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

Not to sound cliché, but there's something so reinvigorating about springtime. Maybe it's the warmer weather or the blooming foliage, but I suspect that it's deeper than that. Spring 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 spring (and 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. 

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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

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Next: 20 Simple Spring Outfit Formulas Parisians Rely On to Look Chic