Top Pretty Little Thing Formal Dresses for Travel

Travel dresses today tick all boxes – practicality, comfort, and style – which is why exploring new places has become as comfortable as fashionable. Whether you’re exploring the city streets, attending a formal event, or embarking on a sightseeing adventure, the right travel dress makes all the difference and elevates your look. However, that doesn’t mean that every dress will always stay wrinkle-free. And considering this was essential since we also had to attend formal events while on vacation. And when it came to such options, there was nothing like the Pretty Little Thing formal dress. The best formal travel dresses from the brand were perfect for our busy travel social calendar and became our saviors. Not only were they affordable, but they were also stylish and perfect for all sorts of formal occasions.

Whether we were headed to the opera, were on an evening out with the girls, or headed to a sit-down dinner, PLT dresses saved the day. Check out the best in the business, as well as a handy guide on how we went about choosing them.

Red Chiffon Ruffle Layer Maxi Dress

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Ruffles and layers? Sign us up! This Red Chiffon Ruffle Layer Maxi Dress is one of our favorites in the wardrobe and for a good reason. This sexy chiffon dress gave off next-level vibes and was perfect for the “informal” formal occasion we were attending – a bridal party evening. So, we needed to balance the formal-party look, and this maxi dress was perfect. For one, it’s made from red chiffon material, which meant it was all flowy, allowing us to move around as if floating on a cloud. We absolutely loved the flattering plunge neckline that allowed us to show off our collarbones. And, of course, the ruffle detailing – what’s not to love? We paired this with strappy heels and turned a lot of heads (wink wink!)

Light Blue Plisse Underwired Drape Midaxi Dress

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Like every other woman in a dress conundrum, we wanted a midi dress that was also a maxi dress – and vice versa. This Light Blue Plisse Underwired Drape Midaxi Dress was the perfect solution – midaxi, see? This pastel-hued dress was perfect for a formal tea party that we attended. It’s made from a lovely lavender-blue plisse material that’s made from 100% polyester. What’s more, the underwired design, along with the drape detailing, is very flattering on all kinds of body shapes. We especially loved the floor-sweeping midaxi length that sat just right on our silhouette. Pairing it with gold accessories and high heels made for the perfect flawless finish.

Are you headed somewhere cold? You could pair it with one of our favorite coats from Pretty Little Thing.

Emerald Green Frill Detail Pleated Midi Dress

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We were looking for the perfect weekend look that would take us from AM to PM without having to break our heads and this Emerald Green Frill Detail Pleated Midi Dress was perfect for that. We’re obsessing over this frill midi dress for more reasons than one. Firstly, we absolutely adore the emerald-green 100% polyester material with a flowy silhouette. What’s more, the frill detailing on the cuffs, the hem, and the waist adds layers of interest to the dress. The pleated accordion skirt is on-trend, and along with the midi length, it serves a formal occasion perfectly. The best part is that it’s wrinkle-free, so we could pack it in our suitcase without worrying.

“Pleated dresses are everything right now, and this dress is barely there and yet turned heads – a perfect 10!”

WOW Travel

Navy Floral Long Sleeve Pleated Midi Dress

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Sweet and sexy all at once, this Navy Floral Long Sleeve Pleated Midi Dress is the quintessential modern-day Cinderella dress. This dress added the perfect touch of floral to our formal weekend look. We loved the 100% polyester material’s look and feel, especially when paired with the lovely all-over navy ditsy floral print. It was perfect for the summer garden party that we’d been invited to. The pleated detailing was on-point, keeping in mind the trend of accordion styles right now. Moreover, the long sleeves were flattering, as was the midi length, and we were absolutely in love. All in all, the dress was perfect for styling up or down, no matter the occasion.

Sage Green Floral Print Satin Draped Bardot Midi Dress

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Whoever said that satin dresses were always slinky? This Sage Green Floral Print Satin Draped Bardot Midi Dress defies all the myths of satin dresses while being one of the best we’ve seen for a formal occasion. Firstly, this midi dress comes in a lovely sage green satin material made from 100% polyester. That’s why it looked and felt very smooth on our skin. What’s more, we loved the all-over floral print, which sat perfectly with the summer morning occasion we’d been invited to. The bardot neckline allowed us to show off our collarbones and shoulders, while the draped design completed what was a chic look.

Black Puff Sleeve Twist Detail Bodycon Dress

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We wanted to add a touch of luxe to our formal wardrobe, and what better to do that than with a little black dress? An LBD should be a staple in every woman’s wardrobe, shouldn’t it? And we lost our hearts to the Black Puff Sleeve Twist Detail Bodycon Dress. This dress comes in a dreamy black 100% polyester material which felt really sexy and smooth on our skin. What’s more, we loved the puff sleeves as they added a fair bit of drama to the dress, making it perfect for the bridal party evening planned. Moreover, the twist detailing and the asymmetric hemline only added to the dreamy yet sexy look.

How To Choose The Best Formal Dresses From Pretty Little Thing?

Fabrics

One of the most important factors when it comes to choosing such dresses is that they should be made from some or other natural fabric. These include the likes of rayon, silk, and wool, as they’re naturally wrinkle-resistant. They might be expensive, but they’re absolutely worth the investment when it comes to getting a timeless piece that we could wear for years to come. On the other hand, synthetic fabrics such as spandex, nylon, and polyester are also great choices, as they can hold their shape during travel without wrinkling.

Occasion

Next, you need to consider the formality of the event and then choose a silhouette that goes along with the vibe. Are you attending the opera? Think wrap or a-line gowns. On the other hand, if you’re attending an engagement party or are joining the bride for a night out on the town, the fit-and-flare and sheath dresses work wonders. You also need to consider the fabric here. For instance, embellished dresses are best left to pubs, lounges, and upscale restaurants, while dresses worn for more formal occasions like a sit-down dinner or the opera should be free from embellishments. 

Comfort and style

Finally, we come to two of the most important factors when it comes to choosing any clothes – style, and comfort. We wanted to walk that fine line between showcasing our personal style and still feeling comfortable enough in the formal dress to be able to dance, eat a meal, and sit down. So, we paid attention to embellishments, textures, and details that could make or break our experience of wearing the dress.

You might also want to check out the best travel shoes Pretty Little Thing offers!

How do I pack a wrinkle-resistant dress?

While true wrinkle-resistant dresses won’t take on any lines or creases, you don’t want to take a chance, do you? Roll it and secure it in a packing cube so it doesn’t move around.

What should a woman wear to a formal dinner?

Your best bet is a tea/floor-length A-line or column style gown. Not only is that sophisticated, but also it’s chic and well-tailored.

How can I look good in a formal dress?

Getting the right fit is a game-changer when it comes to formal dresses. So, ensure that you invest in the right brand and fit.

Some images on this article are copyrighted by Pretty Little Thing.