One of the best things about summer is the opportunity to wear more dresses. Dresses for work. Dresses to toss over your swimsuit at the beach. Dresses to wear to parties and weddings. Even dresses to just lounge around the house looking cute. But how can you afford so many dresses for all these special, and not so special, occasions? Cheap summer dresses can satisfy your need for variety and style, without breaking the bank every payday during warmer weather. After all, you want to be saving your dough for vacation, right?
Whether you’re searching for a perfect sundress or three, or just a variety of work and play dresses, there are so many styles, colors and patterns to expand your dress collection. We’ve found an amazing group of dresses under twenty bucks, along with a bunch of work-worthy dresses for under $40. They’re packable and washable too, meaning they’re cheap and easy. To look like a complete fashion maven, dress them up with great summer sandals and pretty purses. We’ve even included a few outdoorsy options that will keep you cool and looking great on the trail with hiking sandals.
From classic tank dresses and wraps, to off-the-shoulder options and fancier party or wedding wear, we’re here to prove that you don’t have to spend a fortune to look like a million bucks this summer. Check out these smart and sassy choices for the Top 20 Best Cheap Summer Dresses for Women.
Summer means you love to wear something swingy and a bit more daring and baring, right? This adorable shift dress hits my wish list for its sassy cinched halter neckline, and the flirty adjustable sash tie in the back. Because it’s machine washable, you can wear it again and again, and it comes in a bunch of fun colors and prints, and depending on the one you choose, you can snap this up for under twenty bucks, which is a screaming deal on any day. Just in case you’re worried that it’s shorter than some, keep in mind, the model is 5′ 10″, so compare your height with hers to determine if it’s the right length for you. For just a couple of bucks more, you can get a similar style in the light and airy chiffon swing dress that comes in a ton of fun prints. For a touch of bohemian chic, the Boho print sundress is another option that’s even less expensive.
Price: $19.19 and up, depending on size/color selected
For a spanky look than could be dressed up for the office, or dressed down for afternoon cocktails or shopping, this black and white striped cutie is the perfect cheap dress choice. With an interesting asymmetrical hemline, and a surplice style wrap bodice, it looks like it should be so much more expensive. The poly and spandex blend holds it’s shape and looks great, even after a long day. Just toss this dress in the wash and tumble it dry. For a different take on summer dresses, the scoop neck striped keyhole back dress, throws olive or peach stipes into the black and white mix for an updated summer look. The striped Women’s Lace Up Dress would be perfect as a swimsuit cover up or over a pair of capri leggings.
For summer everything, a cute floral tank dress has to be on your summer must have list. This classic style can take you from the boardroom to the beach, without breaking a sweat or your bank account. Coming in at under twenty bucks, this cheap summer dress comes in more than a dozen patterns and prints. Just switch out of your jacket and into some flat sandals, and you’re ready to party in comfort. The cap sleeve floral print zipper dress, offers more modest shoulders and neckline, and the same affordable price.
4. ZKESS Women Sleeveless Side Pockets Plaid Pleated Casual Shirt Dress
(ZKESS)
A little bit summer and a whole lot Marilyn Monroe – that’s how I’d describe this plaid dress that oozes with style. While it’s a shirt dress, those are usually a little on the stuffy side, and this pretty frock is anything but. Naturally, I love it because it has my fave feature, pockets. The high shoulder styling is great for showing off your summer tanned shoulders. The traditional collar and front botton placket top a high waisted full skirt with a soft asymmetrical hemline that’s comfortably long, but far from dowdy. At well under twenty bucks, and rated nicely by purchasers, this is one of my fave cheap summer dresses this season. The High-low Denim Casual Skater Dress combines shirt dress styling, with long sleeves and a wickedly interesting hemline. The Short Sleeve Tie Waist Maxi Dress also features a cool hemline, with comfy cotton styling that’s an easy to toss on and go kind of outfit.
Flowing and lightweight, this summer sundress evokes all things happy. The floral and batik print make this dress a casual cutie to wear on Fridays, or throw on over your swimsuit. The quick drying rayon fabric means it’ll quickly go from wet to dry in a snap. With a traditional tank style top, and a swingy skirt with an asymmetrical hemline, you can slip this dress on for any occasion where you want to feel cool, comfy and beautiful too. This cheap summer dress comes in at under twenty bucks and it comes in sizes up to 3X. Plus it comes in ten color choices, each with a slightly different pattern on the bodice, so you might want to grab a couple while they’re still in stock. For a bit more coverage, if you plan on wearing your cheap dress to work, a lace front short sleeve dress might be a better choice. A lace front maxi is another sweet idea for a summer patio party or even just lounging around the house.
6. MSK Women’s Aztec Printed Peasant Dress with Sash
(MSK)
This cute, flowy peasant dress is a perfect summer option for the office as well as casual wear. Printed in a fun snake pattern, which is always super trendy, it features light and sheer ruffled sleeves and a ruffled hem. To give it some added shape, it comes with a self-tie sash. Slip it into your suitcase for your next cruise, because you can just swish it out in the sink and it’ll dry in a flash. Since this is super cheap, you can afford to pair it up with some smashing animal print gladiator sandals and have a fab outfit for under a hundred bucks. If the stiletto heel on the gladiators is too much for your comfort, the Aerosoles Snake print wedge sandal is a comfy and stylish option.
Summer means wedding season, and you can go broke trying to find the perfect dresses to wear to all of them, but you don’t have to. Cheap summer dresses like this chunky lace cutie from Lark & Ro means you can afford to buy a bunch, and never show up in the same outfit twice. This sleeveless dress features a flattering A-line silhouette with an elegant floral-lace overlay. The V-neckline and a concealed back zipper give it a classy, casual, but just formal enough look. For a super casual, outdoor affair, the Lark & Ro Women’s Halter-Neck Dress adds a bright pop of color on top, with a print maxi length skirt that has a shark bite hem. The Lark & Ro Halter-Neck Midi has a fun twisted neckline, and in some sizes and colors it costs under ten dollars.
Price: $20.89 and up, depending on size/color selected
8. Gabby Skye Women’s Multi Floral Printed A-Line Dress
(Gabby Skye)
While the manufacturer calls this dress an A-line, I’d say it’s more like a fit and flare dress. This little cheapie starts at just a bit over $23, and is one of those essential summer sundresses that you could wear to the office with a bright jacket or cute black shrug, or out for coffee with a pair of flowery flip flops. The vintage floral print on a black background gives this dress a classic look. It’s fitted bodice is capped by a square neckline and it has straps wide enough to cover your bra. From the fitted waistline, the skirt drops into soft pleats and side pockets give that casual comfy feel. If you were fooled by the name and you truly wanted an A-line dress, the Lark & Ro Women’s Straight-Neck A-Line Dress is a cute one, and it starts as low as $13.41 for certain colors and sizes.
This sexy swing dress is all about cool summer style at a budget friendly price. When it comes to cheap summer dresses, this little doozie will have you feeling like you should shimmy into a 50s nightclub for some hot music and cool beverage. The cool, cotton and spandex blend is breathable and holds it’s shape even when you heat up. The flared skirt and nipped in waistband are universally figure flattering. This dress comes in two solids and four fun prints, and in sizes up to 3X. For a little more fit, without quite as much flair, the SimpleFun Women’s Casual Fit Floral Dress comes in more than ten colors and prints at an astoundingly low price. If you love the color blocked look, the FSOOG Women’s Cross Back Sleeveless Tank Dress delivers a two-piece look with a bold colored skirt, and a fun striped top in a playful sundress.
Price: $12.99 and up, depending on size/color selected
When the warm weather hits, there’s nothing better than slipping into a gorgeous summer sundress, especially when it proves your shopping prowess at finding cheap summer dresses. Because it comes in more than a dozen color options, it will have your fashion loving head spinning. Sweet smocking creates soft gathers that nip in this dress under the surplice style bodice, to give it body hugging shape. The contrasting piping only adds to the interest factor. With a pretty border print, you’ll make a splash wherever you go. These wash and wear cuties come in sizes up to 3X, so you’ll have tons of options to choose from. If you love a longer dress for evenings out or everyday, the Plum Feathers Exotic Print Smocked Waist Maxi Dress delivers similar style at the same amazing price point, and it comes in more than 30 color options. Plum Feathers makes tons of fun fashion accessories to dress up or dress down your cheap dresses.
Price: $14.99 and up depending on size/color selected
Summer is just perfect for stretchy fabric and swingy styles, and this A-line sundress fits the bill. The black and white print is always in style, and really, who doesn’t love a splash of polka dots to add a bit of pluck to a plain background. This dress is perfect for more petite women, who love a casual, classy look. This cheap summer dress comes in at well under twenty bucks, and it’s perfect for a beach party or the patio bar. Pair it with bright red sandals and a matching purse, and add a pashmina scarf for cool evenings and you’ll have a killer ensemble.
This sleek and flattering printed summer dress is just perfect for the office or anywhere else where you want to look darling. The fixed wrap bodice style flatters without showing too much cleavage. The high waist with shirring gives a nice, body skimming fit that shows your shape without being tight fitting. Another sweet summer plus, the polyester ad spandex blend is quick-drying and it wicks away any perspiration on those hot and sticky days. It also packs and travels beautifully, which means it’s totally vacation worthy. This cheap summer dress is easy care and wear, and it even has UPF 50 making it the perfect sundress too. If you’re a lover of cotton everything for summer, the Woolrich Women’s Lake Forks Dress is a super casual option for the cabin or beach. One of my fave summer fabrics has to be tencel or a blend that includes it. Tencel adds body and flow to fabric, making the Woolrich Women’s Rendezvous Dress look stylish and fun.
If you simply love the flowiness of a maxi, but the sexiness of a mini, this dress might hit the sweet spot for you. This gorgeous, drapey rayon dress hits just above the ankle, but because it’s a button down, you can bare as much leg as you’re comfortable with. A fitted waistline is accented by a long tassel tie, and short sleeves and deep V-neck keep you looking cool and comfortable. This pretty dress comes in 25 different colors, patterns and sleeve lengths so there’s sure to be a perfect fit for you. Chiffon and a boho chic print make the classic wrap maxi a fun addition to your summer wardrobe, and if you love the easy, breezy, bare shoulder look, the Off The Shoulder Swing Maxi Dress is an awesome option. These cheap summer dresses come in lots of color options and some prices start at just $9.99.
Price: $26.99 and up depending on size/color selected
Free flowing and easy, this cute sleeveless sundress, will keep you cool on the hottest days. The deep scoop neckline makes this cheap summer dress look like a simple tank dress from the front. But the sexy racer back styling is a fun surprise element, along with a deeply curved back hem that hits above the knee in front, but mid-calf in back. This dress also has a pocket to quickly toss your keys in, and the viscose fabric is quick drying of you opt to take a quick hike, or slip this on over your swimsuit. The KAVU Women’s Coco Dress is clever because the classic tank overlay makes it look like you’re wearing a skirt and top. With a swingy tank style front, and gentle shaping in the back, the KAVU Women’s Leonora Dress would be perfect for a day sailing or dockside.
Price: $27.89 and up depending on size/color selected
With an elastic. smocked bust and bra friendly straps, this sleeveless dress is a perfect option for any spring or summer getaway. The crisp white, black and Caribbean blue fish print feels fresh and fun, but this cute knee length dress also comes four other color options. Made of 100 percent rayon, this cheap summer dress is easy care and wear. It comes in sizes up to 3X Plus. You can also get this same dress in maxi length. Just in case you’re not a fan of the fish print, the Kaktus Women’s Tropical Print Maxi Dress is the exact same style, just in different color and pattern options. All three dresses are super affordable ideas for your summer closet or suitcase.
If you’ve got a summer wedding to attend, or you’re planning for a special evening out, when you want to look and feel ultra-feminine, this floral dress will do the trick. The front features a sweetheart neckline, while the back reveals lots of your beautiful shoulders. This sleeveless cutie has straps that easily cover your bra straps, but it also has draping straps that hang down below the shoulder, adding to the sexy style. The inset, empire waist is especially flattering, as softly flowing pleated skirt that hits at ankle length. Looking for a more fun and flirty party dress? The Chevron Striped Maxi Dress makes a bold visual impact. For pure playful fun, another cheap summer dress is the Off the Shoulder Ruffle A-line Swing Dress.
Summer is such a perfect time to switch out of your business suits and into some cute dresses for the office. This faux wrap dress has the great look of a wrap dress, with none of the worry that it will come undone at work. The self belt gives you a cute way to cinch in the waist to your perfect fit, while the swingy skirt hits right at the knee, which is a perfect business length. Made of polyester and spandex, this cheap summer dress can be machine washed, so in addition to being cheap, it’s also easy. It comes in more than 30 colors and patterns, so choosing your fave could be tricky. While you’re shopping, it might be great to get the long sleeve version of the faux wrap dress for those occasional cool days and to wear year round. The A-line Wrap Dress features bold color blocks of black and white, and an asymmetrical hemline.
Price: $35.99 and up depending on size/color selected
Swing into the office in total style in this retro swing dress from Miusol. The round neck with a v-notch is alluring, but not too deeply cut. The wrap style bodice is stitched to avoid revealing more than you intended. The top is form fitting, while the swingy skirt gives this cute dress some added whimsy. Slip on a lacy cardigan and matching heels for the board meeting, and then switch out to some comfy wedges for your after work evening out. The Miusol Women’s Vintage Scoop Neck Dress features embroidered details on the elbow length sleeves and hemline, and looks perfectly professional without a jacket. The Vintage Polka Dot Optical Illusion Swing Dress is another work worthy option, and would look terrific with or without a jacket.
A fabulous red dress is always the perfect power play for women in business, and this plus size dress is not exception to the rule. It’s side shirring creates a slimming waistline, secured with a faux gold chain. The neckline drapes gently from the shoulders and the sleeveless design keeps you cool on those days where you need to wear a jacket. For casual Fridays, the Cap Sleeve Scoop Neck Maxi is a fun option with flats. A printed short sleeve sheath is always a great choice for work and play. Metal trim adds visual interest to a geometric print sheath.
20. Esprlia Women’s Plus Size Floral Print V-Neck Dress
(Esprlia)
This classy summer dress features an interesting floral print on a silky, swingy fabric background. Perfect for office wear, it’s also great for any summer occasion. The full skirt is especially flattering because it’s topped by a fitted, inset waistband. The surplice style bodice isn’t overly daring, and the fun elbow length sleeves are vertically gathered to give them added interest. This cheap summer dress comes in sizes up to 5X. The MYFEEL Plus Size Floral Printed Dress features a little more revealing neckline and an extra cute side waist tie. To get the look of a skirt and top, the sleeveless Chicwe Women’s Plus Size Floral Popover Dress features a solid, surplice bodice top paired with a floral print skirt.
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You don't need to spend a fortune to look like a million bucks. These cute, cheap summer dresses will to boost your warm weather wardrobe, and many are under $20.
