We pack with the confidence of someone who has seen it all before: three dresses, two swimsuits, a pair of sandals, and you're done. Except once you're there, it's always the same piece that's missing – the one you didn't pack, the one that would have turned an impromptu evening into a lovely memory. A successful suitcase isn't the fullest one; it's the best thought out.

A folded nylon tote with brown leather trims, resting next to a cabin bag

So rather than another endless list, we've looked at what genuinely earns its place once you're there: practicality, polish and a little bit of pleasure. For evenings, we've found ten dresses that travel well – soft enough to weigh nothing, smart enough to take you from a barefoot beach bar to a terrace dinner without a change of outfit.

We'll start with the most sensible of the bunch, and probably the most useful: a midi wrap dress with an open back and halter neck from ASOS DESIGN, in a deep black. The wrap front flatters the figure without ever feeling tight, the halter neck leaves the shoulders bare, and black is forgiving – for the impromptu dinner, the terrace that turns chilly, the walk back to the hotel. Rolled into the bottom of a suitcase, it holds up. Expect to pay around £30.

A change of mood comes with WAL G.'s one-sleeve skater dress in cherry red. The flared skirt moves well, the asymmetric sleeve wakes up the line, and that shade of red does all the work: a few gold-toned accessories are all you need. It's the piece for evenings when you want to be noticed without spending an hour in front of the mirror. Expect to pay around £40.

Now for lace, with this beige midi dress from Bershka and its halter neck. Beige is a holiday favourite: it warms up a new tan and works from lunch until sunset without ever shouting 'beachwear'. Expect to pay around £50.

A pair of mesh trainers with gold detailing on a wooden floor, beside a folded jumper

Staying with midi, but in satin this time: a powder-pink one-shoulder dress from Mango. Satin catches the light late in the day, the single shoulder gives the silhouette a lovely asymmetry and the length is still smart enough for a restaurant. One small caveat: satin marks, so it will need careful folding. Expect to pay around £60.

For evening, Kaiia's long bandeau dress is close-fitting: double-layered lace and a sheer hem. The effect is graphic and a little sensual, and the length falls to the sandals. A word of warning, though: with no straps, the cut won't suit every body shape; if you prefer to feel supported, best to scroll on. Expect to pay around £60.

A flash of colour, at last. TFNC's long crepe dress, with an open back and boat neck, comes in lemon. The crepe hangs without creasing, the boat neck balances the open back, and this bright yellow is a good choice on tanned skin as well as fair complexions – if you're prepared to wear it with confidence. Expect to pay around £70.

Next up is Murci's long lace dress, with a corset-style waist and fine straps. The layered black lace stays elegant, the defined waist reshapes the silhouette and the straps adjust to the millimetre. It's the piece for dressy dinners, the one you bring out for any slightly special occasion. Expect to pay around £80.

A change of volume now, with this black long-sleeved trapeze dress from YAS. The flared cut doesn't cling, the sleeves cover the arms and the piece works just as well for an evening out as for lunch in town. A safe bet for anyone who doesn't like to feel restricted. Expect to pay around £120.

We step up a level with Lace & Beads' evening dress in black taffeta, with a sweetheart neckline and puff sleeves. Taffeta holds its shape, the sweetheart neckline opens up the bust and the puff sleeves add that romantic touch that photographs so well. A little theatrical, it deserves an evening to match. Expect to pay around £140.

We finish with the most dressed-up piece in the edit: a black cocktail dress by Bardot. It's the one you slip on for the last dinner of the trip, when you want to look polished without having to think about it. Expect to pay around £145.

A young woman's hands spraying a floral mist from a glass bottle, beside rose petals

For packing, roll crepe and jersey, which crease less; fold satin, taffeta and lace flat between layers of fabric. A spell in a steamy bathroom on arrival will help the creases fall out.

Budget

Expect to pay roughly £30 to £80 for a piece you'll wear all summer, and £80 to £145 for an evening dress you'll keep for several seasons. The difference isn't just about the brand: crepe and satin remain affordable, while lined lace, taffeta and corset-style cuts push the price up.

Where to find them? Fashion retailers and online stores such as ASOS, Mango and Bershka cover the first price bracket, though sizes sell out quickly at the end of the season. For dressier styles, second-hand sites such as Vinted and Vestiaire Collective, plus online charity shops, can help you aim for a brand above your budget, provided you check the measurements and the condition of the lining. Keep an eye on the sales and end-of-season reductions too: that's when prices really move. Prices can vary by retailer and time of year.