I’m an avid traveler—and I don’t say that lightly. I already have 26 flights scheduled for 2024; it’s the price you pay when you move across the country to New York City and have a fiancé that’s from another state. Our most recent trip? Houston, Texas, where we celebrated our engagement with a stay at the Four Seasons hotel.

Knowing how luxurious the reputable resort is, I knew I needed to pack classy-but-comfortable pieces that could transition from day to night. My secret to achieving that chic, effortless style relied on three spring dresses: the Hill House Home Nap Dress, Madewell Melody Smocked Dress, and Anthropologie Gabbi Ruched Dress. Each one is breezy, makes a fashion statement, and easily folds into travel bags. For proof, I packed all three dresses in my elegant Away carry-on suitcase, which additionally held four pairs of shoes, my medium-sized Calpack Cosmetics Case, swimwear, and so much more. Now, you can shop the same dresses for your next getaway, too.

Hill House Home Nap Dress

Buy on Hillhousehome.com$150

From a brand worn by Taylor Swift, Chrissy Teigen, and Kelly Clarkson, this editor-loved nap dress is the definition of casual elegance. I opted for the nearly sold-out white eyelet option, but it comes in 20 other colors, all featuring ruffled sleeves, a smocked bodice, A-line silhouette, and tiered midi skirt. I wore my Hill House Home dress to the hotel’s elevated breakfast, an Easter morning church service, and on the plane ride back home (it didn’t even wrinkle!); the separate was roomy and looked pretty through it all. These Vince Camuto crochet sandals added the ultimate finishing touch, however suede cowboy boots would look just as good with it.  

Madewell Melody Smocked Midi Dress

Buy on Madewell.com$118

This Madewell midi dress has a similar smocked cotton fabric and swing poplin skirt, but with a high round neckline. I secured the black version for a classic take on the LBD, though the striped mint version is spot-on for spring. I wore this style to dinner and a bourbon tasting, which offered the ideal balance between refined and relaxed fashion. I paired the dress with clear “naked” heels, though white sneakers would have looked just as good for a laid-back option.         

Anthropologie Gabbie Strapless Ruched Dress

Buy on Anthropologie$88

My fiancé and I decided to have a romantic steak dinner one night, so you already know I wore the elegant yet playful Anthropologie Gabbi Dress. Complete with body-contouring ruching, an asymmetrical ruffle, and calf-grazing length, this dress does the talking for you. Choose from eight colors including terra cotta orange, black, and lime green. The fabric felt soft and silky against my skin, and these Amazon nipple covers let me enjoy a braless solution to the strapless design. I felt like the best dressed person in the restaurant; even better, the stretchy fabric let me eat my delicious dinner without feeling like I was going to pop a seam.

Truth be told, there were tons of other spring-appropriate dresses I almost packed in my bag—there were just too many good options to choose from. Below, I included a few more dresses I was eyeing, including a few under-$50 picks from Amazon.   

Prettygarden V-Neck Wrap Dress 

Buy on Amazon$61$48

Petal and Pup Gia Pleated Dress

Buy on Nordstrom$89

Ekouaer Satin Cowl-Neck Slip Dress

Buy on Amazon$30$20

Prettygarden Puff-Sleeve High-Waist Dress

Buy on Amazon$61$43