We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. A wrapped satin dress that delivers Seven Year Itch sex appeal. Generic A-line dresses couldn't make half the impact of this sultry number.
2. A geometric print dress to fit you like a dream with a spicy slit and matching belt made of the same fabric.
Promising review: "OH. MY. GAWD. I love this dress! I bought it for a wedding, and I got so many compliments. It's the perfect balance of dressing up without going overboard. Super comfy. Fabulous." —Michael A. Morganford
Get it from Amazon for $20.98+ (available in sizes XS–3XL and 10 patterns).
3. A comfortable knit polo dress that falls ever so gently over your curves, perfect for a spring afternoon.
Promising review: "I love this dress, I purchased a size medium but because I’m 5’8, I decided that it was a little small and I sized up to a large and it was the perfect fit. I also wore this dress opened as a cardigan with a simple white tee and my favorite jeans. I love that I can wear this dress multiple ways. I’m planning on getting it in the other colors!" —Amy Q.
Get it from Revolve or Milly for $395 (available in sizes XS–XL and in three colors).
4. Or try a similar ruched dress for some extra movement and shape. Light stretchy knits are made for gorgeous weather.
Promising review: "I love this dress, and I bought it in two colors. Very versatile, can see it being appropriate spring, summer, and fall. Flattering without being skin tight. I bought a small, which was a tiny bit larger on me, but I appreciate that for the cut of the dress."
Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in sizes XX–XL and four colors).
5. A soft satin swing dress with a halter neckline and removable belt that's elegant and alluring.
6. A velvet bodycon dress that'll make last minute dress shopping the best decision you made today. The fabric and puffy sleeves will make this the most discussed outfit of your event.
Promising review: "I absolutely love, love, love this dress! The color (blue) is so vivid and bright. The velvet-like material is very soft and has stretch to it (spandex). It is definitely worth the price, because this dress looks very expensive. Even though this dress hits well below my knees, I actually don't mind the length. I'm 5'1 and 160 lbs and the SMALL fit me perfectly. I wore this dress to an evening wedding in February 2020. My last event before we went into lockdown. I received SO, SO, SO many compliments! It paired well with silver/gray velvet sandal heels. All the wrinkles were gone after being hung up for a couple of days. No ironing necessary. Don't hesitate with purchasing this dress. It's so worth it." —Ebonnie Fisher
Get it from Amazon for $39.60+ (available in sizes S–XXL and six colors).
7. A slinky silk dress because every now and then you gotta go in the back of that closet and pull out that freakum dress with a center back slit.
Get it from Reformation for $278 (available in sizes 0–12).
8. A lantern-sleeve dress since nobody likes restrictive arm sleeves. You can live a little in this dress, it's very stretchy.
Promising review: "I wore this dress for my son's wedding and I was fabulous. The material was very nice, and there was plenty of arm room for my upper arm, which totally amazed me. Most companies don't take into consideration the plus-size upper arm size with the plus-size dress. The fit was perfect." —Mz. Loretta
Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in sizes L–5XL and 11 colors and patterns).
9. A Hanifa cutout dress that'll toe the line between peek-a-boo and cozy glam with a sickening ripped mesh design.
I had the pleasure of testing this dress and it's so comfortable. At no point was I worried about any wardrobe malfunctions. The fabric and mesh fell exactly where they needed to be. A lot of designers think tan is the universal nude. I was so relieved when this dress actually matched my skin tone. My colleague on the left is wearing Diarrablu's sold out Satu dress.
Hanifa is a Black-owned fashion label known for its striking designs, bold colors and curve-friendly designs.
Get it from Hanifa for $459 (available in sizes XS–2XL).
10. A mermaid dress so elegant, a reviewer actually wore it to the Oscars. You'll be collecting compliments all night. Thicker fabric makes the dress far from sheer and all the more elegant.
Promising review: "I needed a last-minute dress to wear to the Oscars, as I was invited super last minute, so I took the chance and ordered this dress. I’m so glad I did!! It’s beautiful, classy and fit perfectly. I got so many compliments! It was a tiny bit sheer but I wore a black slip underneath and it was fine. So happy with this gorgeous dress! I bought the sash separately." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $48.44+ (available in sizes S–XL and in nine colors).
11. A sleeveless tulle dress because it has adjustable straps and high front slits worthy of Angelina Jolie's legs (and obviously yours too). If you're wondering if it's glam enough, a reviewer eloped in this dress. It's the real deal.
Promising review: "The color is super cute. Very cute and fits nicely although it was a little bit long on me and I'm 5’5. Heels made it better though. Only thing is the straps are pretty cheap/thin, but wasn’t an issue for me." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $29.97+ (available in five colors and in sizes S–XL).
12. A sparkly evening dress with beads and sequins that's worth the altering since it checks out at under $100 — and you should never underestimate the power of a properly fitting gown.
A reviewer who was worried about malfunctions reached out to the seller and they made the necessary changes!
Promising review: "I seriously can’t say ENOUGH about this dress!! It was an absolute dream and so beautiful for my beach wedding. I ordered a size 10 based on the size chart and it fit perfectly in the waist. I did have a few alterations done — length, closed in the slit and had the under-arm area lowered. It is incredible quality and the detail in the beading is unreal. Nobody believes me when I tell them I “Primed” my wedding dress." —BSR
Get it from Amazon for $69+ (available in 19 colors and in sizes 0–16).
13. A pleated midi dress that's endlessly versatile and guaranteed to deliver more than you paid for. A nice heel and popping jewelry are all you need to take it to the next level. Plus, the belt is made of corresponding fabric that can be used to alter your silhouette.
Promising review: "Super breezy and comfortable. The tiiiiiniest bit itchy, but I have sensitive skin. The lining slip actually stayed down which was impressive. Wore for one event and it was great. Planning to keep it to use for a Grecian Halloween costume." —Colleen B
Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in 29 colors and in sizes XS–XXL).
14. A V-neck spaghetti strap maxi dress to take full advantage of the sunshine by showing some skin. It's comfortable enough to not restrict your movement. Fashion tape is definitely worth considering if you're worried about the wrong part catching the wind (although some reviews said they didn't even need it).
Promising review: "The dress is great! I had a seamstress add a slit to it since it was a beach wedding and it'd be humid! Got the same one in yellow/orange. Have yet to wear but will add a slit to that one as well. No elasticity. Didn't even have to tape the dress in any areas! Buy it! It’s beautiful <3" —Angelia Parreno
Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in 11 colors and in sizes S–XXL).
15. Or an off-the-shoulder maxi dress that'll stun with a vibrant print and a timeless cut. Its thin material is ideal for the hottest days of the year, but a slip can also help when it's partly cloudy. We love a tropical floral vibe!
Promising review: "Loved this dress! Wore it for maternity pictures. It had plenty of room to grow in as well. Still fits after the birth of my son. Was a little on the thin side for material, but other than that it was perfect." —APRIL Lee
Get it from Amazon for $38.99+ (available in four colors and in plus sizes XL–4XL).
16. A deep-V faux-wrap dress that reviewers say is relatively wrinkle resistant. As far as the design, you really can't go wrong with a wrap dress. You can wear it to work, dinner, anywhere really.
Promising review: "I bought this for my little brother's wedding and it was very pretty but more importantly...SO COMFY! Now it's in the church outfit rotation." —Katy Perdue
Get it from Amazon for $25.90+ (available in sizes S–XL and 24 colors).
17. A flowy column dress that also looks great with a belt — and won't get you side-eyed at the gala.
Promising review: "Bought this dress for a summer wedding. It fits perfectly! Just a little long, but with heels, it will be fine. I like the material — soft, light and comfortable. You can wear it casual or dressy with jewelry. I am adding sandals with a mid-heel for the length. I am 5'9 so if you are shorter, you may need to have it hemmed. It is worth it!" —DLF
Get it from Amazon for $49.95 (available in sizes XS–4XL and 23 colors).
18. A chiffon off-shoulder evening dress for that last-minute event your significant other sprung on you (that you can't exactly turn down).
Promising review: "This dress is beautiful! It's very light and flowy. The material is of great quality. As the other reviews have mentioned it runs a bit big. I purchased this for my birthday dinner cruise and received many compliments. ☺ Definitely a quality dress for a reasonable price." —Abayomi W.
Get it from Amazon for $31.98+ (available in seven colors and in sizes S–3XL).
19. A super cute one-shoulder bodycon dress perfect for a garden party where you plan to get a little bit sauced. It's only $20 so you won't freak out if you spill a little wine. Reviewers say the material is ultra soft and stretchy.
Promising review: "Got so many compliments on this dress. Wore it to a wedding and it was perfect! Very snug-fitting (like the product pictures show). The sleeve part covers the chest part of the dress, so I didn’t even need to wear a bra." —Erica C.
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and 13 colors).
20. A leopard-print dress to wear when you want to look like an extra in Sex and the City. It's got a drawstring waist and balloon sleeves becoming of a literal goddess.
21. And a convertible dress you can wear several ways and truly get your money's worth.
Promising review: "I can't even stop looking at my pics in this beauty. I am so obsessed with DiarraBlu clothing. I just placed an order for four more dresses." —Zena Mailys Dress
DiarraBlu is a small, Black woman-owned, high contemporary lifestyle brand founded by Diarra Bousso. She aims to highlight the African continent's beauty through a range of dresses, jumpsuits, tops, ponchos, and more.
Get it from Diarrablu for $195 (available in women's sizes XS–3XL).
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