12 Timeless Maxi Dresses to Travel With This Spring — All Under $100

As the weather gets warmer, we inch closer to my favorite season of all: Maxi dress season. This style stole my heart several years ago when I realized that a longer hem would mitigate my fears of the wind blowing up my skirt, and since then I have never turned back. Over the years I’ve also learned that maxi dresses are practically made for traveling since they allow for a free range of motion during sightseeing excursions, so every spring I begin the search for my new favorite.

Below, I’ve rounded up the 12 maxi dresses I’m eyeing this spring from retailers like Madewell, Everlane, Abercrombie, and more. Some I already own (and can speak to their unparalleled comfort), and some I’m merely coveting, but all boast a price tag of under $100. Go ahead, treat yourself.

The Drop Women’s Britt Tiered Maxi Tent Dress 

I picked up this dress last summer on a whim, and it quickly became my go-to piece to wear everywhere from my birthday picnic in Central Park to sightseeing along the coast of Portugal. The tiered design moves and flows with every step, never leaving me feeling restricted or confined by too-tight material, while the ultra-soft fabric is comfy enough to wear on the warmest days (without sweating through it). Pockets on the side of the dress may seem like an obvious highlight, but being on the shorter side height-wise, I was thrilled to find that it also features adjustable straps which single-handedly ensured that I didn’t trip on fabric pooling at my feet.

The Group by Babaton Wellbeing Linen Dress

A new addition to my closet for the spring, this white maxi dress is giving Midsommar without the horror, and I can’t wait to pack it for an upcoming bachelorette trip at the end of the month. Flowing, relaxed materials are excellent for traveling since they’re effortlessly beautiful without restricting movement, and this linen dress is primed to be the piece of the season in terms of comfort and versatility. The scoop back of this dress is a stunning touch on an otherwise simple piece, and with three shades to choose from (I opted for blue), you can’t go wrong.

Anrabess Women’s Casual Loose Maxi Dress With Pockets

The right maxi dress can transition you from a day of sightseeing to a nice dinner out on the town without ever needing to change, and this stunning floral option from Anrabess does just that. The simple, loose-fitting design offers full-day comfort, while a slit in the side ensures that the skirt will never trip you up while embarking on a walking tour. A blend of rayon, polyester, and spandex ensures that the dress is breathable and stretchy, while simultaneously resisting wrinkles no matter how long it’s packed in your suitcase.

Madewell Rib-Knit Sleeveless Maxi Dress

The beauty of this maxi dress from Madewell is that it’s the ideal shape to be worn alone or layered under a cardigan or button-down shirt, confirming that it will be a versatile and often-reached-for addition to your closet this spring. A best-seller on the site, the gorgeous lavender shade is currently on sale for $56, making now an ideal time to get ahead on securing your warmer-weather outfits. The flattering shape will hug your every curve with ease, while a polyester and elastane blend makes it the wrinkle-free travel dress of your dreams.

Madewell Lightestpun Cover-Up Maxi Shirtdress

This ultra-light shirtdress may look like a basic maxi upon first glance, but it can also double as your new favorite beach cover-up during the warmer months, bringing elegance to the seaside. Designed from high-quality cotton, this floor-length dress features a slight collar, billowing short sleeves, and buttons down the front that add stunning detailing to this timeless piece. Even if you don’t have a trip to the Amalfi Coast or a Greek island on the horizon, it’s safe to say that this dress will make any destination feel luxe.

Prettygarden Women’s Boho Maxi Dress

If you look up “perfect spring dress” in the dictionary, don’t be surprised if this dress is the first picture to come up. Featuring a wrap fixture alongside a breezy, ruffled skirt, this bohemian number is a dream to wear while quickly running errands, heading out on a walking tour, or even meeting a friend for a nice lunch. This maxi dress can be dressed up or down depending on which shoes you opt for (you can’t go wrong with these timeless sneakers from Cariuma), and a polyester and spandex blend means it will pack well while resisting wrinkles. After earning more than 6,900 five-star ratings at Amazon, it’s safe to say that this is going to be a favorite in your wardrobe this season.

Everlane The Satin V-Neck Maxi Dress

Everlane never fails to create the most timeless pieces for every season, and as evidence of this, the satin V-neck maxi dress immediately caught my eye when I spied it on the site. A billowing skirt adds visual interest to this basic black sheath, while the neckline shows off a hint of collarbone without being too revealing. Whether you choose to wear it with an oversized denim jacket or a more fitted cardigan, you’re sure to get plenty of wear out of this gorgeous dress this spring and summer — and right now it’s even on sale for a whopping 60 percent off. 

Everlane The Hammered Satin Slip Dress

This satin slip dress will help you to achieve a slightly more sultry nighttime look, all while hardly taking up any real estate in your suitcase. The minimalist design is great for travelers looking to load up their wardrobe with easy, breezy basics, but the dress can also be elevated with a pair of heels and an oversized blazer for a night out on the town. Not to mention that a 60 percent off discount brings the price down to just $47 for a limited time, with sizes ranging from 00 to 16.

ASTR the Label Tie Back Puff Sleeve Midi Dress

A wide open back and a gorgeous flouncy skirt are just two of the reasons that I can’t get enough of this perfect spring dress, and I’m almost positive that it was designed for frolicking through a European meadow — a fantasy that I’ll hopefully be able to fulfill this season. Dainty puff sleeves are a charming touch on this spring essential, and the timeless cream shade is even on sale for 25 percent off right now, making it easier than ever to justify expanding your seasonal wardrobe. It certainly helps that the dress has earned an impressive 4.4-star rating at Nordstrom, with even pregnant shoppers speaking to the comfort and flattering fit of the design.

Max Studio London Smocked Tiered Maxi Dress

This ethereal smocked maxi dress from Nordstrom Rack is currently on sale for a staggering 68 percent off, and thanks to its slightly stretchy cotton design and lined interior, it’s set to become one of the most wearable items in your closet for the coming months. Whether you’re headed out for brunch, the beach, or a walking tour of a new city, this dress can do it all — and yes, it even has pockets. 

Abercrombie Lounge Long-Sleeve Maxi Dress

If you are looking for something a little more form-fitting, this long-sleeve dress from Abercrombie will fit the bill while maintaining the comfort that’s essential to any item you’re packing for your travels. The arm coverage that this dress provides makes it well-suited for the unpredictable temperatures of the spring (and even keeping you warm in an air-conditioned restaurant), and the classic shape and solid color make it easy to be dressed up with strappy heels or down with sneakers, speaking to its versatility. Right now, the dress is even on clearance for a mere $27, so you’ll want to act fast before it’s gone for good.

Abercrombie Trapeze Maxi Dress

Your vacation packing list for spring won’t be complete without the addition of this maxi dress to your suitcase — especially when you factor in the bold pattern, high-quality cotton fabric, and $70 sale price tag. Adjustable tie straps make this dress well-suited for a wide variety of travelers, and it’s even available in petite, regular, and tall sizes so you can score a great fit regardless of your height. Your next picnic in the park, day of exploring, or morning of running errands will be taken to new heights with this piece hanging in your closet at the ready. Now, just get ready for the compliments that are heading your way.

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