A French Woman Goes on Vacation: Here Are the 16 Dress Styles in Her Suitcase

a collage of French women in vacation

Not to sound cliché, but there's something so reinvigorating about summertime. Maybe it's the warmer weather, but I suspect that it's deeper than that. Summer allows us to not only embrace change but desire it. It acts as a permission slip for many to finally switch things up and adopt a new beauty regime, do a deep closet cleanout, or even book a vacation. And while I'll never deny the power of a few wardrobe updates, I'd be lying if I didn't say that the prospect of travel is one of the best parts of summer.

There's something to be said about how revitalizing it can be to step outside your daily routine, no matter where you go. But to fully reap the benefits of this time off, you must be intentional about what you choose to pack. After all, no one wants to pay insane baggage fees only to realize upon landing that they have mispacked entirely. So, how does one avoid this mishap? First, you'll want to identify a few staples you can wear throughout your trip. While those items will vary depending upon your destination, there are some universal staples you can rely upon, like a great swimsuit, linen trousers, or sandals. But the safest piece you can pack is a dress.

They are the secret to looking stylish sans effort; it's why many world travelers (including many French women) continuously pack them for trips. But if you're unsure of what kind of dress is worth the space in your suitcase, you'll want to keep reading. Through scouring Instagram, I identified 15 types of dresses French women regularly pack for trips. You won't want to pack every style listed ahead—no one has that much baggage space, and you should consider your travel needs and personal style. However, they're a great starting point for renewing your relationship with packing.

1. Colorful Linen Dress

french-approved vacation dresses shown on a woman wearing a colorful pink linen dress with a beaded shoulder bag

(Image credit: @juliesfi)

So what's one style you'll find in French women's suitcases most of the time? Colorful linen dresses. The style is ideal for warm-weather destinations (as the lightweight linen is breathable), while the vibrant hues allow them to stand out in a sea of tourists.

2. A Day-to-Night Dress

french-approved vacation dresses shown on a woman wearing a day-to-night white slip dress with white flip flops and a white bag

(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

One rule of thumb you should always follow when traveling is to have items that can be styled more than one way. And a way to adhere to that trick is to opt for a dress that lends itself to being transitional from day to night. Ideally, it's a style (like a cutout dress) that you could wear with flip-flops for a day excursion and with heeled sandals for a night out.

3. Punchy Printed Dress

french-approved vacation dresses shown on a woman wearing a printed halter dress with gold earrings at the beach

(Image credit: @emnitta)

What better way to elude to being on vacation than wearing a dress that's got a punchy nature-inspired print? Sure, it may be kitchy, but if you're visiting the Mediterranean but choosing to wear a seashell print dress by the seashore, it's camp.

4. Breezy White Dress

french-approved vacation dresses shown on a woman wearing a white breezy maxi dress with oversized black sunglasses

(Image credit: @lenafarl)

When you want to spend your entire trip relaxing, there's no better item to pack than a breezy white dress. Just be sure to opt for a flattering waistline, neckline, or innate design details to make it feel vacation-worthy.

5.Shirt Dress

french-approved vacation dresses shown on a woman wearing a floral shirt dress with white sandals

(Image credit: @vikilefevre)

If you're looking to invest in items you can re-wear long after you return from your trip, you'll want to consider the shirt dress. A beloved style among the French fashion set, it comes in everything from versions with vintage-inspired necklines and floral prints to classic oversized preppy poplin shift dresses, making it the most versatile piece you can buy.

6.Knit Dress

french-approved vacation dresses shown on a woman wearing a white knit maxi dress on a boat

(Image credit: @annelauremais)

You thought you'd have to pack away your knit dresses until next fall? Think again. Knitted dresses are the ideal piece to pack for a chillier destination or for layering over swimwear. Just be sure to opt for a ribbed or lighter knit version so you're not breaking a sweat.

7.Slip Dress

french-approved vacation dresses shown on a woman wearing a orange slip maxi dress

(Image credit: @andi_mun)

You can never go wrong with a slip dress when in doubt. Not only are they comfortable and versatile, but because they're a beloved warm-weather staple, you will likely own one in the back of your closet. But should you find that the version of this style you own doesn't feel "dramatic" enough for those vacation grams, you can buy one with a vibrant hue, print, or luxe fabrication to elevate it.

8. Pretty Minidress

french-approved vacation dresses shown on a woman wearing a pretty brown ruched mini dress with thong sandals

(Image credit: @tamaramory)

Planning a vacation during the peak of summer? Then you'll want to make sure you find a minidress to take with you. The key to making this ubiquitous style feel vacation-ready is by opting for versions with pretty details like ruching, bows, ruffles, and rosettes.

9. A Modest Dress

french-approved vacation dresses shown on a woman wearing a modest white maxi dress with a raffia hat and black mules

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

While summer may illicit fantasies around wearing as few layers as possible, one of the biggest traveling packing faux pas you can make is not considering local customs. Whether you're visiting a more conservative country or a place of worship, it's essential to be respectful and opt for more modest pieces. It will ensure you're not only honoring the traditions of the place you're visiting but will make you feel comfortable too.

10.Crochet Dress

french-approved vacation dresses shown on a woman wearing a crochet dress over a white swimsuit on the beach

(Image credit: @melodiebance)

Crochet is a quientessital part of any warm-weather wardrobe, even more so when packing for a holiday. The style is ideal for laying over a swimsuit after you've taken a dip or dressing up for an evening out on the town.

11. Strapless Dress

french-approved vacation dresses shown on a woman wearing a strapless tube dress in a colorful print with a black handbag

(Image credit: @jullie.jeine)

Mark my words: Tube dress will be what every stylish woman wears on vacation this year. Not only have we regularly seen French women don this style, but the '90s-inspired neckline also dominated the runways, making it prime for takeoff this summer.

12. Drop-Waist Dress

french-approved vacation dresses shown on a woman wearing a white drop waist dress with black heeled sandals

(Image credit: @louloudesaison)

Another style that cropped up on the runway and is sure to be spotted at every resort this summer? Drop-waist dresses. The style is a perennial favorite among the French fashion set because the silhouette is as stylish as it is effortless.

13. Statement Maxi Dress

french-approved vacation dresses shown on a woman wearing a purple print statement maxi dress on the beach

(Image credit: @slipintostyle)

One of the best things about traveling (besides soaking in the sights, sounds, and culture) is that you can be more explorative with your style. After all, you're in a new place, so why not embrace something a bit bolder, perhaps a statement maxi dress? It's a style that stylish women always pack on their trips because it's fun and looks great in photos.

14. Halter Dress

french-approved vacation dresses shown on a woman wearing a brown halter dress with a raffia tote bag

(Image credit: @pia_mbd)

Not into the dramatic antics? Or just can't fit an oversize maxi dress into your carry-on? A more practical style you can pack is a halter dress. Whether you opt for this silhouette in a neutral hue or unique print, it's an approachable piece that won't make you stand out as a tourist.

15. Off-the-Shoulder Dress

french-approved vacation dresses shown on a woman wearing a white off-the-shoulder dress

(Image credit: @frannfyne)

Another elegant style that French women rely on to look good while traveling? Off-the-shoulder dresses. While it's not for everyone (after all, it requires you to go braless or have the right undergarments), it's a silhouette that, if styled right, feels effortless.

16. Swimsuit Cover-Up

french-approved vacation dresses shown on a woman wearing a sheer swimsuit coverup in chocolate brown over a bikini with heeled sandals

(Image credit: @styleheroine)

Last but certainly not least, we'd be remiss if we didn't at least touch on the universal type of dress you can find in suitcases: the swimsuit cover-up. Whether planning a boat trip on Lake Cuomo, heading to Tulum, or driving a few hours to a local beach, this dress style is worth packing. It's the most versatile piece you can take with you, both in where it can be taken and in all the different iterations it can be found in. It fits the golden rule of packing: functionality. Sure, so many pieces follow this rule, but none take up more space in the suitcase of women (French or otherwise) than this piece—it is the vacation dress every time.

This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
Editor

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a fashion editor living in New York City. What began as a hobby (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a career dedicated to storytelling through various forms of digital media. She started her career at the print publication 303 Magazine, where she wrote stories, helped produce photo shoots, and planned Denver Fashion Week. After moving to Los Angeles, she worked as MyDomaine's social media editor until she was promoted to work across all of Clique's publications (MyDomaine, Byrdie, and Who What Wear) as the community manager. Over the past few years, Jasmine has worked on Who What Wear's editorial team, using her extensive background to champion rising BIPOC designers, weigh in on viral trends, and profile stars such as Janet Mock and Victoria Monét. She is especially interested in exploring how art, fashion, and pop culture intersect online and IRL.