(Image credit: @gracejoshua13; Pictured: With Jéan dress)
I'm the first one to admit that I love to get dressed up. A party, an event, a happy hour, a girl's trip, a first date… You name it—I'm dressing up for it. I believe that life is way too short to wear boring clothes and that your clothing is like personal armor and a tool for self-confidence. If there's a chance that I get to pull one of the many, many dresses in my collection, I always jump at it. When shopping for dresses, I like to focus on pieces that are versatile. I love a dress that I can wear from the office to a work event or a dinner—a dress that can transform from the perfect date-night look to a great night-out moment.
The key is being able to style the same piece in fun ways, and with dresses, that is way easier than you may think. If you love your favorite knit dress with knee-high boots, try pairing it with sheer tights and pumps next time. Every dress I buy has to be a piece I can see myself wearing on at least three different occasions, and this has helped me be smarter when shopping. I have been shopping for great dresses that don't hurt my wallet, and I found 30 that are so good and look way more expensive than they are.
Keep scrolling to see which 30 dresses get my stamp of approval.
Mango
Crisscross Strap Dress
This dress is so chic I would wear it to brunch, to a daytime event, or to the office.
Superdown
Analisa Maxi Dress
Simple, strappy, sophisticated, and sexy.
Urban Outfitters
Tierra Chiffon Cowl Neck Asymmetrical Midi Dress
This dress is perfect for a first date or a night out with friends.
Mango
Asymmetrical Knit Dress
I'm loving this one-shoulder knit dress. I would style this with knee-high boots and gold jewelry.
Urban Outfitters
Antoinette Velvet Bustier Mini Dress
There's something so romantic about this bustier minidress.
SER.O.YA
Malakai Dress
You can never go wrong with a little black dress.
Urban Outfitters
Arna Midi Slip Dress
This is the perfect date-night dress.
Parade
Sustainable Luxe Satin Lace Slip Dress
I'm so into the lingerie-as-outerwear vibe.
SNDYS x REVOLVE
Halter Mini Dress
This dress just told me to book a flight to Miami.
Reformation
Salamanca Velvet Dress
I'm loving velvet lately.
House of Cb
Soraya Lace Trim Satin Minidress With Detachable Corset
Talk about a showstopper. This dress is next-level good.
Superdown
Cleo Strapless Dress
Not your average LBD.
Vero Moda
Kanva Metallic Tube Midi Dress
I'd wear this to a dinner date.
Motel X UO
Exclusive Apisa Lace-Up Mini Dress
This is the perfect "night out on vacation" dress.
Urban Outfitters
Azelia Convertible Tube Dress
A simple yet sexy dress.
Lioness
Diez Cutout Tie Strap Minidress
This suede minidress is so cool.
Urban Outfitters
Quartz Floral Flocked Mesh Midi Dress
This mesh midi dress is a 10/10.
House of CB
Cold Shoulder Long Sleeve Velvet & Lace Gown
I have been eyeing this dress for a long time. It looks so romantic.
Topshop
Sleeveless Turtleneck Sweater Dress
The perfect work-to-drinks dress.
Astr the Label
Cutout Twist Front Long Sleeve Sweater Dress
This dress is so versatile. It would be great for a date, drinks with friends, or a party.
White Fox Boutique
Most Popular Maxi Dress Black
An easy, simple maxi dress to wear anywhere.
Lioness
Siete Sweetheart Neck Minidress
The perfect under-$70 little black dress.
Love Triangle
Moonlit Satin & Lace Mini Dress
Simple and sweet.
More To Come
Abigail Mini Dress
I've always loved a satin minidress.
Urban Outfitters
Diana Velvet Tube Dress
Add sheer tights, pumps, and a black bag.
Urban Outfitters
Leonie Mesh Floral Midi Dress
There's something so fun about this floral midi dress.
Edikted
Emma Long Sleeve Off the Shoulder Minidress
I have this dress, and I always get compliments when I wear it.
Superdown
Patrece Lace Mini
This is such a fun lace minidress. I would wear this with a jacket over top and heeled boots.
House of Cb
Casimira Satin Corset Midi Dress
I have been eyeing this dress for a while. There is something sophisticated yet sexy about it.
Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Grace has always been a lover of all things fashion and beauty. Upon receiving her first degree in visual communications from FIDM in Los Angeles, she moved to New York City and continued her education at LIM College, majoring in fashion media with a minor in society and culture. Grace has worked for PhotoBook magazine, Insider, and Harper's Bazaar. As a writer, Grace has had pieces published covering topics including racial justice, fashion, politics, and current events. As the previous assistant shopping editor at Who What Wear, Grace loves finding the best buys out there for the WWW readers.