WHERE TO BUY AFFORDABLE DRESSES

If you're shopping for affordable dresses for an upcoming party or wedding, you know how hard it is to find something cute that won't break the bank. And for some reason, these dress needs always seem to sneak up on us. If you've been that girl (ahem, hi) who's texted her girlfriends on a Thursday night begging to borrow something — anything — for a destination wedding that Saturday, this guide of affordable dresses is for you. Do yourself a favor, check out the selections below, and scoop up a few options before the eleventh hour. You'll feel more prepared and you'll have money left over for cocktails and presents.

ASOS

The selection can be overwhelming but there are definitely deals to be had. Try searching "skater dress" for flattering fit-and-flare numbers or shopping ASOS Collection for pretty embellished options. My picks: bow dress ($53), pink backless ($104), chic ruffle ($72).

Dorothy Perkins

All the dresses in the graphic above are Dorothy Perkins finds. Not familiar? I wasn't either until I stumbled upon a veritable treasure trove of wedding-appropriate dresses under $100. My picks: embellished dress in fuchsia and lime ($69), navy halter dress ($89), and striped fit-and-flare ($57).

Goodnight Macaroon

Their assortment skews a little more casual and you'll have to do a little digging but the juice is worth the squeeze if you're looking for a dress that no one else will be wearing. My picks: blue bow dress ($69) and green stripe dress ($79).

Nordstrom

Yes, they carry higher end labels like Alice & Olivia and Kate Spade, but the juniors section has a surprising number of age-appropriate picks for ladies in their twenties and thirties. One line to look for is Lush. My picks: chic shirtdress ($88), pretty in pink ($46), and preppy stripes ($38).

Oasap

If you're on a serious budget, this is your spot. You'll have to sift through lots of bodycon don'ts but the dos are worth the wait. My picks: the perfect party dress ($27), sweet stripes ($27), and scarf print ($23). 

Piperlime

I usually shop Piperlime for shoes but they have a ton of dresses under $100. My picks: this dress in every color ($79), backless with a bow ($89), A-line mini ($49), and nautical stripes ($83).

The Outnet

Heavily discounted designer wares ranging from super casual to wedding-ready. My picks: geometric navy ($94), jersey wrap ($96), and T by Alexander Wang stripes ($85).

If you're shopping for affordable dresses for an upcoming party or wedding, you know how hard it is to find something cute that won't break the bank. And for some reason, these dress needs always seem to sneak up on us. If you've been that girl (ahem, hi) who's texted her girlfriends on a Thursday night begging to borrow something — anything — for a destination wedding that Saturday, this guide of affordable dresses is for you. Do yourself a favor, check out the selections below, and scoop up a few options before the eleventh hour. You'll feel more prepared and you'll have money left over for cocktails and presents.

ASOS

The selection can be overwhelming but there are definitely deals to be had. Try searching "skater dress" for flattering fit-and-flare numbers or shopping ASOS Collection for pretty embellished options. My picks: bow dress ($53), pink backless ($104), chic ruffle ($72).

Dorothy Perkins

All the dresses in the graphic above are Dorothy Perkins finds. Not familiar? I wasn't either until I stumbled upon a veritable treasure trove of wedding-appropriate dresses under $100. My picks: embellished dress in fuchsia and lime ($69), navy halter dress ($89), and striped fit-and-flare ($57).

Goodnight Macaroon

Their assortment skews a little more casual and you'll have to do a little digging but the juice is worth the squeeze if you're looking for a dress that no one else will be wearing. My picks: blue bow dress ($69) and green stripe dress ($79).

Nordstrom

Yes, they carry higher end labels like Alice & Olivia and Kate Spade, but the juniors section has a surprising number of age-appropriate picks for ladies in their twenties and thirties. One line to look for is Lush. My picks: chic shirtdress ($88), pretty in pink ($46), and preppy stripes ($38).

Oasap

If you're on a serious budget, this is your spot. You'll have to sift through lots of bodycon don'ts but the dos are worth the wait. My picks: the perfect party dress ($27), sweet stripes ($27), and scarf print ($23). 

Piperlime

I usually shop Piperlime for shoes but they have a ton of dresses under $100. My picks: this dress in every color ($79), backless with a bow ($89), A-line mini ($49), and nautical stripes ($83).

The Outnet

Heavily discounted designer wares ranging from super casual to wedding-ready. My picks: geometric navy ($94), jersey wrap ($96), and T by Alexander Wang stripes ($85).