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10 Cute Dresses for Summer Priced $50 or Less

Last summer must have gotten lost in the ether because I don’t remember buying a single dress. And a look in my closet confirms it — my collection of cute dresses for summer is played out. Sure, I have some classic options like a midi-length jersey dress, a baby doll option, and an A-line.

But I’m craving new colors and silhouettes, with the caveat that any dress I buy can’t be too trendy. I want to wear it next year after all.

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A tall order, I know. Thankfully I found 10 cute dresses for summer on Amazon, all priced under $50. See my picks below and share your thoughts in the comments.  

For more warm-weather dress inspiration, see:

1. The girly girl summer dress

ZESICA Women’s 2024 Summer Sleeveless Halter Neck Ruffle Tiered Layered Chiffon Flowy Swing Long Midi Dress,Apricot,Large
  • US Size: Small=US 4-6, Medium=US…
  • The casual chiffon dress features…
  • Chic multi tiered design, great to…
  • Cute and classic, this layered midi…
  • Wash Care: Machine wash with…

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Tiered, sheer, and layered — what else do you need in a summer dress? Everything about this pretty chiffon dress is feminine, from the baby doll waist to the gentle A-line shape. Wear this piece with your favorite sandals, a shiny bracelet, and a pink or soft coral pedicure.

2. Casual bodycon

Sale
BTFBM Women’s Summer Casual V Neck Short Sleeve Ruched Bodycon T Shirt Short Mini Dresses with Buttons (Grey Blue, Small)
  • You Will Never Regret To Get One -…
  • Thanks To The Pull On Closure, This…
  • You Will Catch Everyone’s Attention…
  • This Casual Dress For Women Will…
  • There Are Two Different Style Of…

Show off your shape with this polyester/rayon t-shirt dress featuring flattering gathers on the left hip. The button detail adds interest and draws the eye to your top half, while the criss-cross hem adds a flirty vibe. Stud earrings and a nice pair of Converse or Stan Smiths are the perfect accessories here. For cooler nights, reach for a cropped denim jacket to wear over the top.

3. The essential shirt dress

chouyatou Women’s Casual Loose Fit Long Sleeve Solid Striped Button Down Shirts Dresses (Small, Navy Stripe)
  • Size Guide: XS=US 0-2, S=US 4-6,…
  • Machine wash gently. Do not bleach.
  • Classic shirt dress for women,…
  • Spread collar, long sleeves with…
  • Basic shirt dress is a must have…

The shirt dress is an essential wardrobe staple. This one has a relaxed fit that hints at your shape underneath. You can also add a pop of color by wearing a bold cami as a foundation layer. Or, slip a belt on top for an entirely different look. The oxford vibe paired with a shorter hemline is perfect for those casual days when you’re ready to take on the world.

4. It’s a man’s world

Fekermia Women’s Shirt Dresses Button Down Long Sleeve Solid Color Dress Causal Loose Slits Dress with Pockets Blue Medium
  • The Shirt dress is soft and cozy to…
  • Solid colors, roll up sleeve,…
  • You can make the sleeves rolled to…
  • Works great with a denim jacket,…
  • Suitable for office, daily wear,…

You’re likely to feel more empowered just by wearing this menswear-inspired, ankle-length shirt dress. A flowy drape and side slits balance out the masculinity perfectly. And the tie at the waist provides adjust-ability for the right fit. The fabric is 99% polyester, which delivers a soft, lightweight feel.

5. That’s a wrap (dress)

Sale
Amazon Essentials Women’s Classic Cap Sleeve Wrap Dress (Available in Plus Size), Blue Daisy, Medium
  • CLASSIC FIT: Close-but-comfortable…
  • MATTE JERSEY: Soft, compact…
  • CLASSIC WRAP DRESS: This…
  • DETAILS: Features an adjustable…
  • LENGTH: 40 1/2″ from side neck on…

The wrap dress is a tried-and-true style for summer. The piece combines the classic wrap shape with a pretty pattern and statement bow at the hip. The dress is flirty, sophisticated, and flattering all at once. Wear it with pearl earrings and delicate, flat-soled sandals.

6. Bold in ruffles

SOLY HUX Summer Dresses for Women V Neck Cap Sleeve Ruffle Hem Smock Short Dress Solid Green M
  • Summer solid ruffle trim smock…
  • Soft and comfortable fabric, fabric…
  • Feature: V neck, cap sleeve,…
  • Suitable occasions: Suit for…
  • Size recommendation: Please refer…

We all need a dress that comes out of the closet ready to make a statement. This one can play that role. Ruffles at the shoulder and knee plus a bold color mean you don’t need much in the way of accessories. Even better, the shift inspired shape is likely to be flattering on most figures.

7. The off- or on-shoulder dress

Sale
CUPSHE Dress for Women Maxi Dresses Off Shoulder Ditsy Floral Print Short Sleeve Frill A Line Dress, XL Multicoloured
  • This Ditsy Print Frill Edge A-Shape…
  • Garment Care: Regular wash….
  • Fit Occasions – Dresses for women…
  • Model is wearing a size S.(Height:…

Here’s a pretty baby doll dress you can wear off the shoulder or on. As an off-shoulder dress, your shoulders obviously do the talking. Pull the sleeves up and they take on a flattering puff that adds nice balance if your shape is bottom-heavy.

8. T-shirt style

elescat Tshirt Dress for Women Summer Casual Beach Swing Loose Sundress with Pockets(Light Blue,XL)
  • HIGH-QUALITY MATERIAL:Plus sized…
  • CLASSIC DESIGN:Women’s casual…
  • APPLICABLE OCCASIONS:Beach coverup…
  • COMFORTABLE AND VERSATILE:Maternity…
  • SIZE:Fall dresses for women are…

You can wear this understated t-shirt dress on repeat all summer long. The boat neckline and easy breezy shape are subtle details that flatter without being fussy. The hemline is short, but that only adds versatility. Wear it as a beach cover-up or as a top over leggings if showing that much leg around town feels too aggressive.

9. Come out swinging

ZESICA Women’s 2024 Boho Summer One Shoulder Sleeveless Ruffle Tiered Layered Chiffon Pleated A Line Flowy Mini Dress,Rose,Small
  • Small/US 4-6, Medium/US 8-10,…
  • Charming and elegant. Boho beach…
  • Ultra soft tie straps dress, made…
  • This layered chiffon dress is super…
  • Washing Care: Machine wash with…

Feeling bold? Match a hot pink A-line with a single shoulder strap and you have a serious statement on your hands. The body-skimming shape teamed with flouncy tiers gives you the best of both worlds — a flattering fit that has some movement, too. One Amazon shopper described this piece as the “perfect summer wedding guest dress.”

If the pink feels like too much, you have 12 other colors at your disposal.

10. Fabulous in print

Women Crossover Halter Sleeveless Boho Summer Flowy Maxi Long Dress Greygreen XXL
  • SOFT SUMMER DRESS MATERIAL: This…
  • FEATURES: Sleeveless / Crossover…
  • WOMEN HALTER NECK DRESSES: Unique…
  • OCCASION: Elegant Maxi Long Dress…
  • GARMENT CARE: Hand Wash or Gentle…

Try a Bohemian print teamed with a bit of structure for a grown-up take on the festival dress. The relaxed feel of this piece works perfecting for many occasions, including the outdoor concerts plus backyard BBQs. Even better, you don’t have to accessorize this piece with layered, long necklaces and stacked rings (though you could if you wanted to). A simple sandal or even a pair of Toms would do just fine.

Shopping cute dresses for summer

If you’re shopping online, use these tips to find summer dresses you love without too much hassle:

  1. Stick with the silhouettes, hemlines, and necklines that look good on you.
  2. Use Amazon Try Before You Buy. You order the clothes and have time to try them before paying. If you don’t want them, return them — without a penny changing hands.
  3. Pay attention to fabrics and how they align with your own habits and preferences. Cotton and linen are cool and lightweight, but prone to wrinkling for example. If you don’t like ironing, stick with polyester.
  4. Step outside your comfort zone, but only a little. Stretch the boundaries of your style, but do it in small steps. You’re more likely to be happy with your purchase that way.

Ready to get shopping? Have fun experimenting with new dress styles this summer!

Mojoblogs

Wednesday 9th of June 2021

I really love summer dresses because they are so cute and comfortable to wear. This is a great list. My favorites are numbers 1 and 7. Thanks for sharing this :)

Catherine Brock

Wednesday 9th of June 2021

Thanks for stopping by!

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