May 22, 2020

I'm Tired of Wearing Sweats—These 52 Under-$100 Dresses Have My Attention Now

by Michaela Bushkin

According to my overflowing dresser drawers, I acquired more pairs of joggers, hoodies, and leggings during the months of March and April than I had in all of 2019. What can I say? I was beyond eager to trade out my usual blazer-and-jeans office uniform for work-from-home-friendly sweat outfits. At least at first…

Now that it's day 70 or 100 (is anyone even still counting?) of quarantine, sweatpants have almost entirely lost their appeal. I've slowly started to wear "real" clothes around the house to raise my spirits and change my mindset, and honestly, it's been working. I'm still practical, though: There are a few pairs of jeans, and definitely no blazers, in my current rotation. In fact, I've mostly been wearing cute dresses I know I'll continue to get use out of once businesses, parks, and beaches reopen (aka once summer actually feels like summer). For now, these 52 under-$100 dresses have my full attention, and my guess is they're about to have yours, too.

Free People Iris Mini Dress ($78)

The front is good, but the back is better.

Reformation Puglia Dress ($98)

An under-$100 Reformation dress is something to get excited about.

Mango Printed Long Dress ($80)

My entire team can’t stop talking about this Mango dress.

ASOS Lace Insert and Dobby Mini Sundress ($48)

An LWD I’ll personally be living in this summer.

Line & Dot Aliso Utility Dress ($99)

Utility dresses always feel polished.

Forever 21 Floral Smocked Bodycon Dress ($25)

For anyone who prefers minidresses that aren't too mini.

Reformation Mel Dress ($98)

The 2020 version of a bodycon dress.

H&M Puff-Sleeved Dress ($25)

Just in case floral prints don’t interest you.

Topshop Sand Poplin Smock Midi Dress ~~( $75)~~ $68

This one is definitely French girl approved.

Endless Rose Puff Dress ($90)

This roundup wouldn’t be complete without a puffy-sleeve option.

H&M Puffed Sleeve Dress ($35)

This reminds me of my grandmother's wallpaper, in a good way.

Danielle Bernstein Striped Maxi Slip Dress ~~( $99)~~ $36

Danielle Bernstein's first collection at Macy's caused a lot of buzz, and now some of the spring pieces are on sale.

Topshop Ruffle Sleeve Horn Button Mini Dress ~~( $68)~~ $41

If you’re looking for a lighter-weight denim dress option, this is it.

Superdown Rumor Ruched Dress ($78)

Sunflowers have always been my favorite.

Raey Square-Neck Cotton-Blend Jersey Slip Dress ($95)

A jersey slip dress is so easy to wear in warmer weather.

H&M Crinkled Cotton Dress ($25)

A great example of how to wear black for summer.

Everlane The Long Weekend Tank Dress ($40)

Why am I not surprised that Everlane made the perfect T-shirt-material dress?

ASOS Tiered Mini Sundress ($48)

I bet this peaks your interest in ruffled dresses.

Re:named Tie-Dye Slip Dress ~~( $88)~~ $68

I couldn’t not include at least one tie-dye dress.

Superdown Miranda Crochet Mini Dress ($66)

The perfect cover-up option for when you actually want to show off your bikini.

Mango Floral Print Long Dress ~~( $100)~~ $70

Now that this dress is on sale, I bet it won’t last long.

Scoop Square Neck Mini Dress ($29)

I always turn to Scoop for inexpensive on-trend styles.

Forever 21 Mock Wrap Cami Dress ($25)

For date night! For the pool! For sitting on the couch!

ASOS Square Neck Broderie Prairie Maxi Dress ($60)

I’m having a hard time believing the $60 price tag on this floor-length dress.

ASOS Shirred Bustier Maxi Dress ($60)

I love this buttery shade of yellow.

H&M Off-the-Shoulder Dress ($35)

… Almost as much as I love this deep marigold.

English Factory Lace Trim Dress ($80)

I’m a sucker for thoughtful lace details.

Free People Hang On Halter Slip ($50)

It's rare to find a quality slip dress for only $50.

Who What Wear Balloon Long Sleeve Dress ($40)

Something you can wear all summer and into the fall.

Stradivarius Button Front Poplin Midi Dress ($41)

I don’t think it gets more comfortable than this.

Free People The Nue Mini Dress ($78)

I knew I needed this dress the first time I saw my co-worker Lauren (pictured above) wearing it.

Charlie Holiday Avoca Dress ($99)

Tiger print is growing on me.

Aqua Smocked-Waist Dress ~~( $98)~~ $59

I can only describe this dress as romantic.

Madewell Striped Crewneck Button-Front Tiered Mini Dress ~~( $98)~~ $80

A 100% cotton dress for when it’s really freaking hot out.

Topshop Ivory Ditsy Print Shirred Bardot Dress ($45)

When it comes to florals, I typically gravitate toward micro prints.