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.
This dress is so chic I would wear it to brunch, to a daytime event, or to the office.
Simple, strappy, sophisticated, and sexy.
This dress is perfect for a first date or a night out with friends.
I'm loving this one-shoulder knit dress. I would style this with knee-high boots and gold jewelry.
There's something so romantic about this bustier minidress.
You can never go wrong with a little black dress.
This is the perfect date-night dress.
I'm so into the lingerie-as-outerwear vibe.
This dress just told me to book a flight to Miami.
I'm loving velvet lately.
Talk about a showstopper. This dress is next-level good.
Not your average LBD.
I'd wear this to a dinner date.
This is the perfect "night out on vacation" dress.
A simple yet sexy dress.
This suede minidress is so cool.
This mesh midi dress is a 10/10.
I have been eyeing this dress for a long time. It looks so romantic.
The perfect work-to-drinks dress.
This dress is so versatile. It would be great for a date, drinks with friends, or a party.
An easy, simple maxi dress to wear anywhere.
The perfect under-$70 little black dress.
Simple and sweet.
I've always loved a satin minidress.
Add sheer tights, pumps, and a black bag.
There's something so fun about this floral midi dress.
I have this dress, and I always get compliments when I wear it.
This is such a fun lace minidress. I would wear this with a jacket over top and heeled boots.
I have been eyeing this dress for a while. There is something sophisticated yet sexy about it.
Clearly, I have a thing for florals.
Next, check out these shopping guides.
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After 15 Years as a Fashion Writer, I Know These Free Style Tweaks Will Make a Big ImpactHow to give your wardrobe a new lease on life.
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4 Dated Sweater Trends I'm Purging From My Small NYC Closet by the Year's EndAnd the chic knitwear I'm making room for.
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Law Roach's World: His New Book, Bag of Choice, and What He Grabs on a Target Run"[Styling] has made my world so much bigger."
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I'm in My 20s—Here Are 6 Style Lessons I Learned to Look More Polished and Grown-UpSophisticated styling 101.
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8 Copenhagen Street Style Trends I Plan to Replicate in New YorkPared back yet never boring.
