For most of us, that designer-made dress with an upper-hundreds price tag is more of an investment rather than a wardrobe essential. A piece that we probably won’t be getting too much mileage out of once spring and summer come to an end. So, with an itch for something new, but with a budget in mind, we’re taking a savvier approach to our skin-baring frock expenditures by finding just-as-lovely alternatives that still leave space on the balance sheet.
Ahead, browse through the best sundresses that look like a million bucks (but cost less than $100).
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
ASTR The Label Poplin Puff Sleeve Tiered Midi Dress
Exude cottagecore vibes with a tiered poplin dress. The thigh-high split adds a flirty touch to the delicate silhouette. The breezy frock is perfect for weekend picnics or coffee dates.
Shop ASTR The Label at Nordstrom Rack
ASTR The Label Poplin Puff Sleeve Tiered Midi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Relaxed-Fit Short-Sleeve Crewneck Maxi Dress
This effortless maxi dress boasts over 2,000 reviews — impressive even by ratings-heavy Amazon standards. The loose fit makes the frock a versatile piece for errands, traveling, and lounging around the house. Pick your go-to color from the 13 options — there are prints too — or collect them all.
Shop Daily Ritual on Amazon
Daily Ritual Lived-in Cotton Relaxed-Fit Short-Sleeve Crewneck Maxi, $, available at Amazon
Reformation Agean Dress
Spring, we've been waiting for you. This delicate print mini dress has the ideal fit for a sudden spike in warm weather. The relaxed fit is comfy to walk around and has a timeless straight cut. In addition, the adjustable tie straps add a subtle detail that is functional and practical.
Shop at Reformation
Reformation Agean Dress, $, available at Reformation
Essential Puff-Sleeve Dress
The search for the checks-all-boxes transitional dress ends now — Pact's throwback pullover style is suitable all year round. You can pair the long-sleeve piece with leggings on colder days and wear it as a mini when the temperatures peak. Plus, the freesia (pictured) and lime hues are spring-approved.
Shop at Pact
PACT Essential Puff-Sleeve Dress, $, available at PACT
Adidas Adicolor Classics Tight Summer Dress
Give the '90s a holler: Adidas created a style that pays homage to the classic pop star wardrobe. The fitted athletic design has a low-cut back for a whimsical peek-a-boo detail.
Shop Adidas
Adidas Adicolor Classics Tight Summer Dress, $, available at Adidas
Mango Printed Pleated Dress
The slight puff shoulder and pleated skirt on this midi dress elevates an otherwise casual V-neck frock. It also comes in two eye-catching prints and colors — one green and one pink.
Shop Mango
Mango Printed Pleated Dress, $, available at Mango
Free People Like Me Or Love Me Slip
Envelop yourself in this silky and soft mini slip dress, which boasts a wrap-style silhouette and sultry flair. Casually wear it around the house with slippers or pair it with sneakers or mules for an outside 'fit.
Shop Free People
Intimately Like Me Or Love Me Slip, $, available at Free People
& Other Stories Printed Mini Dress
A bright tangerine mini will invoke gleeful cheer that spring is finally here. The brief dress has a relaxed appearance and features short cap sleeves, a thin self-tie detail at the waist, and buttons up the front. All subtle attributes, yet they bring the piece together.
Shop at & Other Stories
& Other Stories Printed Mini Dress, $, available at & Other Stories
Quince Washable Silk Slip Dress
If there's one timeless frock that belongs in everyone wardrobe, it's a silk slipdress. It makes for a classy wedding guest look or an off-duty weekend ’fit witht a cropped jean jacket and sneakers.
Shop at Quince
Quince 100% Washable Silk Slip Dress, $, available at Quince
Bow Neck Short Sleeve Dress
A flouncy refined one-piece that you can easily wear to the office and then out to dinner afterward. The bow necks adds the perfect vintage touch to the look.
Shop CeCE at Nordstrom
Daily Practice Tuvalu Sweater Set
Get two pieces for the price of one. This two-piece sweater set comes with a cropped top that you can pair underneath or on top of the V-neck dress. It's a versatile apparel that works for the weekends and even workouts.
Shop Daily Practice at Anthropologie
Daily Practice by Anthropologie Tuvalu Sweater Set, $, available at Anthropologie
Everlane The Oxford Shirtdress, $, available at Everlane
Scoop V-Neck Midi Slip Dress With Slit
For only $18, the minimalistic dress for backyard BBQs and late-night drives can be yours. If you like brighter options, the style even comes in a sunshine yellow shade.
Shop Scoop at Walmart
Scoop V-Neck Midi Slip Dress, $, available at Walmart
Curve Shirred Bustier Maxi Dress
Shop ASOS Design at ASOS
ASOS CURVE Maxi Dress With Puff Sleeve, $, available at ASOS
Aerie Spring Fling Halter Dress
Lightweight and breathable, this adorable crossover halter mini dress was made for spring. You have the choice between a delicate floral eyelet blue or a playful plaid print. It has an open back for a flirty look.
Shop at Aerie
Aerie Spring Fling Halter Dress, $, available at AE
Lulus Always So Sweet Floral Smocked Dress, $, available at Nordstrom
LC Lauren Conrad Knot-Strap Tiered Maxi Dress
Meet an iron-free maxi dress that reviewers rave about. Get ready to have plenty of people asking where you bought this charming ruffled hem frock.
Shop LC Lauren Conrad at Kohl's
LC Lauren Conrad Knot-Strap Tiered Maxi Dress, $, available at Kohl's
Urban Outfitters Arna Midi Slip Dress
One of the best parts about a slim-fit slip dress with a funky print is that you can wear it alone, or add a chunky sweater or blouse on top for another look. The back has an adjustable tie for finishing your look with a cute little bow.
Shop at Urban Outfitters
UO Arna Midi Slip Dress, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Daily Practice The Grau Sleeveless Mini Dress
Are you heading to the beach any time soon? This relaxed-fit piece is ideal for wearing as a comfy cover-up or breezy lounge dress. You won't have to worry about a pesky farmer's tan while playing in the sand or reading a book by the waves. Furthermore, the worn-in aesthetic of the unfinished hem makes the apparel feel unfussy.
Shop Daily Practice at Anthropologie
Daily Practice by Anthropologie The Grau Sleeveless Mini Dress, $, available at Anthropologie
Torrid Off-Shoulder Peasant Midi Dress
This off-the-shoulder piece from Torrid is one of my favorite styles from the dresses listed. The grey and white gingham print pairs flawlessly with the other components of the dress, like the cinched waist, ruffled neckline, and just below-the-knee length.
Shop Torrid
Torrid Off-Shoulder Peasant Midi Dress, $, available at Torrid
H&M Voluminous Linen-Blend Dress
A bright and airy a-line dress with an oversized silhouette and juicy spring hue. The majority of the reviewers suggest to size down, as H&M wasn't kidding when they meant that it was voluminous.
Shop at H&M
H&M Voluminous Linen-Blend Dress, $, available at H&M
Striped Cami Dress
The sweater knit apparel is an excellent pick for when the weather is slightly breezy, and you want to wear a cardigan or light jacket on top. You can also banish any preconceived notions you have about wearing horizontal stripes — reviewers found the dress to be flattering, and so far it’s earned a 4.5-star rating.
Shop at ELOQUII
Eloquii Striped Cami Dress, $, available at Eloquii
Lucy Paris Avery Floral Dress, $, available at Lucy Paris
The Drop Britt Tiered Maxi Tent Dress
There are a lot of hidden features within this flowy piece, such as its adjustable-length straps and seam side pockets.
Shop The Drop at Amazon
The Drop Britt Tiered Maxi Tent Dress, $, available at Amazon
Wild Fable Tie Back Slip Dress
This graceful slip dress is slightly different from the others listed, as it's made out of a breathable rayon material and has supportive triangle-shaped cups. Plus, the V-neckline has string ties in the front with adjustable spaghetti straps for extra security. It drapes elegantly with a keyhole back.
Shop Wild Fable at Target
Wild Fable Tie Back Slip Dress, $, available at Target
Onzie Active Dress
If you're steadily on the move from working out to running errands, this ribbed mini was curated for you. It features built-in shorts and an efficient cell phone pocket for busy days.
Shop at Shopbop
Onzie Active Dress, $, available at Shopbop
Amazon Essentials Surplice Maxi Dress, $, available at Amazon
Universal Standard Helen V-Neck Liquid Jersey Shift Dress
Pockets. Oh, the pockets. Universal Standard updated their best-selling style by adding deep pockets, a V-neckline, and a high-low hem for a cocoon shape. Stay cool and comfy this spring in this rayon 'fit.
Shop at Universal Standard
Universal Standard Helen V-Neck Liquid Jersey Shift Dress, $, available at Universal Standard
Torrid Green Floral Challis Smocked Midi Dress, $, available at Torrid
Lucky Brand Striped Ruched Maxi Dress, $, available at Amazon Fashion
J. Crew Pleated Midi Dress in Crinkle Gingham, $, available at J. Crew
Mango Ruffled Poplin Dress, $, available at Mango
Storets Lucy Off-the-Shoulder Mini Dress, $, available at Storets
J.ING Charlene Cheetah Midi Dress, $, available at J.ING
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