10 flattering editor-recommended dresses you'll want to wear this July 4th and beyond
I don't know about you, but when the warm weather rolls in, few things bring me more joy than slipping into a cute, flattering dress — and preferably one I didn't pay an arm and a leg for. I'm always looking for new, affordable additions to my wardrobe, and while shopping online can be mind-numbing for some, for me, it's bliss — and also my job. So I decided to embark on a little mission: Find a handful of summer dresses that are both drool-worthy and budget-friendly.
After hours of research, I've rounded up 10 picks that are as add-to-cart worthy as they come, but you definitely won't feel an ounce of buyer's remorse because of their price. From cool maxis to feminine sundresses and airy linen shifts, these gems are set to be your summer staples from the Fourth of July all the way through the season and beyond.. The best part? While a couple of them might be a bit of a splurge (but still under $200), most of these babies are around $40 or even less.
Your closet probably already has a little black dress or two that are evening-appropriate, so your warm-weather wardrobe deserves a floaty version you can wear during the daytime! Plus, since wrinkles hardly show on this style, it's the ideal vacation dress to toss in your suitcase.
I love the square neck on this swingy frock, and the fact that it has pockets seals the deal for me. The back is smocked, so it's easy to pull on and off (no dress is worth a pulled muscle!), and even those on the shorter size report that the length works swimmingly with flip flops.
Even better? It's machine-washable, and its billowy, tiered skirt delivers volume that will make the less dizzy among us want to twirl nonstop. Take my cue and grab one while it's the lowest it's been in 30 days.
This pick made my fantasy dress draft lineup for all its little details. The wavy trim creates definition that gives shape. The scalloped neck is fresh and modern. The smocked back makes it flatteringly snug but not can't-breathe tight. And the adjustable straps let you wear it as low cut (or not) as you like. It gets extra points for being machine-washable and having pockets. This apricot shade will match nearly anything, but 10 more options await...
Tiered skirt, scoop neck, smocked waist — this pick has the markings of a dress that flatters all body types. I particularly like the femininity of the sweet little neckline bow, and I also chose this maxi for the straps. Keep 'em pushed up for a classic sundress look or pulled down for off-the-shoulder flirtiness. It's so versatile and cute, and there are 40+ styles to choose from.
This comfortable maxi ties at the waist for an extra-snatched look, and the flirty high-low hemline shows off your shoes (not to mention your legs). Choose from 25 styles — I happen to adore this classic polka dot, but there are solids and florals to choose from as well. A Yahoo reader favorite, this dress is beloved by Amazon shoppers too; it's raked in over 13,500 five-star reviews.
I love the timeless elegance of this midi shirtdress. The elastic waist keeps things comfy and flattering, and you can cinch it more with the removable belt. Raglan sleeves won't feel too tight up top, and you can show as much skin as you want with the snap buttons. The blue-and-white-stripe option's a classic, but there are 12 others, solids and prints, to choose from — though certain sizes and styles are selling out fast!
Said one shopper: "Fits like a dream. I am lumpy from aging and childbirth, and this dress drapes and covers all my bodily imperfections without the need of any support undergarments."
This go-anywhere linen shift has an airy design that'll keep you cool on sweltering days. The higher neckline and A-line silhouette give this mod-ish piece some modesty, but the length says legs for days. And those back buttons are made for wearing this with short hair and updos. I've already scooped up the black version and am eyeing the white and light blue too.
Yahoo Initiatives Editor Julia Webb says her mom owns three of these Anthropologie bestsellers and that they're compliment magnets. "After I borrowed one to wear to dinner, I saw why my mom loves it so much," Webb explains. "The V-neck cotton dress features a soft A-line silhouette, a tiered skirt, short sleeves and a smocked waist to give it shape. It's machine-washable and fits true to size, and it even has pockets." Read her full review here.
Another chic pick, in sultry red. Its relaxed bottom gives it an "I'm on vacation" vibe, and the tie at the sweetheart neckline is a lovely, romantic touch. If you're looking to spice things up a bit, it also comes in a polka dot print that's selling out fast — which makes sense since the print is trending this season. One note: Some shoppers report that the bodice runs small.
