As we head deeper into spring and summer is on the horizon, many people in my life have their sartorial thoughts laser-focused on pretty dresses. I get it. There's something so easy (and chic!) about tossing on a lovely dress, adding a pair of sandals, and heading out the door. On that note, my mom and a few of my friends recently asked for dress recommendations. My mom wanted a new floral silhouette that feels modern and current, and one of my friends actually wanted advice on a cool LBD that could work for a few events she has coming up.
Below, you'll find the silhouettes I suggested that actually happen to ring in under $100. I also rounded up a range of styles I'm loving from retailers like Nordstrom, J.Crew, and H&M that are forward and look expensive but don't have those crazy-high price tags.
Keep scrolling to check out the best affordable dresses for spring and summer.
The summer version of a sweaterdress.
A glorious LBD.
That rosette!
Yes to this color.
The knot detail is a nice touch.
Fun off-the-shoulder silhouette.
Beyond versatile.
Wow, the neckline.
Look at that bow on the back.
A favorite dress style among the WWW editors.
Throw this on and go.
My mom loves this dress.
Excellent ribbed design.
The strapless style is cool.
Love that there are pockets.
Lovely smocking.
Another standout print.
Not your average shirtdress.
Very sleek.
Darling with flat sandals.
Feeling this navy number.
Color mixing on point.
Dress this one up or down.
A+ minidress.
Vacation vibes.
Add your favorite pair of sandals, and you're set.
Tank dress for the win.
And here's another awesome tank dress.
You can't go wrong with a slip dress.
Another iteration of the J.Crew stunner above.
Next, check out the best beach dresses.
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Alt Brides Will Love Sophie Turner's Wedding-Worthy MinidressWhite-hot.
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Victoria Beckham Just Swapped Her Puddle Pants for This Classic '90s TrendA timeless design.
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Kaia Gerber Channeled '90s Cindy Crawford at the Academy Museum Gala's After-PartyFrom 1994 to 2024.
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Sienna Miller's Under-$200 Madewell Dress Is So Chic She Wore It on the Red CarpetIt's somehow still in stock.
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My Friend Wants to Elevate Her Wardrobe—I Sent Her These 31 Nordstrom Fall Sale FindsAll have closet-staple status.
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Sleek, Sophisticated, and Selena-Approved—This $199 Dress Is a Sellout Waiting to HappenDon't say we didn't warn you.
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Kacey Musgraves Just Wore This $185 Dress Onstage With Sabrina CarpenterIt's still in stock.
