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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Nordstrom's Summer Dress Game Is Strong—These Are the Ones I'm Obsessed WithChic, easy, and under $250? Count me in.
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Gigi Hadid Wore This Dress Trend With Rubber Flip-Flops in NYC, and Now, Everyone Else Will TooHavaianas never looked so good.
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I Live for Vacation Dressing—These Are the 52 Exact Items on My Summer 2025 Wish ListI went a little crazy.
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Dakota Johnson's LBD Went From Plain to Pretty Thanks to This One DetailOne word: wow.
