There are two kinds of travelers: Those who meticulously plan out a packing list with no earring left unaccounted for, and those who toss everything in eyesight into a suitcase at the last minute, discovering what earrings came with them only once they’ve reached their destination. This story is for both.

Whether you want a fun new piece to set the tone for your summer vacation wardrobe or need a few reliable staples to reach for that you know you’ll be able to make work no matter what, a travel dress is just about the most versatile item you can have in your arsenal of on-the-go clothing. And with the start of the season just around the corner, what better time to take stock of your current dress collection and fill in the gaps?

The specifics may depend on what sort of holiday you’re planning. Seaside destinations call for cover-up dresses—preferably knit, preferably colorful—and flowy silhouettes that’ll take you from the beach club to the dinner reservation. Cobblestoned cities require something a little more polished; a white cotton sundress will never steer you wrong. Then, there are the travel dresses you can wear on the actual journey. A comfortable T-shirt dress or racerback style that meets the heat of wherever you’re landing (and that you can slip a jacket over when the airplane air conditioning gets unbearable) will come in handy more often than you think.

Ahead, a summer travel dress for every summer travel plan.

The White Cotton Dresses

They can be crisp poplin or trimmed with delicate lace—either way, a white cotton dress is a summertime essential even when you’re not traveling. A new piece from the likes of Posse or Staud to round out your collection will keep things feeling fresh; plus, since you can re-style this versatile base with a million different patterned silk scarves and sculptural jewelry items, it’s worth every penny in cost per wear. Pack a couple for your trip, and stay vigilant near swirls of spaghetti al pomodoro.