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    37 Summer Dresses Under $40 That Are Way Too Cute

    Because your new favorite summer outfit shouldn't have to break the bank.

    Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women's.

    1. A fun and playful sun dress with a V-neck, wrap front, and a ruffle hem that will make you want to twirl around in a field full of wildflowers.

    reviewer wearing the polka dot dress in navy blue
    reviewer wearing the polka dot dress in red

    Promising reviews: "I love love love this dress. I wore it for Easter this year and got so many compliments. Since then I have bought another dress in a different color and excited to wear them this summer! BUY THIS DRESS. if you’re second guessing whether or not to buy it. BUY IT." –Rhianna Hill

    "This is the cutest dress I’ve ever bought on Amazon. I took a risk, but I wanted a true wrap dress. I ordered a large and the waist was a little loose, but the tie allowed me to tie it a little tighter, which creates a cute 'bunched' look. It’s lightweight, not stretchy material (which kinda scared me), but it fits around my curves perfectly still. I’m super excited to wear this for the summer. I wore it for our Valentine's date night and my boyfriend loved it. I also got about five compliments that day from total strangers. I might have to order more in different colors." –Nidia

    Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and in 31 colors and patterns).

    2. An off-the-shoulder ruffle dress because all of us want to feel like a princess every once in a while. You'll love how the layers catch the wind when you walk around in this Cinderellaworthy getup.

    A reviewer wearing an off the shoulder pink ruffle dress
    writer wearing the dress in lilac
    www.amazon.com, Ciera Velarde / BuzzFeed

    That's me on the right wearing this dress in lilac and having a grand old time! I wore this to a wedding this summer that had an outdoor ceremony and cocktail hour in 90-degree heat, and even though it's maxi length, I didn't get too hot or sweaty. I was really pleased with how the pleated tiers fell on my body...I just felt very dainty and romantic and confident in this dress! I also loved that I could wear it on or off the shoulders. And no joke I had at least a dozen people compliment me on this dress! And no one believed what I spent on it! I might just have to buy this in many other colors now!

    Promising review: "This dress was perfect for a mid-summer wedding! It was extremely comfortable and fit super well! The layers of ruffles are not too bulky and lay super well against your body. Loved the lilac color and got tons of compliments!" —Meghan Barden

    Get it from Amazon for $37.98+ (available in sizes S–XL and 32 colors).

    3. A maxi dress that comes in 45 (yes, 45!) colors and prints and is the perfect base to build a full outfit off of. Throw on a denim jacket, sandals, and a wide-brim hat on for a casual cool summer look.

    reviewer wearing the gray maxi dress and a long necklace
    reviewer wearing the dress in purple

    Promising review: "Great dress! Fits to size. It’s not tight at all. It flows nice and fits perfect. The material is not too thin or thick. I ordered the black dress and it’s not see through at all. I will be buying more colors. It’s super comfy too. I will most likely hand-wash as well. Definitely a nice dress for summer." –Niki J

    Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and in 45 colors and patterns).

    4. Or this adorable floral maxi dress great for a day at the beach or an outdoor barbecue. Many reviewers say the flowy fit makes this a perfect maternity dress, too!

    reviewer wearing the short-sleeved dress in white and blue while standing in a blue-painted alleyway
    reviewer wearing the dress in pink while holding blue balloons

    Promising review: "This dress is so beautiful and comfortable. The dress billows, it flows nicely, it doesn't bunch up, it doesn't get stuck or ride or pinch or bind. It flows so nicely. It's the most comfortable dress I have ever had. I love the sleeves...way better than the dresses with the longer sleeves (which are too tight). The fabric is beautiful. One person liked it so much, she bought one for herself." –LJ

    Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and 42 prints).

    5. A lantern-sleeve mini that'll make you feel so much like a princess, you might just expect some enchanted woodland animals to follow you around all day. Pair this with a chunky colorful headband to reach peak regal vibes.

    reviewer wearing blue dress with belt
    reviewer wearing the tie back dress

    Promising review: "This dress is SOOOO adorable. Absolutely in love. Gives very old-fashioned feels and I'm all for it! I got the light blue and I'm definitely buying in more colors. Worth every penny." —Olivia

    Get it from Amazon for $38.99+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and in 15  colors).

    6. A ruffle-sleeve dress with a pleated design that looks marvelous when the wind blows. It's available in 30 colors, so feel free to stock up on your favorite colors and make this your official summer uniform.

    reviewer wearing the green tiered dress with a belt
    reviewer wearing the dress in white

    Promising review: "I liked this dress so much I bought it in a second color. To be honest, it's probably not my last one. I'm definitely thinking about ordering a few more. This dress is so easy to throw on and dress up or down, depending on how you style it. I love the loose, comfy fit. It's already got a slightly oversized feel to it, so don't worry about sizing up. It's perfect as is." —Cristina Thrower

    Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and in 16 colors)

    7. A ribbed bodycon mini dress in a stunning blue color that will draw all eyes right to you the second you enter the room. 

    model wearing a bright blue body con dress
    Rebdolls

    Rebdolls is a Latinx- and woman-owned small business based in Harlem, NY.

    Get it from Rebdolls for $39.90 (available in sizes M–5X).

    8. A tie-dye maxi dress to pair with a belt, cropped jacket, and cute sandals for a casual, boho look that all your friends will compliment you on.

    reviewer wearing the dress in a pink tie-dye pattern with sneakers and a hat
    reviewer wearing the maxi dress in blue tie-dye with a belt

    Promising review: "Great affordable maxi dress. The coffee color is exactly as pictured and the material is cool and flows well. I haven't washed it yet, but the stitching, pockets, and sleeves are well constructed. I would purchase again in another color." —Melissa

    Get it from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and in 42 colors and designs).

    9. Swiss dot ruffled number with a faux wrap design that adds beautiful structure and design to this delicate yet show-stopping frock. We can see this being the perfect outfit for a wedding this summer!

    model in short sleeve faux wrap yellow dress
    reviewer in the above the knee dress in light blue

    Promising review: "The perfect dress. You can wear this to church, a wedding, dinner, anywhere! It's so cute and comfortable! My new favorite dress." —Alicia Christe

    Get it from Amazon for $35.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and in 13 colors).

    10. A sleeveless gingham dress you'll want to throw on during the hottest summer day thanks to how lightweight and airy it is.

    reviewer wears the sleeveless gingham dress
    model wears the dress in a blue print

    Promising review: "I LOVE this dress!! The material is so lightweight that it’s perfect for summer and then the plaid will also look cute and trendy in fall with a jean jacket! Plus I LOVE that there are pockets. The dress is constructively made really well, I was pleasantly pleased to see it also had a lining so it’s not at all transparent. I saw another review that said it ran a little small and as someone between two sizes I sized up and I’m glad I did. I will be wearing this dress all summer and then some!" —Theresa St Peter

    Get it from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and in seven colors).

    11. A high-low dress if you have *checks calendar* six more weddings this summer and you're desperate to find a great-fitting, easy breezy, and most importantly *affordable* outfit.

    reviewer wearing green dress
    writer wearing orange dress and black heels
    www.amazon.com, Ciera Velarde / BuzzFeed

    This is the perfect summer dress for any fancy activities you have! It's ultra-breathable and thin, so you can wear this even when it creeps up to 100+ degrees outside! I've worn it to a wedding last year and then to a rehearsal dinner this year, and I will keep this in my regular rotation to break out any time I need to look cute!

    Promising review: "Love, love, love this dress! It fits perfectly and is lightweight enough for the heat wave we are experiencing in LA." —Sweet Serenade

    Get it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and in 38 colors).

    12. A positively precious green floral mini practically made for photo ops in front of beautiful blooming flowers. 

    model wearing the green floral dress
    Beginning Boutique

    Beginning Boutique is a woman-owned fashion business based in Brisbane, Australia.

    Get it from Beginning Boutique for $39.99 (available in U.S. sizes 2–8).

    13. A sleeveless T-shirt dress because everyone needs a lightweight, easy-to-style option they can just throw on in the morning. Reviewers say it isn't see-through at all, so feel free to wear it with any color bra your heart desires!

    reviewer wearing the above-the-knee dress in mauve
    reviewer wearing the dress in purple-gray

    Promising review: "Great purchase for the price. This dress is really cute, flattering, hides those pesky areas (big gut, arse, etc), and keeps you cool on hot days! I love the pockets as well. It's not see through at all even though it's light fabric.

    Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and in 38 patterns and colors).

    14. A surplice dress that is the perfect base to build any outfit off of. You can throw on a cute denim jacket over this, pair it with your favorite crossbody bag, and slip on your best platform sandals for the ultimate summer ensemble. 

    Promising review: "It feels almost like I'm wearing a nightgown. It's not clingy at all, even after I washed it in my washer (cool water) and dried it in my dryer on high. This dress is flowy and wears well for our hot Texas summer, plus it can be worn with shorts or leggings. When cooler weather comes, a denim jacket will give this a nice casual look." —RoomRVier

    Get it from Amazon for $24.90+ (available in sizes XS–6X and 16 colors).

    Psst: this item is included in Prime Wardrobe so you can give it a trial run if you're a member!

    15. A wrap dress available in so many cute boho prints, you'll have a hard time picking just one (it's okay, buy a few, we won't tell!) You'll be counting down the days until this beauty arrives at your front door so you can throw it on and strut your stuff while looking like a million bucks.

    a model in a blue floral maxi length wrap dress
    a reviewer in the dress in a darker blue

    Promising review: "I don't normally write reviews for clothes off of Amazon, but good lordy I am so in love with this dress, I just HAVE to!! I am IN LOVE and am wishing it was warmer weather so I could wear it out and about! First, it is a true wrap dress in that you feed one side through the other, therefore you can adjust how tight or loose it is. Modest? Show some cleavage? Up to you! 😍 Second, it is the PERFECT length for me. Lastly, normally a short ruffle sleeve doesn't fall right on me and makes me look like a football player... these fall immaculately fluttery on me. All in all, I freaking love this dress! And was not prompted in any way to provide a review but felt so compelled when I tried it on! If you are on the fence like I have been for over a year, GET IT!!" —Jess

    Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in sizes S–2XL and 20 styles).

    16. A colorful embroidered dress that will make you stand out from the crowds as you spend the summer shopping at farmer's markets, going to local festivals, or eating brunch al fresco.

    model wearing a bright red dress with designs along the front
    Target

    Promising review: "Super lightweight and the material isn’t clingy. The colors are really vibrant too. It is super casual, and I plan on wearing it at the pool and beach." —SBK

    Get it from Target for $30 (available in sizes XS–XXL).

    17. A striped T-shirt dress with a cute tie waist, pockets, and a bra-friendly design — really, what more could you want in a dress?!

    reviewer wearing the pink striped dress with a tie waist
    reviewer wearing the same dress in black and white

    Reviewers say this dress is form-fitting, so if you want a looser fit, size up!

    Promising review: "Seriously the softest dress ever! I probably could have sized down, but I like a looser fit. I needed a dress that was long enough to wear to work and that is what I got with this dress. And it has pockets which is a huge bonus!!! I actually am going to buy more in different colors!" —Lnt7

    Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in S–XL and in 24 colors)

    18. An off-shoulder maxi you'll be ready to show off the second it arrives at your doorstep. I mean, the smocking, the slit, the pattern! It's a serious stunner.

    model wearing the black dress with floral pattern
    reviewer wearing the red dress with a denim jacket

    Promising review: "My daughter picked this dress for a summer wedding! Fit her beautifully and the size was spot on! Pairs great with a cute denim jacket and sandals." —Kristen

    Get it from Amazon for $30.99+ (available in sizes XS–4XL Plus and in 47 colors).

    19. A ruffle-sleeved mini — you deserve to be the center of attention, and the bold color paired with the fun sleeves will have heads turning everywhere you go.

    Promising review: "This is the perfect little dress for any event! I am 4'11, and it fits at the perfect length. The shoulders aren't too dramatic, but still pretty awesome! I have worn it a few times, most recently to a tea party bridal shower, and it was divine!" —Gia Mehdi

    Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in sizes XS–XL and XL Plus–3XL Plus and 29 colors)

    20. A long-sleeve ruffle dress if you've been searching for a modern interpretation of the Bridgerton look complete with pretty pastels, ruffle details, and the perfect level of fanciness.

    A reviewer wearing a long sleeve blue floral ruffle dress
    A reviewer wearing a long sleeve green ruffle dress

    Promising review: "PERFECT dress for a wedding, bridal shower, baby shower, or date night! Found this dress from a blogger on Insta! I had so many compliments all night long! I bought a medium! I ordered a large first but once it came in, it was too big in my waist, shoulders, and chest. The medium fit like a glove. So glad I have this dress in my closet now! Don’t hesitate to buy!" —Maggie Burress

    Get it from Amazon for $38.97+ (available in sizes XS–XL and 19 colors/prints)

    21. A simple yet chic sundress you can wear all on its own or paired with a cute denim jacket during unexpectedly chilly summer nights. Reviewers say this is breathable, stretchy, and incredibly comfortable — that's it, I'll take five!

    A reviewer wearing the sleeveless, above-the-knee dress with wooden buttons in black
    A reviewer wearing the dress in green

    Promising review: "I would give this 6 stars if I could. Fits PERFECTLY! It's a very vibrant forest green color. The material is very soft and the little buttons on the front look like wooden buttons. Stretchy, bouncy material and not see-through. Perfect length for me as well. I would take this dress at any length honestly. Just super comfy and looks great. Oh, and has POCKETS!😆😆❤" —natasha

    Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and in 25 styles, including some with short sleeves).

    22. A cute mini floral dress with ruffles on the sleeves to make this adorable frock even more darling. We think this would look fantastic with a pair of white sneakers!

    Promising review: "This dress is sooooo cute! I got a ton of compliments on it when I recently wore it to a baby shower. Loved the soft material, and it can easily be dressed up or down, from work to brunch. I bought my normal size, it fit perfectly. But I could have probably got away with a size smaller. Will order another color." —Elizabeth

    Get it from Amazon for $35.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and nine colors).

    23. A satin spaghetti strap dress perfect for a night on the town with friends or as a pretty dress you can wear to a wedding. No matter where you wear it, you'll be feeling confident you're one of the best-dressed people in the room.

    Promising review: "I recommend 100%. I loved the fit and and was super comfortable. Got a lot of compliments about it and it was accurate on the size. Perfect!" —Cynthia Arizpe

    Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in sizes XL–5X and seven colors).

    24. A halter maxi dress with a beautiful open back design — perfect for anyone who lives in an absolutely brutal summer climate and needs some relief from the heat while still looking fabulous. 

    reviewer wearing the black dress
    reviewer wearing orange dress

    Promising review: "Absolutely one of the most gorgeous summer dresses I own, and for the price? It's amazing." —C

    Get it from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and in 26 colors).

    25. A square-neck midi whenever you want to embrace your inner cottagecore fairy. All you have to do is slip into your favorite sandals, and you have a beautifully put-together look that's as appropriate for a wedding as it is a trip to the vineyard with friends. 

    reviewer wearing red midi dress
    reviewer wearing orange dress

    Promising review: "I wore the orange one to my cousin's fall wedding and I didn't want to take it off. It is SO COMFORTABLE! The material is nice and I am considering buying another color. It can get a bit wrinkly, but I just threw it in the dryer for a bit and shook it out and it touched up nicely. Buy it! You'll feel like a character from a Jane Austen novel." —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $36.99 (available in sizes XS–XL and in 23 colors).

    26. strapless floral maxi so beautiful, it'll inspire you to book a tropical vacation *just* so you have a reason to show it off. Even if you aren't jet-setting this summer, just imagine how fabulous you will look wearing this to a backyard summer party!

    reviewer wearing the strapless red and white dress
    reviewer wearing the strapless blue dress

    Promising review: "The material is on the thin side but that will be perfect on hot southern nights here in South Carolina. I am already looking at other patterns to buy a second one! The bust is snug (I am a 40C) but I love that because I don’t worry about it folding over or sliding down." —MimDOT

    Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and in 28 colors).

    27. A halter-neck sundress because summertime is the perfect opportunity to show off your shoulders that have been hiding under sweaters all winter and spring long. 

    reviewer wearing red and white polka dot dress
    reviewer wearing green dress with belt

    FYI, if you have Amazon Prime Wardrobe you can give this a spin before you buy it!

    Promising review: "This purchase completely exceeded my expectations. Dress is well made and SOFT. It’s also has a slip underneath, which is awesome, no fear of undies showing! Waist is elastic. Comes with a detachable belt so it can be worn with or without." —MsMGR

    Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and 25 colors).

    28. A striped maxi for the mornings you just have no idea what to wear but still want to look like you've got your life together. Just throw this on, head out the door, and get ready for the compliments to roll on in.

    model wearing a black and white striped maxi dress
    Rebdolls

    Rebdolls is a Latinx- and woman-owned small business based in Harlem, NY.

    This style is form-fitting, so it's advised to size up!

    Get it from Rebdolls for $39.92 (available in sizes S–4X).

    29. A beautiful polka-dot dress with great coverage on top so you don't have to worry about a bra strap poking out the side. The ruffle-cap sleeves and the buttons down the center make this versatile enough to wear to the office as well as out with friends in the evening!

    A reviewer wearing the ruffled short sleeve dress with a tie waist that hits just below the knee in green with white polka dots
    reviewer in the yellow version

    Promising review: "This dress is so pretty!! I was hesitant because it seemed like it might be super cheap-looking, but it's a much higher quality than I expected. It fits like a dream and I feel so pretty in it! It has pockets and it drapes so nicely. You will not be disappointed." —Nicole

    Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and in 17 colors and prints).

    30. A T-shirt dress complete with a sophisticated, criss-cross bottom hem that'll instantly make you feel like you're a fashionista walking down the streets of Paris on a perfect summer day.

    reviewer wearing a black dress while standing in front of a cactus
    reviewer wearing the dress in pink while in a backyard

    Promising review: "I've purchased five of these dresses. They're perfect for pretty much any occasion. I've worn to parties, work, church, dates, and my nephew's graduation. Living in California means that I can wear this dress year round. Don't let the price fool you — this dress is well made, double lined, and the unhemmed finish at the bottom is interesting. Plus they are super easy to care for! Just toss in the washer/dryer. I've received so many compliments and "where'd you get that?'" –KC

    Get it from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and in 33 colors)

    31. An orange dress with an interesting diagonal strap across the chest that'll make it stand out from all the other bodycon dresses on the market. 

    model wearing an orange body con dress with a diagonal strap across the chest
    model showing the form fitting orange dress from the back
    JLuxLabel

    JLuxLabel is a woman-owned fashion brand based in Los Angeles.

    Get it from JLuxLabel for $29.99 (available in sizes S—XXL).

    32. A tie-front dress you can adjust to achieve your perfect fit — many reviewers say they can easily ditch their bra when wearing this because it offers so much support!

    FYI, if you have Amazon Prime Wardrobe you can give this a spin before you buy it!

    Promising review: "I absolutely adore this dress. I ordered in red and once it came in, I immediately ordered it in navy as well. Comfy, flattering and adjustable I highly recommend for a cute casual spring/summer dress." —Ashley

    Get it from Amazon for $22.98+ (available in sizes S–XL and 43 colors).

    33. A denim dress with a frayed hem that'll instantly make you look so put-together, even if you threw this on five minutes before running out the door.

    model wearing denim dress buttoned up with tons of accessories to dress it up
    Amazon

    Promising review: "Absolutely loved this dress. It fits perfectly. I wear it casual with sandals or white Keds, and have got so many compliments on it. A must for your summer wardrobe." —DS

    Get it from Amazon for $35.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and in five styles).

    34. A button-front sundress you might be compelled to buy in all 36 colors and patterns once you realize how comfortable and functional it is. We almost forgot to mention the best part: pockets!!

    A reviewer in the spaghetti strap dress in white with vertical stripes
    A reviewer wearing the dress in sunflower print

    Check out BuzzFeed's full write-up on this dress.

    Promising review: "I'm one of those people that never writes reviews. I found this dress through a BuzzFeed article and couldn't resist the white sunflower one. The material is stretchy and just fits your body so well. I didn't have any problems with it being see-through while I was wearing light gray underwear. The length is cute. The buttons are fake, so they stay uniform all the way down. It's stretchy across the back of the bodice, so bigger-chested women would love this. My mom and I have completely different body types and the size large fits us both amazingly! I'm definitely going to try to order as many prints as I can!" —Courtney Clark

    Get it from Amazon for $21.66+ (available in sizes S–XXL and 36 colors and prints).

    35. A plain black crewneck dress — if you're a minimalist who works off of a capsule wardrobe and is looking for a versatile dress you can wear with practically any accessory, jacket, or shoe, this is it!

    model wearing black crew neck dress
    Lilly's Kloset

    Lilly's Kloset is a woman-owned online boutique founded by Kemetria Lilly in 2012. The shop offers unique and glamorous clothes, shoes, and accessories.

    Get it from Lilly's Kloset for $38 (available in sizes S–L).

    36. An off-shoulder mini with a stunning scallop hem that'll catch the sun beautifully as you frolic around. If you have a vacation coming up, you'll definitely want to throw this versatile number in your suitcase!

    Promising review: "Honestly? This is my favorite dress! I bought it for my trip and I’m in LOVE with the fit! It is absolutely perfect." —Annette Prieto

    Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in sizes 0X–4X and in 24 colors).

    37. A tie-strap dress perfect for anyone who hates when their straps are always falling off their shoulders — now you can adjust them to be a perfect fit for your body!

    model wearing maxi dress in polka dot print
    Amazon

    Promising review: "I absolutely love this dress! It’s comfortable but also looks chic. I feel like it could be easily dressed up or down. I’ve worn mine as a halter and regularly tied as pictured. It does run a bit large so I would size down if you’re in between sizes. I ordered another color after receiving mine because it’s so great!" —Ally Estergard

    Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (available in sizes S–XL and 18 colors/patterns).

    You waiting all day by the front door hoping your package of beautiful new summer dresses arrives: