By now, you may know my standpoint when it comes to dresses. It's something of a love affair. I've been combing the web in search of the best affordable dresses, and to my delight, I've been inundated with beautiful, timeless styles that truly defy their price tags.
Some of my most-worn dresses are former high-street finds I've worn and cherished for many years. They still have a place in my current wardrobe, and every year, I look forward to being reunited with them come the spring-summer wardrobe switch-over.
(Image credit: Jessica Skye)
When it comes to shopping on the high street, or anywhere for that matter, I adhere to certain criteria to ensure a mindful purchase. This includes the composition, finishing, wearability and (most importantly) durability. The British high street is excelling at the moment. I'm impressed with the increased use of natural fibres and considered, timeless designs, which are one step closer to sustainability.
Re-wearability is particularly apt for summer fashion as we're often introduced to reiterations of former styles that sit comfortably within summer capsules. Both high-street and independent brands have released summer dresses that look well beyond their price points. It's in the finishes, expansive materials, quality yarns and shaping. I tend to gravitate towards drapey dresses in midi and maxi lengths that you can waft in the sunshine and wear for most occasions. To see some stunning affordable dresses for women that come in at under £150, keep on scrolling.
Shop My Edit of Affordable Summer Dresses
Other Stories
Printed Bandeau Midi Dress
One of the most beautiful dress offerings of the season.
Drop 01
Cader 4 Way Midi Dress
It wouldn't be an affordable dress edit without featuring a WWW Drop 01 piece. I was fortunate enough to have a sneak peak and try on this Cader style. She's a beauty.
Mango
Linen Strap Dress
If you want to look chic without trying, chocolate brown is the answer. Sienna Miller just wore this at Glastonbury, too.
Mango
Embroidered Open Back Dress
The pattern, sweeping lengths and lace-up tie make this style look so premium! I'm seriously impressed and, dare I say it, tempted.
Arket
Seersucker Maxi Dress
The perfect lightweight summer frock.
Arket
Crochet Halterneck Dress
A halterneck dress with an A-line silhouette and texture.
Other Stories
Ruffled Wrap Midi Dress
Other Stories produces some quality linen pieces in the summer. This style is a sister version of its staple ruffle mini.
Other Stories
Smocked Mini Dress
A shortened shirred mini is a refreshing take on this style that often comes in longer lengths.
Mango
100% Linen Dress
There are many ways to style this dress's neckline, from plunging to cross-over.
Asos
Off Shoulder Linen Wrap Belted Midi Dress in Stone
With a stunning gathered bow detail.
COS
Off-the-Shoulder Puff Sleeve Dress
This COS style is here to appease our puff-sleeve fantasies. With a small bag in tow and heels, you'll be ready to hit the day or night.
Arket
Poplin Strap Dress
A classic grown-up sundress.
Arket
Lyocell Strap Dress
A billowing dress with pockets!
Asos
Midi Dress With Tiered Hem in Sage Green
The most beautiful wedding-guest dress. Just look at that full skirt.
Topshop
Broderie Oversized Chuck on Maxi Dress in Black
The type of dress you can throw on. Wear with a low bun, gold hoops and flatforms to look like you've made a whole lot of effort.
La Redoute
Cotton Cami Maxi Dress
The low scoop back is the perfect way to elevate a basic piece.
Mango
Lake Midi Wrap Dress
The most vibrant colour and considered wrap design.
Omnes
Thora Maxi Dress
A-line shaping with a full, lightweight floating skirt.
Asos
Cowl Neck Midi Dress With Open Back in Linen in Neutral
A high-neck summer dress is the most classy shape. Easily wearable for weddings.
Asos
Open Back Midi Dress With Puff Sleeve in Black
The showstopping sleeves are the main appeal.
Topshop
Lattice Front Seersucker Stripe Midi Dress in Ivory
With ruffles, a tiered skirt and a laced bustier, this style is the best type of summer dress.
All Saints
Ludo Linen Blend Maxi Dress
An angular neckline and cut-outs to match.
Arket
Gathered Lyocell Dress
Panelling and columns are amongst this year's most esteemed trends.
Asos Edition
Pleat Waist Midi Dress With Blouson Sleeve in Cream
A well-structured shape with a full skirt.
Free People
Taking Sides Maxi
I'm a sucker for tiering and shirring.
River Island
White Broderie Smock Maxi Dress
This gorgeous style is available in a range of sizes.
Mango
Knit Cotton-Blend Dress
One of my favourite Mango releases this summer.
Pixie Market
Belle Linen Stripe Dress
A bustier adds some structure to linen dresses.
Anthropologie
Broderie Cut-Out Midi Dress
Broderie Anglaise is a sure way to add some texture to a typical little white dress this summer.
Anthropologie
Poplin Pintuck Midi Dress
There's something about this colour that looks so lavish. Perhaps we have Jacquemus to blame?
Mango
Printed Cotton Dress
Another fabulous offering by Mango, which is doing many chic botanical prints this season. Pair this with tan clogs!
River Island
Black RI Studio T-Shirt Midi Dress
The waist panel turns this basic into a showstopping piece.
Anemos
Washed-Cupro Mini Dress
I invested in the longer version of this piece last year and can attest to the quality.
Mango
Gingham Check Dress
Gingham is a firm wardrobe classic. As cliché as it may be, it's perfect picnicwear.
Warehouse
V Neck Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
The colour and puff-sleeve shape make this style appear much more premium.
Ghospell
Spring Bunch Midi Dress
Longer lengths and rounded sleeves balance out this barely-there asymmetric cut-out.
Free People
Hope Dress
The ruched centre adds a high-end feel to this mini.
Other Stories
Satin Slip Midi Dress
A slinky number derived from plant-based pulp!
French Connection
Rhodes Poplin V-Neck Mini Dress
The taught wrap-around waistband and puff sleeves make this a luxe option.
Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities.
She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications,Best Knockoff Luxury Clothing
UK and Stylist.