Are These the Best Cheap Summer Dresses of 2019?
Dresses

Are These the Best Cheap Summer Dresses of 2019?

In summer, a dress is your BFF. There’s something so carefree about slipping one item of clothing over your head and heading out into the sunshine. But there’s an awful lot of choice out there—midi dresses, beach dresses, maxi dresses, a-line dresses, pleated dresses (okay, take a breath)—and it’s all too easy to blow your budget while putting together your ultimate warm weather wardrobe. But fear not: to help make dress shopping easier (and save you a few bucks) we’ve pulled together some of our favorite cheap dresses below. And by cheap, we mean affordable. So get clicking and enjoy the best cheap summer dresses (and summer weather) while you can.

See recent posts by Georgia Stephens

1

Best Summer Dress Under $10

Forever21 Striped Wrap Dress.

Say it with us: looking good need not break the bank. Enter this wallet-friendly rainbow-striped wrap dress, which has an adorable color palette that screams summer. The wrap detailing is elegant enough to be worn anywhere, whether it’s a laidback vacation brunch, run to get ice cream, or a summertime work function. *Editor's note: some Forever21 shoppers have encountered sizing issues with the top, so do size up. 

$9.95 at Forever21
2

Best Summer Dress Under $20

boohoo Woven Polka Dot Tie Detail Shift Dress.

The ultra-affordable polka dot shift dress is a real summer stunner with its fun dotty print, tie front, and cute peekaboo cut-out detail. Choose between red, yellow, black, and chocolate, and pair it with your favorite sandals and a cross-body bag for a wander around town in the sunshine.

$16 at Boohoo
3

Best Beach Dress

Full Bloom Swing Dress ROXY.

For a dress you can wear straight from brunch to the beach, look no further than this fun swing dress which accents its simple design with a split neckline and textured crinkles. Its straps are adjustable to fit your frame. The blush pink, hot pink, and blue color choices can be coordinated to match your swimsuit. How cute would a tied bikini top look peeking out the back?

$45 at Nordstrom
4

Best Flower-Printed Summer Dress

Button Up Tie Back Minidress ALL IN FAVOR.

Covered in subtle blooms, the periwinkle-blue button up tie back minidress wins top marks for florals and is bound to become your perennial favorite this summer. It’s lightweight with plenty of movement, and has buttons down the front and a tie at the back to give your look some understated structure on summer days that don't require a structured schedule.

$49 at Nordstrom
5

Best Short Dress

Forever21 Striped V-Neck Mini Dress.

Equal parts short and sweet, the pretty rust-colored striped v-neck mini dress is the perfect summer all-rounder. Bold and bright with oh-so-flattering vertical stripes, it comes in material light enough to handle a heatwave. Fully adjustable cami straps and a removable self-tie belt ensure a flattering fit. Order it in navy and white if you want a more patriotic look for the 4th of July. 

$14.90 at Forever 21
6

Best Mid-Length Dress

UO Kayla Surplice Wrap Midi Dress.

With lightweight cotton fabric, billowy sleeves, and a stunning sunset-yellow hue, the mid-length Kayla surplice wrap dress is the ultimate summer wardrobe staple, equally at home on a picnic in the park as it is on a sunny cafe terrace. The sash belt can be wrapped around the back, or tied in a cute bow at your side—we’d go with the latter. You can also wear the dress open as an unexpected and chic swimsuit coverup. 

$59 at Urban Outfitters
7

Best Casual Long Dress

ASOS Only Tile Print Maxi Dress.

Made for enjoying late afternoon cocktails that linger into sunset, this tile print maxi dress is casual without sacrificing style. From the Danish brand Only, its scoop neck and stretch waist will suit just about any shape, while its subtle feminine pink accents will look ideal with a summer tan.

$48 at Asos
8

Best Evening Long Dress

Forever21 Satin High-Slit Maxi Dress.

Stay effortlessly sexy on date night with this satin maxi dress, which has an ultra-feminine high slit, flowy drape skirt, and cross-strap back that keeps it from looking too formal. Choose between classic black and bold marigold, and pair with metallic sandals and some matching statement earrings. Be prepared to turn heads. 

$35 at Forever 21
9

Best Plus-Size Long Dress

Rosegal Plus Size Sleeveless Floral Print Maxi Dress - 3x.

Rosegal’s sleeveless, ankle-skimming floral print maxi dress will flatter your assets with its bold, cobalt-blue color-block print, and accentuate your waist with a flattering black band over a light-weight and effortlessly feminine floral A-line skirt. Dress it up with a pair of chunky heels, or down with your favorite flip flops—anything goes with this versatile dress. *Editor's note: past Rosegal shoppers have encountered occasional difficulties with returns and exchanges, though the items do arrive as advertised and on time. 

$20.99 at Rosegal
10

Best Plus-Size Maxi Dress with Double Slits

GRECERELLE Women's Casual Loose Pocket Long Dress Short Sleeve Split Maxi Dresses.

Twenty fun patterns and colors, a flattering drape, and double slits to show some leg? Yes to all of the above. Amazon's short-sleeve split maxi dress has all the makings of the perfect summer maxi dress, with the always beloved addition of pockets. Made of rayon and spandex, it's a comfy choice with a bit of stretch. It’s ideal for a summer festival, with plenty of give for dancing—you can knot the skirt to shorten the hem. 

$23.80 at Amazon
11

Best Plus-Size Dress on Amazon

Nemidor Women's Floral Print Vintage Style Plus Size Swing Casual Party Dress.

This figure-flattering Nemidor dress is one of Amazon’s plus-size showstoppers (with over 500 reviews). It's designed in a vintage fit-and-flare style that’ll help accentuate your waist. It comes in nine different varieties (all with fun, flouncy skirts) and has soft, stretchy fabric to keep you comfy even with all-day wear. But that’s not even the best part: it has pockets.

$32.36 at Amazon
12

Best White Party Dress

boohoo Tasha Floral Ruffle Open Back Midi Skater Dress.

Great news: the plain white dress has had a major party makeover with the Tasha midi skater. Asymmetrical ruffles and spaghetti straps give it a modern, dressed-up look, while pretty pink and yellow orchids add a splash of summer color. The back has been left open—it’ll be a lifesaver on hot summer days.

$25 at Boohoo
13

Best Pleated Dress

ASOS DESIGN pleated mini trapeze dress with lace up back detail.

With a sizzling tomato red palette, the pleated mini trapeze dress is a fun way to swing into summer. The bold, eye-catching design features a low back and skinny straps that tie at the back of the neck. Add strappy sandals and statement earrings and you’ll have the making of your new favorite look.

$45 at Asos
14

Best Dress for a Summer Wedding

Forever21 Flounce Tube Dress.

We all love a wedding, but it’s fair to say they can get uncomfortable in hot weather. Enter the figure-flattering flounce tube dress with its bodycon silhouette and fun flouncy ruffled top. This little number will keep you feeling effortlessly breezy and looking stylish from the ceremony vows to the dance floor.  

$25 at Forever 21
15

Best Dress for Clubbing

Express Seamed Sheath Mini Dress.

Most of the best dance parties of the year happen in the summer, and you'll want the perfect dress to rock at every club (or impromptu patch of sand). White looks white hot through Labor Day, and the neutral hue will match with all the accessories and shoes you already have in your closet. The sheath style is universally flattering, and sexy without being too over the top. Style your hair in beach waves and get out on the dance floor. 

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