6 flattering vacation dresses from Nordstrom — and how to style them

Planning a spring or summer getaway? Sounds fun! But what are you going to pack? If you need a little inpso, I suggest taking a vacation dress or two with you, like these fun options I found at Nordstrom. Unlike your regular warm-weather frocks, these get-ups are usually brighter, bolder and breezier — think palm prints, bright colors and light linen fabrics. My favorite picks include everything from this flowy white cotton dress (just $39!) to a Yahoo reader-loved maxi that you’ll never want to take off.

A dress is just the first layer to any stylish look, though. Accessories like sunglasses, handbags, sandals and sweaters can give the star of the show a little extra oomph. They’re practical, too — you need a good handbag to stash your lip gloss and sunglasses to keep your eyes from squinting while you’re cruising around the Caribbean or Italian countryside. Below, l’m sharing six vacation outfit ideas that I can’t wait to try out during my travels. You can likely recreate any of these looks with items you already have at home, and if not, the links are here to shop. I love getting a new dress to wear on vacation, but a whole new outfit — well, there’s nothing better.

For seaside dinner reservations

If you usually gravitate towards navy, let me suggest a bolder shade of blue for a nighttime meal by the water. This lightweight Vince Camuto dress stands out for its “palace blue” hue and contrasting wavy details. I love that it has a smocked back for a comfortable fit. Plus, it slips over your head so there are no zippers to worry about. (FYI: Nordstrom shoppers say it runs a little big.)

I’d pair it with gold sandals, light sunnies and a white leather handbag. This Coach Jonie Bag is small, but big enough to fit the essentials, and it converts from a handheld to a crossbody. My suggestion: Leave the long strap at home and carry it like a clutch. Taking inspo from the ocean-like blue, I’d add a seashell-adorned necklace to bring the theme home.

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For happy hour by the pool

The red palm print on this Lipsy sundress is striking, but I love that you’ll still be able to wear it back home with a jean jacket and flip-flops. It features a smocked back (again, no zippers) and its cotton-linen fabric paired with the A-line ruffled skirt makes it feel extra breezy.

Add simple brown leather sandals, aviator sunglasses (only $15!) and this woven crossbody bag by Rebecca Minkoff —can’t you just taste the pińa coladas?! Oh, and these freshwater pearls add a bit of beachy glam without feeling stuffy.

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For shopping in town

When the temps rise, I’m all about throwing on something light and breezy, like this Steve Madden dress. This 100% cotton number is just $39 and comes in seven colors, but white is my go-to on extra hot days. It has a stretchy, smocked back for comfort and an elastic waist that’s uber flattering.

Wear it into the local town to pick up some souvenirs. I’d pair it with a raffia tote bag, like this one by Tory Burch, flat sandals and an ankle bracelet for some unexpected extra flair. While these transparent green sunglasses add a subtle touch of color to any look, they’ll especially pop with a neutral outfit like this one.

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For a night out on the town

If you usually reach for your little black dress come the weekend, switch things up on vacation. This linen mini in spring’s hottest color trend — butter yellow — is such a happy hue and looks way more expensive than it is. It fits like a loose shift dress, but there’s a tie in the back to make it tighter if you prefer a little more shape. Plus, wide straps allow you to wear your regular bra with it.

I’d pair it with neutral heels or sandals, a jean jacket if it gets chilly at night and some extra fun accessories. I love Staud’s beaded Tommy Bags, especially this Wildflower print. Yes, it goes with this dress perfectly, thanks to its yellow accents, but you can also wear it with jeans and a T-shirt or any other neutral outfit. Add these pearl-drop earrings with blue gemstones to play into the bags’ beading.

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For brunch at the hotel

This is the kind of print I’m talking about when I think of a vacation dress! Is it florals or corals? I don’t know, but it looks amazing in this green khaki color. This Petal & Pup number features flattering bustier-like seaming on the bodice and a sweetheart neckline that will make you feel like a princess. Of course, even princesses will appreciate the adjustable straps and elastic back for comfort!

I’d pair this dress with strappy heels for a fancy dinner or keep it casual with raffia slides, gold jewelry and a light cardigan if you need it. I’m also all about this shell-shaped handbag — a beachside getaway is the perfect spot to take this baby out.

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For a casual day in the sun

I get it: You might not want to dress up every day that you’re on vacation. Keep things casual with this stretchy, flowy Loveappella maxi dress. While it comes in four colors, the black is super slimming and versatile. Wear it on its own or over your swimsuit for a casual day by the beach or pool.

That said, if you want to zhuzh it up, I’d match this Yahoo reader favorite with Havaianas Flip-Flops (the crystal ones are too cute!), a packable hat that won’t lose its shape in your suitcase and a straw-like handbag, like this one by Madewell. These Hexagonal Ray-Ban sunglasses are also universally flattering — seriously, they look good on everyone — and like this dress, they’re a good basic you’ll want to wear again and again.

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