When I’m getting ready for a beach trip, I always start with dresses. I don’t know why, but they set the mood for the whole holiday. Light, airy, easy. The kind you can toss on after a swim or wear to dinner without changing a thing.
Over the years I’ve realised I don’t need ten different outfits. I really only need three. Three good pieces that feel comfortable and make me feel like I’ve already slipped into holiday mode. So if you’re packing soon, here are the only beach dresses I think are truly worth bringing along.
1. The Maxi Beach Dress for Long, Slow Days
A long dress is always the first thing I pack. Something floaty that catches the breeze and makes you feel like you’ve already stepped into holiday mode.
For me, the Paloma Maxi Dress does that perfectly. The rayon feels soft on the skin and the colours remind me of warm afternoons when the light goes a bit golden. It moves so nicely when you walk too, almost like it follows the wind.
Wear it with simple slides during the day. At night you can just add earrings or put your hair up and it suddenly feels polished enough for dinner. That’s the part I love about a good beach dress. It’s simple, but it somehow does a lot for you.
2. A Midi Beach Dress With a Little Mediterranean Charm
A midi is always my “walk around and explore” dress. Easy length, comfortable fit, and just enough style that you still feel nice in photos.
The Capri Mosaic Dress has become exactly that for me. The print looks like something you’d find on tiles in a tiny coastal town. Warm colours, a bit artsy, and very summery. The rayon linen blend keeps it cool but not flimsy.
I love the shape too. The tie belt gives a bit of waist without feeling tight. It’s the sort of beach dress you can wear wandering along the pier or sitting in a café with an iced drink. And it still looks lovely if you head straight to dinner afterward.
3. The Everyday Shirt Beach Dress You’ll Use More Than You Expect
I always bring a shirt-style dress because they’re practical and somehow still look cute. The Citrina Midi Shirt Dress is exactly that. Soft cotton, pockets, a fun lemon print. It’s cheerful without trying too hard.
It's perfect for summers as a cover-up, then again for brunch the next day. It’s that kind of piece. Just easy. The sleeves sit softly on the arm and the curved hem gives it a bit of movement when you walk.
This one never stays folded for long. You can wear it on days when you don’t want to think too hard about what to put on. That’s usually the sign of a great beach dress.
A Small Packing Tip
If you want to keep your suitcase light, choose dresses you can wear more than once without feeling like you’re repeating an outfit. A simple mix of a maxi, a midi, and a shirt dress can cover almost everything. And if they’re made from breathable fabrics, you won’t miss the extra pieces you didn’t pack.
Simple, easy, and holiday ready.
Love,
Megs xx
