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10 brands + 24 tropical vacation formal dress! *under the radar*

10 brands + 24 tropical vacation formal dress! *under the radar*

Looking for some tropical formal dress or vacation dress ideas? Here’s the right place!

If you love dressing up as much as I am, you will know a nice set of outfits accounted for your tropical trip happiness to a large extent!

A summer dress is like a hug in a clothing form ❤️

Ahead, I’ve gathered 10 tropical attire brands and 24 vacation dress brands with different price ranges to get you inspired.

Some are under the radar – enjoy my loves!

1. FARM RIO

One of my favorite clothing brands ever.

This brand reminds me of Zimmermann but their pricing is way more affordable!

Their design is just one-of-a-kind and screams creativity and happiness.

This shirt dress is perfect for a Hawaiian party – such a mood booster!

Who said you can’t look polished in a tropical dress?

This vibrant garden-inspired print looks definitely expensive and brings the most distinctive vibes.

2. Lilly Pulitzer

Featuring vibrant and hand-painted prints, their dresses are hands down the ultimate mood booster!

Lilly Pulitzer dress Island girl
A super fun palm dress for my Phuket trip (Now this dress is out of stock)

formal floral tropical dress
Get this Lilly Pulitzer dress on Nordstorm

 Their cutting is surprisingly forgiving and the fabric is extra thick.

formal floral tropical dress
Get this Lilly Pulitzer dress on Nordstorm

For the ladies wondering what shoes to wear with Lilly Pulitzer or print dresses overall, I’d say go for the solid hues.

lilly pulitzer tote bag vacation
Shop this tote on Amazon (Out of stock on all other platforms already)

I have a try-on article for this brand. If you are interested, check this out later!

3. ACLER

This Australian brand never fails to produce high-fashion looking yet wearable dresses.

tropical dress with sleeves
Shop this gorgeous dress on FARFETCH

While this dress is thigh-length, the fully pleated design just makes the dress look more formal.

tropical top ACLER
Shop this gorgeous top on FARFETCH

For an expensive island girl look, team this statement blouse with white flared jeans and espadrilles wedges will look wonderful.

4. BOOHOO

This flowy chiffon dress below is the ultimate day-to-night piece in any girls’ closet.

cutout floral dress boohoo
Shop this cutout dress on BOOHOO

Of course, for my plus-size babes!

tropical formal dress plus size
Shop this darling print dress on BOOHOO

This is such a versatile piece that you can dress it up with pumps or keep simple with sliders.

To get the longer legs illusion, this sassy side slit is a big plus.

vibrant print dress vacation tropical
Shop this print dress on BOOHOO

This dress just proves you looking sophisticated and fun can co-exist!

5. STAUD

Despite their iconic knit dress, their cotton dresses are equally stunning as well!

STAUD summer dress
Get this color block dress on FARFETCH

Adorned with a distinguished whirlpool print, the one-shoulder piece is divided by color blocks that create geometric cuts through the silhouette. 

tropical summer skirt
Get this fun skirt on FARFETCH

Is that just me but this color palette looks so serene.

6. SAIL TO SABLE

When it comes to this boutique brand, their dresses are timeless, and feminine with a whimsical twist.

Such a fresh breath of air.

This ric-rac trim dress just reminds me of the sea glass of summer and the smell of the beach.

If someone ever invited me to a beach wedding, this dress would be the best wedding guest dress of all time.

Definitely pass the vibes test.

To make the dress look more formal, consider the high-low design.

It just naturally looks more dressy and make your legs appear to be longer!

7. DOLCE&GABBANA

Looking for some luxury resort wear or formal tropical attire? D&G will never disappoint you.

formal tropical attire
Shop this floral silk kaftan on MYTHERESA

This billowy silhouette is to die for.

8. DRIES VAN NOTEN

Dries Van Noten is a Belgian fashion designer who is known for both his classic and avant-garde styles.

DRIES VAN NOTEN satin dress
Shop this printed halterneck satin dress on MYTHERESA

Need I say more? This dress is as artsy as it’s wearable – obsessed.

8. AMAZON

Of course, if you want to do it on a budget, Amazon has tons of formal tropical dresses!

Below are my handpicks.

tiered dress off shoulder
Shop this tiered dress on Amazon

Besides the iconic print dress, the tiered dress is perfect for an Instagramable resort pic as well!

I am thinking should I get this dress in buttermilk yellow shade as well.

tube dress tropical sassy
Shop this tie dye dress on Amazon

Regardless of age, a body-hugging tie-dye dress always gonna make you feel the most sassy and feminine.

Whether you team it with nice pumps or flat sandals, that’s equally flattering.

9. EMILY MCCARTHY 

This brand is my proudest found of the year – such a hidden gem.

Emily McCarthy launched in 2012, based on vibrant prints designed by Emily herself and all the prints are so refreshing and original.

tropical vacay dress
Shop this darling dress on EMILY MCCARTHY 

A classic Oxford shirt with a playful spin. How cute and forgiving.

tropical dress for party
Shop this darling dress on EMILY MCCARTHY 

This statement tropical dress is the eye candy! The pastel hues always melt my heart.

10. Cleo Bella

For the ladies who hold sustainability and ethical practices at heart, Cleo Bella is for you.

dress up vacation dress
Shop this dress on Cleo Bella

Made of organic cotton in India, this statement dress is perfect for your poolside resort day.


If you want to look dressed up in a relaxed silhouette, this dress is your gem.

MIDI KAFTAN
Shop this dress on Cleo Bella

These intricately placed prints just make this dress look extra elegant.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

So there you go – the 10 resort wear brands + 24 tropical vacation formal dresses!

What are your thoughts on that? Hope that gets you inspired and it’s time to freshen up your closet!

For more tropical styling tip, check out my other popular posts down below.

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