Dresses are my favourite thing to shop for. More often than not, I'll return trousers or tops based on their unpredictable fit, but I find it easier to tell whether a dress will fit and suit me, even if I only have a product shot to go by. Another plus side of dresses is I find that you don't need to spend a fortune to find a really beautiful one.
Handily, I've become a dab hand at spotting a great affordable dress. Putting my skills to the test, below, I've curated an edit of affordable dresses that you'll wear now and throughout the next few months.
It's worth noting that one person's idea of what's affordable will always differ from the next, but with standout dresses from as little as £25 (from H&M no less) and peaking at £175, these dresses really are worth every penny–but I'll let you find that out for yourself.
Regardless, with prints so pretty and colours so bold, this list is sure to have at least one dress you love. Before you reach it, I've also rounded up some fashionable people who also have a soft spot for affordable dresses. Enjoy!
SOME OF MY FAVOURITE INFLUENCERS IN AFFORDABLE DRESSES
Lydia wears a black knitted dress from H&M.
Lucy wears a scoop-back dress from COS.
Sade wears a bold red dress from Kitri.
Hannah wears a lime-green Nobody's Child maxi.
Basma wears a green printed dress from Arket.
Chloé wears an orange knitted dress from House of Sunny.
Francesca wears a ruffle dress from Ghost.
SHOP THE BEST AFFORDABLE DRESSES
Starting strong (as I mean to go on), this beautiful square neckline midi dress looks far more expensive than its price tag.
There's a reason this is an influencer favourite. Chic and minimal from the front, and romantic bow detailing at the back.
I fell in love with this dress from the moment I saw it. Stock can tend to fluctuate online, but there are plenty in store to try on IRL. You won't regret it.
Shirred bodices are everywhere this summer, but this dress is guaranteed to look as good next year too.
The exact dress as seen on @inmysundaybest. Between the puff sleeves, shirred detail and ruby red colour, you're onto a winner.
M&S x Ghost dresses sell out almost as quickly as they land. The key to their popularity? The clever balance of fashion meets function.
Lovers of colour, & Other Stories have got you covered. The summer collection is full of brights like this striking cobalt blue.
There is something effortlessly chic about the understated black cutout dress.
Come summer, linen is the first thing on our agenda, and I love that this maxi can double up as an everyday dress and a beach cover-up.
"What do I wear to a party?" I hear you ask. Consider this the answer.
This H&M dress looks like a well-sourced vintage find (but thankfully you can pick it up in a full-size range on the high street).
Abercrombie are having a particularly good run of dress right now, and this is next on our list.
We're officially influenced. Kim K's line of affordable jersey dresses also extends to dresses and have proven to be a big hit on TikTok (and with our editors).
Polka dots are coming back in a big way. Expect to see plenty of XXL spots like this by the time autumn rolls around.
Statement sleeve? Check. Comfortable fit? Double check. Zesty summer colour? Triple check. Confirming that this dress is working on all fronts.
Pair with chunky sandals and retro sunglasses for a look that celebrates the best of summer weather.
Every wardrobe should have a versatile slip dress. You'll wear it to everything from weddings to dinner dates.
After the Kendall Jenner stamp of approval, this dress sold out quickly, so act fast to get it now at sale price.
Gingham is as synonymous with the British summer as strawberries and cream, and this cute number is ready for a weekend in the park.
Maxi dresses are a universal hit but getting the hem right can be challenging for taller ladies. No sweat, this dress comes in 10 sizes and two lengths so your maxi won't turn into a midi.
Evening dressing sorted. Just add strappy heels and a statement red lip.
I would just as easily wear this with the flat sandals shown on the COS website as I should with a pointy kitten heel. Who would have thought an apple green, belted T-shirt dress could be so versatile?
A simple but effective maxi reminiscent of Carrie Bradshaw's dress of choice.
Simply put, it's sunshine in a dress.
Although designed with the beach in mind, this sweeping maxi would be a showstopper whatever your plans this summer.
An influencer and fashion editor favourite, every time I'm stopped in the street and asked what I'm wearing, it's been in a Warehouse dress.
Sure, it's perfect for summer, but imagine this in autumn with burgundy knee-high boots too.
Another dress proving the virtues of puff sleeves. (It's a bonus that it comes in heatwave-proof linen too).
If you thought Hollister were all about logo tees and shorts, think again. It's actually our best kept secret for summer–ready cotton dresses.
One of the pieces from Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place collab with Nobody's Child, the collection is inspired by travel and escapism, and retro influences, making for a colourful, mood-boosting edit of easy-to-wear dresses.
This dress has "holiday sunset" written all over it.
Our mood for the summer? Big collar energy.
This is exactly the kind of dress I've been looking for to wear over wide-leg trousers. Trust me—it works.
Bigger bust? The ruched chest and scoop neckline make the most of your assets without the need to cover up.
Animal print is a neutral, right? In that case, this is one worth investing in for your autumn/winter wardrobe too.
A classic, stretch jersey bandeau that we love to layer up underneath an oversized shirt, a boxy jacket or even a tailored blazer.
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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