I admit that I’m not much of a summer person. Sure, I love the warm weather, cute sandals and the fresh fruits and veggies that summer brings, but I’m much more of a cold-weather season kind of girl (fall is MY moment), especially when it comes to fashion.
However, there’s one thing I do love about summer, and that’s the summer dress. Summer is the only time you can really wear a dress as a dress was meant to be worn, in its full glory, without a heavy coat/sweater/poncho covering up its amazing style.
I’m lovin’ this summer’s crop of dresses, which come in a wide variety of prints (stripes to graphic), lengths (short to maxi) and colors (white to pastel) to choose from. So I chose 101 (yes, 101–I’m THAT obsessed with summer dresses) awesome summer dresses. Check out my picks after the jump.
101 Summer Dresses for Under $100
Maxi Dresses
Maxi dresses continue their reign over summer (and fall, too) with an expanded range of options, like graphic prints and bright pastel colors. Check out my picks below.
T-Shirt Dresses
T-shirt dresses are quick, nonsense dresses for summer that look great while being comfortable (which is the ultimate combo, in my book).
Cocktail Dresses
From weddings to summer outside events, you’re going to need a great cocktail dress. The dresses below say “cocktail” without being overly dressy.
Bright-Color Dresses
Summer is all about color, from pastels to neons to rich fruity colors (thank goddess, no more black!). Here are a few of my picks for awesome, brightly-colored dresses.
White Dresses
Even if your invite to Puff Daddy’s annual White Party in the Hamptons got lost in the mail, you’ll still need a cute white dress to get you through the summer. Check out our picks below.
Black Dresses
Dresses with Sleeves
We all have that one part of our bodies that we wish we could wave a magic wand over and change. For me, it’s my arms, so finding cute summer dresses with sleeves is of utmost importance to me.
Graphic Print Dresses
Graphic prints are sort of the edgier, hipper cousin to the polka-dot-dress trend. Check out these awesome graphic prints for under $100.
Floral Dresses
The dresses below aren’t your grandma’s floral dresses. Tip: When buying a floral dress, look for dresses that continue the print at the seam.
Striped Dresses
Stripes are one of those prints that create a lot of fashion-related anxiety (e.g., the whole “no horizontal stripe” rule). I say forget the rules and try and incorporate a striped dress into your wardrobe. If you’re a little concerned about your midsection, pair the dress with a blazer to create a slimmer effect. Here are a few awesome striped dresses to check out.
-
- Chaus Colorblock Stripe Crewneck Jersey Dress, $99.00
-
- Dashed Stripe Halter Maxi Dress
-
- Donna Ricco Stripe Jersey Maxi Dress, $98.00
-
- Hot in Hollywood Jilly Pleated Maxi Dress, $59.90
-
- Merona Women’s French Terry Dress, $22.99
-
- Mitered Stripe Tank Maxi Dress, $41.40
-
- Mossimo Women’s High Neck Maxi, $29.99
-
- Multi Striped Crossover Dress, $59.50
-
- Stripe Crossback Skater Dress, $29.90
-
- Women’s Tulip-Hem Maxi Dresses, $29.00
Polka-Dot Dresses
Polka dots are still a summer trend, although not as popular as it was in 2013. A bonus: the print is very slimming.
-
- Blurred Dot V-Neck Dress, $98.00
-
- Groovy Polka Dot Dress, $24.80
Plus-Size Dresses
Thanks to shops like Asos, Eloquii and Forever 21, summer 2014’s crop of plus-size dresses is the largest, and quite possibly the best, batch of plus-size offerings ever. All the major trends you find in misses sizes, like bright colors, graphic prints and polka dots, can be found in plus sizes and for under the $100 price mark. Check out the picks below.
-
- ASOS CURVE Cami Dress With Lace Layers, $76.22
-
- ASOS CURVE Cold Shoulder Dress In Paisley Print, $76.22
-
- AX Paris White Crochet Shift Dress, $74.95
-
- City Chic One-Shoulder Dress, $89.95
-
- City Chic ‘Spot Siren’ Belted Fit & Flare Halter Dress, $98.00
-
- Lattice Top Skater Dress, $59.97
-
- Evans Blue Sketchy Floral Print Maxi Dress, $89.50
-
- Monochrome Illusion Dress
-
- Multi Floral Day Dress, $79.95
-
- Tribal Print Scuba Knit Dress, $24.80
-
- Truly You Cage Back Maxi Dress, $59.07
-
- Women’s Plus Chiffon Maxi Dresses, $35.00
-
- Zebra Ruched Dress, $79.99
Petite Dresses
-
- ASOS PETITE Bow Back Denim Smock Dress, $80.03
-
- ASOS PETITE Pencil Dress With Twist Neck And Belt, $85.74
-
- ASOS PETITE Waisted Low Back Maxi Dress, $47.64
-
- FELICITY & COCO Multi Stripe Racerback Jersey Dress, $78.00
-
- kensie Mesh Detail French Terry Dress, $79.00
-
- LULUS Exclusive Top Contender Ivory Dress, $45.00
-
- Merona® Petites Short-Sleeve Ponte Dress, $29.99
-
- Topshop ‘Chloe’ Floral Print Scoop Back Dress, $58.00
Catherine Brock
Latest posts by Catherine Brock (see all)
- The Iconic Label Born at the Family’s Kitchen Table - October 10, 2018
- How To Support Breast Cancer Awareness This October - October 3, 2018
- How to Find Wide Calf Boots + Top Picks - September 14, 2018