Budget-Friendly Finds: 30 Summer Dresses Under $50
Summer dresses are a quintessential part of any girl’s warm weather wardrobe. Think about it: they’re comfy, breezy and can easily be dressed up or down with the right accessories. Yes, the perfect summer dress is something you can throw on before sipping lemonade in your backyard and then wear with your favorite wedges the next time you go out.
If you need a new dress or two this summer, you’re in luck because I’ve found 30 trendy summertime frocks. The best part? They’re all priced under $50, so you won’t break the bank in the name of style. Check ‘em out by scrolling on down:
White Hot

Product Info: Sweetheart Neck Summer Dress- ASOS, Lace Dress- H&M, Lacey Sweetheart Dress- Nasty Gal, Fit and Flare Dress- Dorothy Perkins, Vintage Eyelet Dress- Delia’s
The Little White Dress is the summertime equivalent of an LBD — the type of dress that can be worn everywhere and for any occasion. Once you find your perfect LWD (like the budget-friendly picks above!) try pairing it with all-white accessories for a perfect summer look.
Abstract Artist

Product Info: Zippered Abstract Dress- Forever 21, Abstract Leopard Print Dress- Charlotte Russe; Just Etching to Wear It Dress- ModCloth, Abstract-Print Tube Dress- Delia’s, Empire Abstract Dress- Forever 21
If you’re looking for a dress that can easily transition from summer to fall, look no further than the trendy abstract print dress. Wear one now with sandals and a lightweight scarf, then pair the same dress with a cardigan and colorful tights when the weather gets cool.
Fab Florals

Product Info: Of Corsage Dress in Buds- ModCloth, Button Sun Dress- Peacocks, Pleated Floral Print Dress- ASOS, Blue and White Floral Dress- Forever 21, Summer Floral Dress- ASOS
Floral prints are pretty much a summertime staple, so if you don’t already own a floral dress — what are you waiting for? Florals are such a versatile print; they can be worn with almost anything. Personally, I like wearing my floral dresses with masculine pieces — such as oxfords and fedoras — to balance out the delicate floral print.
Rainbow Bright

Product Info: Green Eyelet Border Dress- Delia’s, Blue Raspberry Ice Pop Dress- ModCloth, Slice of Heaven in Tangerine- Nasty Gal, Neighborhood Exploration Dress- ModCloth, Hot Pink Wavering Stripes Dress- Forever 21
Summer is the perfect time to experiment with bright hues and there’s no better way to do that then with a bold, colorful dress. The dresses above are guaranteed to punch up the color and style factor of any look. For a super-trendy approach, wear a neon dress like the tangerine-colored or hot pink picks above.
Polka Dots, Stripes and Plaid– Oh My!

Product Info: Illiana Polka Dot Bow Dress- Ruche, Plaid Romance Dress- ModCloth, Striped Pleated Dress- Akira via Ruche, Linen Striped Dress- Forever 21, Spotted Sailor Dress- Nasty Gal
Plaid, stripes and polka dots are three classic patterns work for any season, but they look especially good during the summer. If you’re looking for a fresh way to wear one of these patterns, check out the dresses above. Bold colors and interesting cuts keep these frocks looking modern.
Maxed Out

Product Info: Grey Boho Maxi Dress- Dorothy Perkins, Pink Bandeau Maxi- Debenhams, Paisley Scarf Print Maxi- ASOS, Color Me Nana Dress- ModCloth, Embroidered Lattice Maxi Dress- Forever 21
The maxi dress is arguably this summer’s “it” dress — and rightfully so! Maxis are a little bohemian, a little glamorous and a whole lot of chic. Wear one over a bikini and sandals if you’re feeling laid-back or dress it up with statement jewelry and an oversized clutch come nighttime.
Thoughts?
What do you think of these pieces? Do you like wearing dresses during the summer? Which dress is your favorite? As always, remember to leave a comment and let me know your thoughts!
Posted on on July 17, 2011 / Filed Under: Shopping / Tags: Budget Fashion, Dresses, Featured, Summer, Summer 2011, under $50
















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NJ
Most of those dresses look like blouses, I wish the fashion industry would make longer dresses now (at least knee length) Even the boys are getting sick of how short they’re getting.
Renee
you should have numbered these.
Ashley - Flagler College
Renee- I had these numbered originally, but it looked confusing! The product info lists the top two, center and bottom two in that order.
Emily
Hmm I couldn’t find the striped pleated dress from Akira. I went to the link but it isn’t there. Do you know of anywhere else to find it, or something similar? Love the post though. :)
maxine
Summer dresses are so pretty.
Ashley - Flagler College
Hey Emily! I made this post a few days ago and it looks like the Akira dress must have sold out online since then. The Akira website has another dress with similar coloring to that one, except it’s a maxi style: http://bit.ly/pwWc4Z
I also found three dresses that have that have a similar multi-colored striped pattern: 1- http://bit.ly/p1wKqN, 2- http://bit.ly/pjDCav, 3- http://bit.ly/oINFz0 :)
Emily
Thank you!
jenn
the navy sailor dress…swoon. i recently did a blog post using a red polkadotted dress and this just reminds me how much i need a spotted summer dress! they’re just so classy and CUTE.
Aali
I can’t find the Delia’s dress): Does the link work for anyone else?
Zephyr - CF Editor
Aali – Just fixed that link! Should work fine now. LMK if you continue to have problems with it!
Lizzy
Those bright dresses are adorable, but I never have the guts to wear sth like those..
EYEdirection
Cute dress options! I especially like the tangerine Nasty Gal dress & the zebra print Modcloth maxi dress. I also liked that the dress options were categorized into trends. Great post!
hannah
you can find the exact same striped pleated dress at ruche too. :)
http://www.shopruche.com/summer-festival-striped-dress-p-7713.html
Ashley - Flagler College
Hannah- You’re right.. Thank you! I’ve updated the post to include that Ruche link :)
Mintii
Thank you for sharing dresses for fat chicks to wear! I love me a good summer dress. :)
Please keep up this trend. I’ve been noticing it lately. Hurray for plus size fashion!
jennifer.
how do i get the summer maxi dress; i could not find a link. Thank you.
Ashley - Flagler College
Jennifer- I’m not sure what you’re talking about..? I just checked the links for all the maxi dresses and they worked fine. Can you be more specific?