Looks that tell the world you're heading into fall in style at prices that say you're doing it with smarts. (Amazon)(Amazon)
Nothing is better on an early September day than a light, breezy sundress. The surest way to put a little bounce in your step during this transitional time? A wardrobe refresh with the cutest, comfiest dresses around. We're constantly on the lookout for the best seasonal styles, and we've found 10 lovely options at retailers including Amazon and Walmart that deserve a spot in our — and your — closet.
Plus, just about all of 'em will look lovely layered under light jackets or cardigans once fall breezes really begin to blow. Here are our picks for the best late-summer/early fall dresses at the best prices.
This cute, comfy maxi dress has it all: a flattering design, an alluring slit and handy pockets. Plus, its roomy fit won't cling to your body, allowing for some welcome airflow. It'll look great under a light jacket on early-fall nights, too.
It has amassed more than 6,500 five-star fans who offer praise like this: "It did not have a wrinkle! It is soft and comfy. It breathes. It is perfect for the hot Houston weather. Can’t beat it for the price."
Designed for all-day comfort, this casual cutie has an A-line silhouette that fits loosely over the body and hits just above the knees. The best part? It has pockets! Choose from 31 colors and prints.
This mod maxi is the epitome of throw-on-and-go comfort, ideal for pairing with sandals, slip-on sneakers, or even a pair of flip-flops on the beach. It's light, soft and flowy, with a nice amount of stretch and thickness to prevent undergarments from showing through. The high waistline creates a flattering silhouette for a variety of shapes, and the tiered design adds a little visual flair. For only $22, why not get one, two or even three for your wardrobe?
"It’s breathable, comfortable and fits perfectly in all of the right places," wrote a fan of the maxi. "I don’t like my dresses being too tight, and this one fits perfectly. ... It goes all the way down to my ankles and can be dressed up or down."
This wear-anywhere wardrobe workhorse makes for a perfect pairing with a cute sun hat. And then, when temps really start to drop, throw on a cardigan over it and have yourself a whole new look! We love this dress with a knotted bottom, to keep it trip-safe during long walks around town. Prices vary by color and print — 18 options are available — and all have pockets (we love pockets).
Looking for something a little more dressy that'll help you keep your cool while busting moves on a wedding-reception dance floor? Ideal for everything from barbecues to baby showers, this sleek, swingy style is a little bit boho — it'll look great paired with a light jacket on chilly nights too. Right now, you can snag it in 37 colors and prints.
Over 8,300 Amazon reviewers have given this versatile dress a glowing five-star rating. "I wore this to a wedding. It was comfortable and flowy. I danced all night," gushed a wearer. "Great fit, nice fabric and great design."
Both fashionable and functional, this casual maxi is just right for dressing up or down, depending on the occasion — wear with a jean jacket and strappy sandals for a cute summer brunch look, or with slip-on sneakers and a cute sun hat for a laid-back beachy vibe. It comes in a range of different colors and patterns and sizes S to 3XL, so there's a good bet there's an option in there you'll love.
Ideal for wearing to Sunday brunch, this swishy number has a high front cut, spaghetti straps and a side slit for maximum airiness.
One shopper describes it as "flowy and soft, with room to hide the least favorite body areas without being a tent."
Prints, prints and more prints — more than two dozen in total, with an additional 10 solid choices in pastel and neutral hues. From bold geometrics to romantic florals, this splashy stunner hits on all the right notes for a stylish wardrobe update. The fabric is soft, breathable and stretchy without being see-through.
This is the definition of comfy, casual and chic, with a flattering sheath design and a tie waist that creates definition in the midsection. Wear it to work, wear it on the boardwalk, wear it in the backyard — the world is your stylish oyster.
Another option with pockets! Statement sleeves are all the rage right now, so we're particularly enamored with the fluttery cap sleeves on this top seller, which are just right for keeping shoulders sheltered from the sun's still-strong rays. This dress is available in 28 different colors, including neutrals like black, white and khaki; pastels like mint and sky blue; and bold brights like peacock and rose.
The waistline is well-positioned to hide any belly bulges, while the shirred top makes for a slim silhouette. And reviewers praise the fabric for being nonclingy and breathable.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.