day long, no matter which corner of Europe we were in. The pointed collared neckline kept the dress looking put-together, while the sheath shape kept things casual, thus balancing the look perfectly. We also loved the full-length buttoned-down front and the long sleeves, which allowed us to wear this dress even when it was slightly cooler. Oh, and did we mention the functional side pockets? That’s probably the best part of the dress!
Pros
- This dress is available for just 35 USD.
- We could wash the dress in the machine.
- The dress is very comfortable to wear for longer periods of time.
Cons
- The sizes sell out very quickly.
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Petal and Pup Womens Ariel Dress
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We all want to have that “one” dressy dress when we travel, right? It should not only be comfortable but also sexy, good-looking, flattering – well, the list goes on, doesn’t it? If budget isn’t an issue, what if we told you we did find a dress like that? Behold the Petal and Pup Womens Ariel Dress, which has a stupendous rating of 4.8! This midi-length dress is a longer version of the LBD, making it perfect for dressier evenings and formal occasions. The V-neckline with lace trim detailing and the lace detailing under the bust add a dash of sexiness to the dress, elevating it from being just a regular strappy black dress. Moreover, the thin adjustable shoulder straps ensured a customizable fit while being comfortable, too. An invisible back zip rounds up the features of the dress.
Pros
- It’s available in sizes 0 to 16.
- The midi length and skater shape keep it from looking like an ordinary slip dress.
- The lace trim and underbust design add sexiness to the dress.
Cons
- Not everybody will be comfortable with the sheer underbust.
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A New Day Women’s Mini Tennis Dress
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Best value for money. If there was one dress style that could be worn just about anywhere, it’s this A New Day Women’s Mini Tennis Dress. This cotton and spandex blended dress is very lightweight and could be worn across seasons. While it could be worn just like that in the summer, we simply paired it with tights and jackets in winter. That’s how versatile this dress is, especially since it also has crew sleeves and a crew neckline. Easygoing and sporty, this solid-colored dress comes in a riot of colors, including the gorgeous island blue you see below. And since it costs just 15 USD, which is practically next to nothing, we got ourselves multiple colors!
“Mini dresses can be a swing and a miss, but not this A New Day dress. The solid color, the skater shape, the design, cut, and colors – there’s not one thing wrong with this dress!”
WOW Travel
Pros
- It comes in sizes ranging from XS to 4XL!
- The fabric is insanely comfortable to be worn even in the height of summer.
- The price can’t get any better.
Cons
- The mini length might not appeal to everyone.
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Knox Rose Women’s Sleeveless One-Shoulder A-Line Maxi Dress
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We’ve spoken about plus-size dresses not needing to be boring earlier on, right? Extending that thought, we present the Knox Rose Women’s Sleeveless One-Shoulder A-Line Maxi Dress. After all, one-shoulder dresses have their own charm, don’t they? This sleeveless one-shoulder dress in A-line shape is comfortable to wear during travel, whether on a road trip or sightseeing. Made from 100% rayon, this lightweight fabric is comfortable, breathable, and soft to be worn during the hotter season. We especially loved the easy-breezy look that came with the maxi length and the tiered bodice. Finally, the ruffled edges and the asymmetrical neckline with smocked detailing only make for beautiful additions.
Pros
- The maxi length works in any season, whether hot or cold, thanks to the breezy silhouette.
- The double-stitched seams ensure that the dress won’t tear easily.
- The lightweight fabric made the dress very easy to wear.
Cons
- The one-shoulder neckline might be slightly uncomfortable for some.
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A New Day Women’s Maxi Slip Dress
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Slip dresses are a rage right now, and why shouldn’t they be? For minimalists like us, they’re an absolute dream, like this A New Day Women’s Maxi Slip Dress. This dress is made from flowing satin and boasts a very flattering draped bias-cut silhouette supported by two adjustable spaghetti straps. Thanks to the lightweight fabric, the maxi length meant that the dress swayed breezily around our legs. Moreover, the side slit ensures the comfort of movement. Despite being deep, the V neckline is very comfortable and flattering to all sizes of women. We love the simplicity of this incredibly versatile piece of clothing that we could wear all year round. The
Pros
- It costs just 25 USD.
- The dress comes in a plethora of colors, including a pattern option as well.
- The sizes range from XS to 4XL.
Cons
- It might not be the best choice for summer.
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Universal Thread Women’s Ribbed Midi T-Shirt Dress
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With 80% 5-star reviews, it’s a wonder the Universal Thread Women’s Ribbed Midi T-Shirt Dress isn’t always sold out! Made from a blend of cotton, recycled polyester, and spandex, this casual dress is just what we needed for our summer vacation in Europe. The soft and stretchy fabric ensured that the dress filled out our curves without being uncomfortable at the same time. Thanks to the rubbed textured flair and comfortable scoop neckline, we breezed through our day in absolute cool comfort. The fact that it’s available in 6 colors and as many as 10 size choices ranging from XS to 4XL only makes this all the better. However, do you know what the best bit is? It cost just 20 USD!
Pros
- The scoop neckline is comfortable for everyone.
- The dress comes in 6 colors and 10 size options.
- It cost just 20 USD.
Cons
- Some said that the fabric was thicker than they expected.
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Universal Thread Women’s Short Sleeve Linen Mini Shift Dress
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Just like an LBD is a must-have in every wardrobe, so is a LWD – that’s a linen white dress! The combination of the skin-friendly material and white color is just too comfortable and pleasing to ignore. That’s why we have the Universal Thread Women’s Short Sleeve Linen Mini Shift Dress on this list. Creating a chic summer look was a breeze with this dress, especially since it has raglan sleeves, which work well on just about everybody. The mini length is summer-ready, especially when paired with bright-colored beach sandals. The V-neckline, combined with the cinched waistline, ensured that the dress took our form and didn’t feel like we were wearing a balloon. Overall, this dress checks all the boxes, making it the most perfect travel dress ever.
Pros
- This dress comes in 6 colors and 10 size options.
- It costs less than 22 USD.
- The dress has hidden pockets!
Cons
- Most of the smaller sizes are sold out very quickly.
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Wild Fable Knit Skater Dress
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We couldn’t go without having the quintessential face-saving LBD on this list, could we? We bring you to your prettiest and most comfortable LBD we’ve ever seen, the Wild Fable Knit Skater Dress. Costing just 16 USD, which is the icing on the cake, the dress is available in a whopping 11 sizes ranging from XXS to 4XL. Since it’s made from a blend of cotton, recycled polyester, and spandex in a ribbed texture, the dress looks all the more flattering on women of any size. Since the fabric is extra-lightweight, the dress practically moved with us, no matter where we were. We loved the square back and the ruched-front sweetheart neckline, which added interest while being flattering at the same time, no matter our size. Rounding up the cute look is the short cap sleeves.
Pros
- The ribbed fabric is stretchy and comfortable.
- It also comes in six other color options.
- It’s very affordable, thus costing next to nothing for a dressy look.
Cons
- None.
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How To Choose The Best Travel Dresses from Target?
Material
There’s no doubt that the most important factor when it comes to choosing travel dresses is the material or fabric. Usually, polyester and cotton blends are popular fabrics as they have the feel of cotton with the performance of polyester. During slightly colder travel, knits and stretchy fabrics stay wrinkle-free. As comfortable as they are, woven fabrics wrinkle more easily.
You might also want to check out the best travel irons at Target to keep creased fabrics at bay.
Versatility and comfort
Another important factor that makes a good travel dress is versatility. While strappy dresses might require strapless bras that you might not wear a second time, they can be layered and worn with a regular bra instead. Wrap dresses are versatile, as are midi dresses, as they are comfortable and will adhere to any local customs where your knees need to be covered. Additionally, we ensured that our travel dresses paired well with the lot of underwear we were carrying. Otherwise, it’s a huge headache to match underwear with dresses while out on the road.
We looked for travel dresses that don’t have a lot of fancy straps and complicated sleeves and are easy to slip on and take off. Also, dresses that can be dressed up and down are always great choices. Finally, we looked at the fit of the dresses for comfort. Dresses that are too small or too big, for that matter, will end up causing anxiety.
Finally, we looked at dresses that are easy to care for. After all, we might not have access to dry cleaning or laundry wherever we go – and that, too, might be expensive. So, we picked travel dresses that are easily washable on the go.
Local Customs
Finally, it’s always a good idea to be aware of any local customs that place cultural restrictions on attire when traveling to a foreign country. For instance, your shoulders, elbows, and knees need to be covered when you’re visiting a country where women usually cover themselves. Also, we didn’t want to wear something transparent and flimsy in such a country. So, it’s always a good idea to choose travel dresses according to the culture, if there’s a predominant one.
Which type of dress is trending now?
The current trend is all about denim fabric and florals. They’re not only versatile but also flattering on women of all sizes.
What is Target’s return policy?
The retailer accepts returns within 90 days for a full refund for most items. That said, if chosen carefully, you’ll not need that at all.
What makes dresses so popular for travel?
Dresses are versatile in that they come in various options for styles, sleeves, and lengths. Thus, they suit the sensibilities of every woman on the planet.
Some images on this article are copyrighted by Target.