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The fall dress aisle is having a shake-up this season, and this is good news for travelers. The bodycon bandage numbers and ruffle-heavy styles that once felt trendy now read more costume than chic. They’re tricky to pack, uncomfortable while on the move, and don’t layer well once the weather turns crisp. What’s taking their place? Travel dresses that are streamlined, comfortable, and designed to actually live in—whether that means a ribbed sweater dress styled with knee-high boots or a satin slip dress layered under a chunky knit.
And because retailers know we’re looking for versatile staples, the season’s best options are showing up everywhere—from Quince, Nordstrom, J. Crew, and more. These aren’t just pieces you’ll wear once; they’re the kind of dresses that take you from the plane to a dinner reservation, from cobblestone strolls to cozy fall weekends at home. Ahead, you’ll find the five styles we’re hanging up this season, and the elevated picks we’re happily packing instead, starting at just $25.
Shop This, Not That
- Bandage dresses are out; instead, buy: Prettygarden Sweater Dress$38 (originally $40)
- Tiered maxi dresses are out; instead, buy: Quince Slip Dress$90
- Strapless dresses are out; instead, buy: Splendid Rib Turtleneck Dress$98
- Overly busy prints are out; instead, buy: Madewell Denim V-neck Midi Dress$118 (originally $168)
- Corset dresses are out; instead, buy: Zesica Drop-waist Maxi Dress$46
Out: Bandage Dresses
In: Ribbed Sweater Dresses
The skin-tight bandage dress has lost its grip, reading more dated than daring—not to mention uncomfortable and tricky to style. Ribbed sweater dresses are the modern alternative: they’re sleek, flattering, and infinitely easier to wear. With soft stretch and vertical lines, they skim the body instead of squeezing it, making them an easy pick for travel days when you want polish without fuss. Pair one with tall boots for a Paris stroll, or slip a leather jacket on top for dinner in New York. The Prettygarden Sweater Dressjust $36, comes with playful flared sleeves that look chic with kitten heels, while Banana Republic’s collared style leans preppy and is nearly half off.
Out: Tiered Maxi dresses
In: Sleek Slip dresses
The ruffle-heavy tiered maxi is being replaced by the slip dresswhich feels sleeker and more modern this fall. With clean lines and a touch of ’90s nostalgia, slip dresses layer beautifully under knits, blazers, and faux furs—plus they’re endlessly packable. The style can go from a casual stroll through a museum with sneakers and a tee layered underneath to a candlelit dinner in Rome with heels and statement jewelry. Try Old Navy’s feminine silhouette, J.Crew’s floral takeor Aritzia’s Cinnamon Satin Dresswhich could have stepped straight out of a Sex and the City scene.
Out: Strapless Dresses
In: Turtleneck Dresses
Strapless dresses often come with constant adjusting—never ideal for a night out or a trip. This fall, turtleneck dresses bring the comfort, structure, and elegance strapless styles lack. Sleek and elongating, they work as the perfect base for layered outfits, offering warmth without sacrificing style. Wear one with sneakers and a trench for a day of sightseeing, then swap in tall boots and a blazer for dinner. Adding a belt changes the look completely, making it a versatile piece to rewear throughout your trip.
Out: Overly Busy Prints
In: Luxe Natural Fabrics
Maximalist prints are losing their edge this season, giving way to dresses that shine through fabric choice instead. Denim, corduroy, leather, and suede styles bring depth and sophistication, elevating even the simplest styles. They also play beautifully together—a corduroy mini under a denim jacket, or a leather dress paired with suede boots. Unlike animal prints or stripes that ebb in and out of style, these textures are timeless and easy to pack. Madewell’s Denim V-neck Midi Dress is a steal at 30 percent off, while Tuckernuck’s Suede Mini Dress is an understated showstopper.
Out: Corset Dress
In: Drop-waist Dress
Corset-inspired dresses have had their run, but the rigid structure is fading in favor of something more fluid. Drop-waist dresses feel fresh this fall, nodding to their flapper-era roots while delivering modern ease. The lower waistline elongates the body and offers a more comfortable fit—ideal for travel when you want both style and movement. The Lioness Maxi Dress makes a chic wedding guest dress, Anthropologie’s Maeve Drop-waist Maxi looks polished under a peacoat, and the Zesica version makes date-night dressing effortless.
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