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Really Good Spring Break/Vacation Dresses
It’s 60 degrees and sunny in Portland (February 28th) so people are in shorts and drinking margaritas (I’m cutting out early at 3 pm to go on a long family bike ride along the river). And while we have a couple more months of potential rain up here, I know a lot of people go to the sun for spring break (including us – we are off to Belize with the kids which I’m INCREDIBLY excited and grateful for – never been and the personal reviews from so many people have me pumped). When we went to Costa Rica for Spring break a couple years ago, I didn’t bring the right humidity-friendly clothes – too many jean shorts which is decidedly not what you want to wear when it’s 90 percent humidity. And yet at night you don’t want to just sit in a tiny dress at dinner. So I did shop a bit and after trying on many many dresses, these were the four that I thought were worth recommending. Here you go :)
This was my #1 – so soft and drapey, thin (but not see through), drawstring but not tight, flattering but not fitted. I have been shopping and wearing Emerson Fry since before DesignStar (budget depending) and it’s just such high quality made in America stuff that is so timeless and lasts. The prints say “spring/summer/vacation” without just screaming “TROPICAL RESORT” so I think I can also wear this all summer long up here. So flattering, such good details with the stitching – a 10/10. Oh, and I have found that with the bugs it’s actually nice to be more covered up at night for dinner.
Aubergine Sannar Dress | Sandals | Purse (unavailable)
I loved the color and pattern of this dress – with big balloon sleeves. This one is a bit warmer (still cotton, just slightly thicker) and yet still drapes really well (not too stiff). It has pockets, too. Definitely a great boho dress all spring/summer, especially if you live in one of the southern states.
Blush Striped Bouquet Long Sleeve Salty Paloma Caftan | Sandals
I was surprised how flattering this dress is for being really voluminous. Because I have bigger ladies, these types of dresses don’t always work on me (just where the umpire seam hits at the mid-boob) but this one was fitted enough in the armpits, and the seam was low enough that it falls really well into the tiered skirt. I don’t need all four of these so I’m still deciding between this one and the brighter pink one – literally can’t decide!!
This one is so fun and swingy – with pockets and a low V. My only issue with this (and why I decided to return it) is that the V comes so low into a drawstring that you either have to not wear a bra, wear a pretty showy bra or wear a swimsuit underneath. Here I’m not wearing a bra because the one I had on yesterday was NOT a pretty showy bra (flesh toned and meh), and that 5 minutes of shooting this bra-less felt VERY scandalous :) No thank you! But it’s a really pretty dress and comes in a pink color as well.
Ok, this is such a fun look, but pretty specific, ie, very resortwear. People love Farm Rio and I do, too! But I find that I simply don’t have enough opportunity to wear this type of look in Portland (and the set together is expensive). This does scream resort or SoCal summer and it’s undeniably cute, but I don’t think I have the lifestyle to support wearing it enough to spend the money (and have it take up real estate in my closet). But if you are going on vacation and want a cute set to show off – I LOVED THIS. Oh be warned, I ordered a small top (which fit great – so good over a suit) and a medium bottom and the bottom still cuts in too much in the waist for me.
All in all, I’ve learned that I don’t really wear very cute “looks” on these more kid-focused adventure jungle vacations. It’s a lot of playable swim suits, cute swim shorts, and Tevas, then loose clothes at night that don’t stick to me, so I’ll likely bring that first dress for dinners and I’ll wear it over and over :) We are so excited to explore some Mayan ruins, zip line, snorkel, and do lots of cave exploration (i.e, I’m not bringing any platform sandals on this one). Let me know if you want me to do a recap on the Belize trip – I never did a Costa Rica blog post, actually, so if you want our itinerary from that trip let me know and I’ll share (it was a 15/10 itinerary, BTW – the entire family loved every second of it – thus us going back to a similar vibe, but with ruins and Caribbean waters instead). Often recapping these trips feels braggy so I kinda avoid it but I also know how helpful it is so share our experience in case you are planning yours (and these beautiful countries are still really affordable once you get down there.)
We rounded up more vacation dresses for you – Sandals, Affordable Spring basics, and “New Spring Refreshingly Good Head to Toe Denim” posts are coming soon…
Love the colors and the mix of prints! The reviews say the fabric is lightweight, but there are differing views on whether or not you need a slip if you want to use it more than a vacation cover up:) So pretty regardless and also worth a slip purchase if needed!
Waist-Defined Puff-Sleeve Midi Dress
This might be a little more “spring” than “spring break” but either way it’s so pretty! For only $42 you get the chinching, the puff sleeves and that beautiful pink color. But if pink isn’t your thing, it comes in two other colors.
Now this screams spring break. That bold pattern is extremely fun and the green is so bright and happy. Did I mention it’s only $35 and comes in two other colors? This colorway is decidedly the most “vacation-y” but all of them are fun.
Puff-Sleeve Printed Midi Dress
Such a pretty Farm Rio dress that could effortlessly work for both a vacation and a fun spring event. The colors feel fun but not too bold and the pattern is just so beautiful.
Boho Cover-Up Tunic Dress | Floral Mini Kaftan
If you like a shorter cover-up, both of these are great! I love how the colors are the main event for the one on the left while the pattern is the statement for the one on the right. You can’t really miss with either.
This one looks very chic and sophisticated but it’s only $45. A steal! This is great for someone is who doesn’t love super bright colors but sill wants a classic vacation look.
The Carolita Printed Tiered Shirt Dress
Oh, this one is good. And from the over 300 reviews giving it over 4 stars, we are correct in our assessment. The warm pink strips are so pretty and the added orange accents make it “vacation”. Love it.
Another super affordable ($30) spring/spring break dress! A belt is always a nice option for some shape too. That print is really good.
For my simple stripe lovers, this dress is for you. It’s so versatile and could go from the office to the beach to brunch with a change of a few accessories and shoes. It comes in two other colors if you prefer a solid color.
Eyelet Embroidered Shirt Dress | Elena Puff-Sleeve Dress
I wanted to throw in a couple more slightly “formal spring” options because they were pretty and some of us need those too. That white eyelet dress is so pretty and under $100! Then the print and shape of the floral dress is real good. Perfect for Easter, a spring trip to Europe, or any other slightly dressier occasion:)
Hope this was helpful. xx
*Photos by Kaitlin Green
The Lucy 4 dress looks incredible on you. Better than on the model on their website.
Yes please recapping vacations! I don’t think it’s bragging at all, it’s helping families with younger kids (me!) make sure we don’t waste our time/energy on a vacation that won’t work for us! One vote yes!
Yes I’ll second this! Love trip recaps, especially when I can’t travel at the moment it’s fun to read about others’ trips and Emily you always share so thoughtfully.
Another vote for yes, please share! I would very much appreciate an itinerary so I don’t have to do as much research myself!
agreed!
Agree! Would love for someone else to do the recon and I can know if would work for my crew too!
Yes! Completely agree! Would love a vacation recap! I am specifically interested in visiting Belize with my kids, so activities and places to stay would be so helpful
and fun to to read!
Yes ! I’ve been waiting to hear about your Costa Rica trip and wondering if I had missed it! I’ve always wanted to go to Belize too! Have a very fun and (yet somehow) relaxing vacation!!
The first dress looks like it was made for you, but they are all lovely ?
emily! you look *lovely* in warm colors. i hope you keep experimenting with them!
Omg. Love it!!!!!!! These are my fashion favorite posts…. Where it’s channeling a little Ulla Johnson. Inspired! Thank you.
A thought: maybe you’ll share a little about your eyelashes. I’m thinking of taking the leap but would really value your onion.
I’m still hoping you’d share what you did in Kauai too! Would absolutely love a recap from Costa Rica (and Belize)! I hope most can recognize it’s not you bragging but sharing what worked well and was enjoyable for your family/kids and I’m here for it!
Which sandals are most comfortable and not too “roomy” on the top ? Thank you!
Would love a Costa Rica recap!
In light of the shameful treatment given President Zelenskyy yesterday, thank you for giving us a hopeful and pretty smile to brighten our day. Sharing photos of your trip would be so welcome and learning more about Belize would be something new, too.
Yes! Please recap your trips. Leaving soon for Costa Rica and planning to take denim shorts until I read this post. I’m so glad you talked about the humidity. And also, I would love to hear what your family enjoyed there last year. Most of our trip is planned but we have some room for spontaneity.
Thank you!
For the Canadians in the crowd who may be looking to buycott US companies as part of our response to Trump’s treatment of Canada right now, here are a couple of non-US companies that also sell similar dresses:
Daughters of India out of Australia
April Cornell based in Canada
I’d love to hear if anyone has others to recommend.
Bohemian Traders, Spell, Kivari and Auguste the Label are all Aussie labels who sell these kinds of styles or dresses xx
Etsy has DOI dupes… they are customisable…. I had the lapel lengthened so it didn’t cut off mid-breast the way Emily was saying that hers did. It looks far more flattering!
Super dreamy. My husband is a federal worker and we are scared right now, so no vacation this year but I will happily live vicariously through you!
Yes vacay recap!
Love the dresses, and I’d love to hear more about your family vacations!
I would love vacation recaps, past and present. Thanks for this roundup of spring dresses.
You look beautiful in all of them. The first is my favorite on you though! And yes, I’d love to have a Costa Rica and Belize recap!
Yes to family vacation recaps! I have 3 kids and always curious and interested in hearing other families and their vacation experiences. :) Thanks in advance!
The first two dresses look amazing on you! Would love to hear about your trips too :)
One vote of no for the trips – maybe on Insta? I work so hard, have a “good” job that “should” pay a lot and struggle to get by. Putting off healthcare that we can’t afford. It’s so sad to see others doing what I had wanted to do for my family.
Aww, but you don’t need to spend a ton or even go to a different country to have a great vacation. Plan an awesome local staycation or visit a nearby state. The US is one of the most geographically diverse countries in the world. So many awesome National Parks.
The orchid and blush colors are so pretty and the styles are so fun and effortless on Emily. It is helpful seeing them on the body for the silhouette and how the fabric drapes.