Vacation or Not, You Need a Tropical Dress This Summer (2024)

If you plan on sipping an ice-cold drink out of a coconut this summer, this one’s for you. The island aesthetic—palm trees, bold florals, and open-weave knits—is taking over this summer, but it’s not only relegated to vacation. Tropical dresses, while great for any upcoming visits you have planned to a white-sand beach, also happen to embrace a bold summer vibe that works just as well for occasions at home. And thanks to brands like Louisa Ballou and Johanna Ortiz that create collections focused specifically on vacationwear, it’s easy to find the look that’s right for the type of trip you consider ideal—whether it’s beachside with a mai tai or turning it up on the dance floor.

When it comes to a dress fitting for a trip somewhere close to the equator, there are a few key conditions to keep in mind. Firstly, you want lightweight materials—mesh, cotton, and linen—that will stop you from getting sweaty, even in the most humid of locales. You’ll also want to consider roomier silhouettes (perhaps even a caftan) that don’t hug so snugly to the skin, ideal for throwing on over a swimsuit or dressing up for a formal beachside occasion. Lastly, playing into the aesthetic means embracing the tropical vibe by way of bold prints and colors. This summer you won’t be playing it safe. Ahead, shop six tropical-dress styles to help you embrace the aesthetic, whether you’re on island time or still sticking to your city schedule.

Hot Nights

For those summer evenings when it stays sticky well past midnight, you need a dress that can handle a few hours of sweaty dancing. These lightweight options, both mini and midi length, feel right at home on the dance floor.

Roomy Caftans

Want to embrace the luxuriously loungy lifestyle? There’s nothing like the caftan to help you pull it off. These roomy dresses make a great beach cover-up and allow your skin to feel that summer breeze whenever it arrives.

Tropical-Wedding Guest

If you’ve RSVP’d yes to a destination wedding somewhere warm, you need a dress that fits the dress code for the ceremony and celebration but still has a tropical feel. Look for longer silhouettes with playful tropical prints.

Comfy Cotton Dresses

Cotton is an ideal material for a trip to the tropics because it’s breathable and will dry quickly if you happen to get a little sweaty. You can opt for polished silhouettes and fun colors while still maintaining a relaxed air.

Breezy Crochet

Let a little air in by way of a luxe crochet design. These dresses make for ideal swimsuit cover-ups if you’re planning to grab a drink post-beach. They’re playful and show just the right amount of skin.

White Hot

When you’re not feeling the look of a bold print, the best alternative to pulling off the tropical aesthetic is with a white look, be it lacy, cutout, or cropped. A lightweight white dress is a versatile vacation piece that you can easily dress up or down.