10 Multi-Functional Dresses for Simple Packing and Styling

Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.

After interning at SmarterTravel, Ashley joined the team full time in 2015. She's lived on three continents, but still never knows where her next adventure will take her. She's always searching for upcoming destination hotspots, secluded retreats, and hidden gems to share with the world.

Ashley's stories have been featured online on USA Today, Business Insider, TripAdvisor, Huffington Post, Jetsetter, and Yahoo! Travel, as well as other publications.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A reusable filtered water bottle—it saves you money, keeps you hydrated, and eliminates waste—win-win."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "A week in a bamboo beach hut on India's Andaman Islands."

Travel Motto: "Travel light, often, and in good company."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window—best view in the house."

See recent posts by Ashley Rossi

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From UPF-protecting fabric to length changing hemlines, these 10 dresses have more than one travel-specific feature and don’t sacrifice style. Pack them and you’ll save both space and money since you won’t have to pack extra clothing and gear.

Stylish Multi-Functional Dresses

These 10 multi-functional dresses deserve a spot in your suitcase for their multi-functional features and cool style.

Nau Short Sleeve Twisted Shirtdress

If you’re headed somewhere where you’ll need sun protection, pack the Nau Short Sleeve Twisted Shirtdress. This multi-functional dress is made with Tencel Sun fabric (UPF 30+) that’s also moisture-wicking and sourced responsibly, you don’t have to worry about sweating off sunscreen.

Lululemon Cinch-It Dress

With an adjustable cinch up the side of this dress by Lululemon, you can customize your length to suit your body and/or the occasion. The black cherry color pairs well with neutrals but adds some color to your travel wardrobe.

Alternative Apparel Eco-Jersey Striped Pocket T-Shirt Dress

multi-functional dress eco-friendly — Alternative Apparel

This super-soft multi-functional dress by Alternative Apparel is great for sleeping, travel days, or can be warmed up with tights or leggings. Style it with a blazer, booties, or trendy cardigan for a night out, or take advantage of its deep pockets that’ll fit a phone and passport on the days you’re traveling.

Allen Allen 3/4 Sleeve Tie-Dye Dress

Wear this linen dress as a shirt, bathing suit cover-up, or standalone dress. The shorter length makes it great to pair with jeans or slacks, and pockets are always a welcome addition for travelers.

Puma Golf Dress

Pack this Puma Golf Dress for your resort vacation and you’ll look flawless going from the course (or courts) to pre-dinner drinks. The multi-functional dress boasts a fold-down collar, performance fabric, removable-inner shorts, and open-hand pockets.

Jen’s Pirate Booty Malva Dress

This boho chic tunic-style dress by Jen’s Pirate Booty can be worn as a bathing suit-cover up or on its own out to dinner. If the length is too short for you, add on cut-off denim shorts to complete the look.

Royal Robbins Calistoga Tunic

Great for travel days, on its own, or with leggings and jeans, this tunic dress by Royal Robbins is a traveler’s dream. The stretchy knit and boxy fit suit any body type, and the neutral color can be dressed up or down. Other notable features include a zippered pouch pocket, moisture-wicking fabric, and UPF 50+ sun protection.

Tory Burch Swimwear Clemence Convertible Dress Cover-Up

It’s a dress, skirt, and cover-up all in one. The smocked bodice and self-tie shoulder straps allow you to adjust the dress for your body, and the stylish print fabric pairs great with sandals and/or a light tank top (if worn as a skirt).

Craghoppers Insect Shield Daku Dress

Craghoppers’ Daku Dress serves many functions for travelers: It’s prepped with InsectShield and sun-protective fabric, and it’s lightweight and has moisture-control for warm and sticky climates. This multi-functional dress has five pockets, convertible long-to-short sleeves, and a drawstring waist that adds to this dress’s comfort.

Nuu-Muu Scoop Neck Dress

The A-line cut of this dress by Nuu Muu is figure-flattering for everyone, and the semi-hidden back pocket makes it even more practical for travelers. Made from soft fabric, this scoop neck dress provides coverage but can still be dressed up, down, layered, or worn for outdoor activities.

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