Elena I used to be the girl who packed five dresses for a four-day trip — just in case. But this time, I went for one carry-on, one versatile piece, and a little creativity. Honestly? I didn’t miss the chaos.
The real MVP was the Maxi Dress by Princess Polly. With its soft linen-blend fabric, fitted bodice, adjustable straps, and double lining, it felt effortless but still styled. I picked the off-white shade — it worked with everything.
From beach cafés to dressy dinners, this one dress did the most. Let’s get into the three looks I pulled together, the small surprises, and why this piece truly earned its place in my suitcase.
Look One — Post-Beach Coffee Run
This look was built on pure convenience: light layers, salty hair, and zero time to overthink it. The goal? Roll off the sand, grab an iced latte, and not look like I just wrestled a beach towel.
The Base
Straight off the lounge chair, the dress held up better than expected. The linen-blend felt breathable — even after hours under the sun — and didn’t cling in weird places. No see-through surprises either, which is saying something given the pale tone and the fact that I didn’t change underlayers.
Post-swim, the fabric didn’t crumple into a wrinkled mess, and somehow still looked intentionally relaxed. No one would’ve guessed it had been stuffed in a beach tote thirty minutes earlier.
👗The Dress That Did the Most
Survived sand, spills, and my tote. This one earned its spot.
Styling Notes
To make it feel a little more “I planned this” and less “beach aftermath,” I threw on an oversized linen button-up — the kind that doubles as a cover-up or makeshift blanket. Slipped into woven slides, grabbed my go-to tote (still filled with sunscreen and half a paperback), and called it a look.
My hair was still damp, so I pulled it into a low, messy bun. The only jewelry I added was a shell anklet I picked up from a roadside stall — because anything metal felt like a heat trap at that point.
What I’d Do Differently
If I were doing this again, I’d probably bring a soft, fabric belt to break up the silhouette — the dress hung a little too loose without it. Also, a heads-up: sand does cling to the hem, especially after a barefoot walk. Still worth it for that coffee run.
Look Two — Sunset Drinks and Dinner
Same dress, new vibe. Because I wasn’t about to pack a second maxi just for one meal — even if the restaurant had mood lighting and a wine list that read like a novella.
Quick Refresh
After a long beach day, I needed a quick turnaround. A few spritzes of dry shampoo brought my roots back to life, a sweep of bronzer gave me that “I definitely drank water today” glow, and I swapped my shell anklet for oversized earrings that caught the golden hour light just right.
I traded in the flats for heeled espadrilles — still beach-appropriate, but instantly made the look feel more intentional. It’s amazing what two extra inches can do for your confidence (and posture).
Layered Details
I used a lightweight scarf as a belt — the same one I wore in my hair earlier that day. It added a pop of color and gave the dress some definition at the waist.
To fight off the evening breeze, I grabbed a soft wrap I’d packed last-minute. It didn’t clash with the dress (neutral on neutral always wins) and actually helped pull the whole look together. I also slipped the straps slightly off one shoulder for a little nonchalant drama — the “oh, this old thing?” energy was strong.
What Surprised Me
This dress shocked me in the best way. After being tossed around all day, the fabric didn’t wrinkle. At all. No weird creases, no crumpled seams — just easy flow.
It transitioned better than some of my actual “night-out” pieces, which says a lot.
Look Three — Exploring Town
By day three, my feet were tired, my camera was fully charged, and the dress needed to multitask. This was the kind of outing where I wanted to feel cute and comfortable — because let’s be honest, cobblestones and strappy sandals don’t mix.
Made It Casual
To ground the look, I threw on white sneakers — yes, really. The contrast made the dress feel less floaty and more street-style. I layered a cropped denim jacket over it for structure and tossed everything I needed (snacks, sunscreen, a very ambitious travel guide) into a canvas backpack.
A sporty watch and oversized sunglasses gave it that “I planned this” edge — even though I absolutely did not.
Practicality Test
This combo passed the real-world test. I could walk, sit on random ledges for photos, and browse little shops without needing to adjust or tug at anything.
No pockets on the dress (tragic), but my jacket had enough room for the essentials. The fabric moved well and didn’t feel too dressy for daytime, which is the trap I usually fall into with anything long and flowy.
What Didn’t Work
A few real-life notes: the back showed some sweat after a few hours in the sun — nothing major, but enough to notice in photos. I also wish I’d worn bike shorts underneath — the coastal breeze had opinions that day. Next time, I’ll plan for function and flattery.
What This Trip Taught Me About Packing Dresses
Not all dresses deserve a spot in your carry-on. But this one? She pulled her weight — and then some. After styling it three completely different ways, I came home with a new mental checklist for travel-friendly dresses.
One Dress, All the Moments
Didn’t plan on it being the one — but it showed up and showed off.
What to Look For
First, the fabric matters more than the label. Breathable and double-lined is key — especially if you’re bouncing between beach and town. Neutral tones make life easier, too. You can pair them with basically any accessory, and they won’t scream “repeating outfit” in photos.
Look for a length that doesn’t limit you. Something midi or maxi that works with both sneakers and sandals opens up way more options. And most importantly, it should be a dress you actually want to wear — not just one that looks cute in theory.
What I’ll Do Next Time
I’m adding a slip to my packing list. Just in case the sun hits too directly or the wind has other plans.
Also, note to self: always snap a test photo before the trip. Beach lighting is beautiful but brutally honest — some fabrics and cuts translate better on camera than others. If it looks good in real life and on your phone screen, that’s a keeper.
One Dress, Three Personalities
The dress held up beautifully. It breezed through beach humidity, survived an impromptu dinner upgrade, and didn’t flinch at cobblestone streets or salty air. It moved with me, styled easily, and never made me wish I’d packed a backup.
That said — it wasn’t perfect. The lack of pockets? A miss. And I’d definitely rethink my shoe pairing for the walking-heavy day (looking at you, arch pain). But overall, it proved that the right dress can flex across settings without feeling repetitive or overly styled.
If you’re someone who’s tempted to bring the whole closet “just in case,” let this be your gentle reminder: styling doesn’t mean packing everything you own. It’s about choosing pieces that give you options — and maybe leaving room in your bag for local finds.
Would I do it again? Absolutely — but maybe with different sandals.
Style is personal, but good taste speaks loud.
