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    34 Reviewer-Approved Dresses For Anyone Who Hates Dress Shopping

    Quit sifting through a bajilion pages of not-quite-right dresses and find some tried-and-true gems right here.

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

    1. A tie-waist deep V-neck dress you'll be *really* glad you invested in when you start planning cold weather date nights to dinner or to see shows. We love a versatile dress that works with all our jackets and shoes!! 

    Promising review: "So, I’m really hesitant to buy any clothing on Amazon. I typically don’t. But I saw this dress on a curvy person from TikTok, and I was like, 'That dress is stunning on them,' so I added it to my cart. I took a leap, and I’m happy I did. I have room to move, it’s not tight at all, and I’m in love with it. I’ll have to safety-pin it or make a small stitch to it to stop my bra and chest from showing so much, but other than that, it’s really a beautiful dress! It is shorter on the sides, so be warned about that." —Nicole P. 

    Get it from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and 20 colors). 

    2. An easy breezy tiered swing dress with subtle balloon sleeves for all those afternoons you're like, "Let's go out to frolic in the park, and by frolic, I mean take lots of cute pictures in the park."

    Reviewer in orange tiered dress
    Reviewer in black and white checkered version

    Psst — reviewers love this dress, but recommend sizing down if you're in between sizes!

    Promising review: "This dress is absolute perfection! I purchased for a Texas game day brunch — good burnt orange is hard to come by. The fit was impeccable — flowy without looking ill-fitting, and hit me just above the knee. I wore with cowboy boots and loved that I could chase my toddler around while still looking cute in this dress. The fabric is just thick enough to lay smooth and not cling, while not being heavy. Not see through at all. The balloon sleeves are EVERYTHING. Going to buy in more colors right now!" —FitGirlInFlight

    Psst — if you have Amazon Prime Wardrobe you can try this piece out before you buy it! 

    Get it from Amazon for $30.98+ (available in sizes S–XXL and 28 styles).

    3. A satin cowl-neck midi dress for a perfect party staple, especially because reviewers can't say enough about how easy it is to move and groove in. Your dance floor priorities are well protected here. 

    reviewer wearing the dress in orange
    reviewer in the black version of the dress

    Promising review: "I saw this dress in a TikTok, and I thought I would try it out considering the reasonable cost. I was shocked at how comfortable it is. The material feels expensive and is smooth on your skin. You could wear a bra with it, but the cowl neckline allows you to go without. Overall, it's an amazing dress!" —A, Lu

    Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in sizes XS–XL and in 22 colors and patterns).

    4. cottagecore maxi dress with a real "choose your own adventure" vibe, since the shoulders can be styled multiple ways (and also because wearing this dress *demands* you go on a lil' hike and picnic trip). 

    a reviewer in red with the sleeves off-shoulder
    another reviewer wearing the sleeves up and in blue

    Promising review: "I love the way this dress fits! It's so comfortable and can be worn for so many occasions. It stretches so well in every area and looks very [awesome] on my curvy body. I also love that you can wear the shoulders in different ways. I get so many compliments on it every time I wear it. I bought two colors and I'm planning to buy more of them the future." —Naxhiely

    Get it from Amazon for $36.99 (available in sizes XS–XL and in 24 colors).

    5. A waffle-knit pullover dress so snuggly it'll feel like you're wearing a very chic hug. Reviewers love how warm the fabric is and how beautifully the neutral colors pair with different kinds of shoes! 

    A model taking a mirror selfie while wearing the dress in brown
    A reviewer wearing the dress in white

    Promising reviews: "Great sweater dress! I have received so many compliments when I have worn this dress. I style it with short boots and over-the-knee boots. Material is good and kept me warm." —Zankhana

    Get it from Amazon for $37.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and 21 colors).

    6. An apron dress to get a distinctively vintage look that will pair beautifully with all your favorite tops, dresses, and even cosplays. Reviewers in a ton of industries swear by these, from teachers to customer service workers to actors! 

    Model wearing dress apron with tie string in beige
    Model showing that the straps of the apron cross in the back
    Chemistri/Etsy

    Chemistri is a California-based Etsy shop that specializes in apron dresses and fashion accessories. 

    Promising review: "This would be the fifth and sixth apron I purchased because I love all the colors. I'm soooooo happy with these aprons I keep coming back for more. They are exactly what I wanted and are consistent every time! I bought my daughter one as well! LOVE THEM!" —Dez Elle

    Get it from Chemistri on Etsy for $19.99+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and eight colors). 

    7. The iconic Ellie Nap Dress from Hill House that has *quite* the reputation for being one of the absolute, hands down coziest dresses on the planet, thanks to the stretch in its smocked top and the flowiness of the skirt. 

    Model in a flutter sleeved tiered navy blue maxi dress with smocking at chest
    Model turned to show square cut back
    Hill House

    Reviewers suggest sizing down! 

    I own one of these and can I just say from the bottom of my little gremlin heart what a RELIEF to wear a nonconstrictive but still "dressy" dress out and about. I feel like a princess when I wear it, and more importantly, like a princess who never gets a wedgie or worries about bra lines or has to adjust their outfit every ten seconds. WHERE HAS THIS BEEN ALL MY LIFE?? 

    Promising review: "I don't think I've reviewed this dress because 100+ reviews and it selling out on each launch sort of speaks for itself. This is just the perfect dress, for literally any body! There is not a single day that goes by that I'm wearing one and I don't get a compliment from someone. You can dress them up or dress them down. You can nap in them, then put some heels on and wear it out to dinner! They are so easy to wear. As a neurodivergent person that can't stand wearing a lot of clothes, these are essential to my wardrobe. You cannot go wrong with this dress. Every drop I say I'm going to order something different and I just wind up with more Ellie's. You think you shouldn't order another one because you already have one or two? ORDER IT! In all the colors and prints!" —Karina 

    Get it from Hill House for $150 (available in sizes XXS–XXL and 21 styles). 

    8. A timeless (eco-friendly!!) V-neck pullover dress for anyone living at the intersection of "I need to be cozy at ALL TIMES" and "damn it, I should really dress up for this." The organic cotton of this dress is soft and has just the right amount of stretch to make it super comfy, even though it can easily be dressed up for anything from work to a wedding. 

    Model in V-neck maroon 3/4-sleeve midi dress
    Model in blue confetti patterned version
    Pact

    Pact is an organic, sustainable, fair trade fashion brand that partners with SimpliZero to offset the environmental impact of every product, making it a carbon neutral company. 

    Psst — some reviewers suggest you size up! 

    Promising review: "Quality material, stretch, and comfortable. If you are looking for a nice quality cotton dress this is the one. I bought it for a wedding." —Brenda C. 

    Get it from Pact for $74 (originally $95; available in sizes XS–XXL and nine patterns). 

    9. A velvet V-neck maxi dress so timeless that it's basically a one-and-done for wedding seasons and holiday parties for every year to come. 

    a reviewer in the orange dress
    another reviewer in blue

    Promising review: "Dress fit amazing [and is] very comfortable... I wore it to a wedding and because it has a little stretch wore it a year later for my maternity photos. Got so many compliments. Gorgeous burnt orange/rust color." —Ron

    Get it from Amazon for $46.99+ (available in sizes 4–26 and in seven colors).

    10. A pleated-skirt midi dress for anyone who wants a reliable dressy staple in their closet but is sick of the LBD trend — sometimes you need a pop of color and the swish, swish of fun pleats to liven up the mood! 

    Promising review: "LOVE THIS DRESS! I bought it for a wedding and got so many compliments. It fit great. I probably could have gone down a size because the top was a little loose. But it’s very flowy. The material is thin but thick enough that it’s not see-through." —Megan

    Get it from Amazon for $42.99+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and in 11 colors).

    11. An oversized turtleneck sweater dress that all the boots in your closet are practically *salivating* over knowing just how beautifully they'll pair together. 

    Reviewer in green sweater dress with balloon sleeves
    Reviewer in maroon version

    Promising review: "Great quality! Thick and super stretchy. Color is exactly like the picture (I got the green), slightly longer in back. Exactly what I was looking for and better than I expected." —Amazon Customer

    Psst — if you have Amazon Prime Wardrobe, you can try this piece out before you buy it! 

    Get it from Amazon for $25.43+ (available in sizes XS–XL and 18 colors). 

    12. A vintage-style midi dress with some "I arrived here through a very sophisticated time machine" vibes that will have you dodging compliments left and right. 

    model wearing the dress in yellow
    Mr. Water New York / Etsy

    Mr. Water New York is a New York–based, Asian American woman–owned independent fashion brand established in 2017 filled with unique pieces. 

    Promising review: "I absolutely LOVED this dress...I cannot believe how well it was made and how lovely it was for such a reasonable price point. It was comfortable and easy and fun to wear. And not only did I love it, so many other people did, too. I was complimented not only by people I know (I wore it to a wedding) but also by strangers who stopped me at various points while traveling throughout my day, to tell me how much they loved it. I will 100% be purchasing again from Mr. Water New York." —Lesley

    Get it from Mr. Water New York on Etsy for $79 (available in sizes 00–12 and in two colors).

    13. floral mesh-sleeve bodycon dress that looks like it fell out of your dizziest, most romantic daydreams. Honestly what *can't* you accomplish wearing sleeves as cute as these?? 

    reviewer wearing the mid-calf length dress in blue
    reviewer wearing the dress in red

    Promising review: "I wore this dress to a wedding and received so many compliments. It fit like a glove...The sleeves are beautiful with the flower appliqués; some of the flowers have gold on the edges of the petals. The gold was subtle yet added a little something extra. The fabric is thick and has some stretch to it. People actually asked me what designer the dress was (it was a very very nice wedding in The Hamptons). Shein A La Amazon lololol." —Heather R.

    Get it from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in standard sizes standard sizes XS–XXL and 16 colors/styles). Also available in plus sizes (L–4XL) for $42.99+.

    14. A romantic flowing maxi dress — reviewers are *obsessed* with the dreamy flow of this skirt, and also that it's so easy to throw on you can quite literally pull it over your head and call it a day. 

    Model in a red short-sleeved cinch-waited peasant collared maxi dress
    Model in pale blue version
    Anthropologie

    Promising review: "I am always looking for a dress I feel comfortable in and not too frou-frou and this is it. We are traveling to Italy, and I wanted a sophisticated look for day and night that could be casual or dressy. It has a slightly shiny look to it, and hangs beautifully. I've styled it a dozen different ways, and I love how this can be changed up (think Pinterest). We leave in two weeks, but I know this will be my go-to outfit." —SMcAndrew

    Get it from Anthropologie for $170 (available in sizes XXS–3X and nine colors). 

    15. sheath pencil dress that's about to become your cold weather uniform — reviewers especially love that the fit is structured without being constrictive, and that it comes in so many lovely jewel tones to boot. 

    A customer review photo of them wearing the dress in blue
    another reviewer in red

    Promising review: "Love the color of this dress! And the length is great for a work or holiday party. I have received so many compliments." —AimingtoStressLess

    Psst — if you have Amazon Prime Wardrobe you can try this piece out before you buy it! 

    Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and 23 colors and patterns).

    16. A crewneck maxi dress because everyone deserves a "blank slate" staple like this that you can jazz up or down depending on the vibe. 

    Promising reviews: "This dress is perfect for all year! I ordered a size up to fit a little more flowy, but could have easily done my normal size. The material is so comfy. I wear it with tennis shoes, boots, heels — you can do whatever look you want." —Amanda

    Psst — if you have Amazon Prime Wardrobe you can try this piece out before you buy it! 

    Get it from Amazon for $17.40+ (available in sizes XS–XL and in 12 colors). 

    17. An off-the-shoulder dress with a gorgeously detailed scalloped hem for a modern-meets-vintage look you can dress up or down.

    Reviewer in yellow version of the dress, which falls mid-thigh and cinches at waist
    reviewer in black version

    Promising review: "I always get nervous when purchasing clothing on Amazon, but was very happy with this purchase. The material is a decent weight and the cut outs at the bottom of the dress are done nicely. I'm 5'5" and the dress hits just above my knees, which is a perfect length. I don't like my clothes tight, so purchased a 3X. It's loose and flowy and hangs just right. Overall, I'm very happy with the dress. I would go a size up depending on your shape and how you like your clothes to hang." —Kathryn Mathewson

    Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in women's sizes 0X–4X and 16 styles).

    18. A vintage-inspired sheer panel dress reviewers love for its unique glam, comfy fabric, and *sheds a tiny tear* pockets.

    Reviewer in black dress with sheer collar and sleeves make of polka dot embroidered lace
    Reviewer in black dress with sheer collar and sleeves make of polka dot embroidered lace Reviewer in black dress with sheer collar and sleeves make of polka dot embroidered lace

    Promising review: "I purchased this dress for a wedding reception I was attending. I was skeptical about getting the dress because it didn’t have that many reviews but I’m so happy I got it. The dress fit perfectly. It was very comfortable and not to mention it had pockets which was an added bonus. I definitely plan on getting this dress in another color for sure." —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in sizes 4–20 and in five colors and prints).

    19. A corduroy A-line pinafore that's basically a required uniform for for all your cottagecore adventures, I don't make the rules. 

    reviewer wearing the pinafore with a striped turtleneck and black tights
    reviewer wearing the pinafore in green with a white turtleneck underneath

    Promising review: "I read about this in a BuzzFeed article that said best, cheapest things to buy on Amazon right now. I was skeptical because I've ordered from Romwe before and not loved their products (they were sooo small). This fit as expected, and I got SO many compliments on it. I can wear it all through fall and I've already worn it out in the summer!" —Brandon Alexander

    Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in sizes XS–XL and in 15 colors).

    20. A ribbed tiered skater dress made with brushed fabric so soft that it'll be a miracle if you don't just nap in it when you should, in fact, be showing it off. 

    Model in a red and black pattered tiered skater dress with long sleeves
    Torrid

    Promising review: "This dress is incredibly comfortable and fairly warm. The texture is so soft I could sleep in it. I’m excited to wear it as we approach the holidays!!" —Spottymae

    Get it from Torrid for $34.75 (originally $69.50; available in sizes M–6X). 

    21. A ruffly open-back dress that's all, "Party in the front *and* party in the back," perfect for all your days when you're maximizing fun, whether it's on a trip or at brunch with your buds. 

    a reviewer showing the open back
    A customer review photo of the dress in red floral

    Promising review: "This is a very cute dress! It is very low cut in the front, but it fit perfectly. I got a ZILLION compliments on it. I’m typically ok with things being a little more revealing while on vacation but I probably could have used a little tape with this. Other than that. I adored it. I recommend it to anyone." —shanon

    Psst — if you have Amazon Prime Wardrobe you can try this piece out before you buy it! 

    Get it from Amazon for $39.98 (available in sizes S–XL and in 40 styles).

    22. A moody tent-style dress constructed with an insulating, breathable cotton that you can pair with all your oversized sunglasses and purses for the ultimate "who is this mysterious and elegant stranger??" aesthetic. 

    model wearing the green dress
    back of model wearing the cream colored dress with red flats
    Designer Yao / Etsy

    Designer Yao is a China-based Etsy shop established in 2020 that specializes in custom linen apparel. 

    Promising review: "This is the perfect dress for autumn! It keeps me warm without being too heavy-weight, and the color is gorgeous. I feel like a pumpkin-spiced version of myself. I got the custom size and it fits just right. The shop owner even included a matching belt for me :) And, I can't stress this enough, pockets! I'm totally in love with this dress and I'm already placing an order for two more from this designer." —detgirl

    Get it from Designer Yao on Etsy for $56.74+ (originally $113.49+; available in sizes XS–6XL, as well as custom sizes, and in 30 colors). 

    23. A puff-sleeve smocked mini dress with moody florals so you can instantly communicate to everyone you see that you 1000% kept all your high school journals and have strong opinions about coffee and tea and love chilly mornings best of all. 

    Model in long sleeve square neck midi dress with red rose detail
    Model turned to hshow the
    Old Navy

    Promising review: "Comfortable and versatile! I've worn it out for a fancy dinner and also to a relaxed comedy show. Flower pattern is cute and dainty." —Alyssa T. 

    Get it from Old Navy for $49.99 (available in sizes XS–2X). 

    24. A flowing maxi dress that deserves ALL the props for being both ridiculously comfortable and easy to style, and then even more props for being super easy to pack on vacation. 

    reviewer in black tank maxi dress
    reviewer in olive green version

    Promising review: "I love this dress! It is soft, comfortable, and lightweight! It was perfect for a stroll on the beach or a birthday photo shoot, lol. It surprised me that it had pockets! It is so comfortable and soft! I am ordering another one for sure! If you are on the fence, buy the dress!" —Joslyn Crowl

    Psst — if you have Amazon Prime Wardrobe you can try this piece out before you buy it! 

    Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and 28 styles). 

    25. A timeless button-front linen dress you'll love not just for its versatility, but because you can get it customized by ordering it in one of *dozens* of gorgeous colors, from muted neutrals to cheerful brights. 

    a model wearing a gray linen dress with their hands in the side pockets and a sash-tie belt
    a close-up of the model's hands in the pocket, the short sleeves, and the front button closures
    Linen City / Etsy

    Linen City is a Poland-based Etsy shop established in 2019 that specializes in handmade, custom articles of clothing. 

    Promising review: "This shop deserves more than five stars! My dress was sewn exactly according to my measurements and so it fits exactly. The color is exactly as I imagined. My dress is sewn perfectly. Communication was very detailed and Victor helped me with pictures to send the correct body measurements. I received my new dress within a few days. Thank you and see you next time!" —Uta Jenke

    Get it from Linen City on Etsy for $88+ (originally $97.78+; available in sizes XXS–1X and in a variety of colors).

    26. A twist cutout dress so unique and fun that for once you won't look around at an event and be like, "Oh whoops, I am...simply wearing the same dress as half the people here." 

    Model in a green long sleeved midi dress with a slit up the side and a high waist twist cut out
    Model in the deep pink version
    Amazon

    Promising review: "This dress is so pretty! Fit is TTS, and the quality is great. Material is soft and comfortable. Looks exactly as pictured. I think the cutout shows just the right amount of skin." —luluprime

    Psst — if you have Amazon Prime Wardrobe, you can try this piece out before you buy it! 

    Get it from Amazon for $28.99 (available in sizes S–XL and 12 colors). 

    27. A simple bodycon tank dress you can pair with so! many! sweaters and accessories! that you'll style it in entirely new ways every week. Reviewers also love this dress for the thickness and stretch of the fabric. 

    Promising review: "Fits perfectly! I was surprised by how nice it feels. It's not see-through at all, which is great! I'm ordering additional colors. Nice summer dress. Pairs well with sandals as well as white tennis shoes and a jean jacket." —mssmtaylor

    Psst — if you have Amazon Prime Wardrobe you can try this piece out before you buy it! 

    Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and 37 colors). 

    28. A sweet denim dress for the *weather app's kiss* perfect transitional piece from fall to early winter. (Sorry, what I meant to type was, perfect transitional piece for whatever album[s] Taylor Swift is dropping next.) 

    Model in button up denim midi dress with 3/4 length sleeves
    Free People

    Promising review: "This is a darling dress! An excellent dress for New England! The material is thick denim. I will wear it with leggings now and sandals later. Highly recommend!" —mintandparsley

    Get it from Free People for $128 (available in sizes XS–XL and five colors). 

    29. A cute flannel midi-dress so you can have a main character moment taking a woodsy stroll through the park while keeping yourself safe from the chill with this super soft, thick, but structured fabric. 

    a model wearing the dress in celestial blue
    Madewell

    Promising review: "This flannel dress is amazing. It's a fairly heavy weight soft flannel making it the perfect fall/winter dress with tights and Docs. I could have sized down but the buttons gaped a bit (I'm a D cup) so I went with my normal size...Unique dress that I know I will get a lot of wear out of." —QuesoClaire

    Get it from Madewell for $69.99 (originally $128; available in sizes 00–14). 

    30. A long-sleeve swing dress with a lacy hem that'll make you feel like a sweet little tea party in sentient form. 

    Reviewer in maroon dress with white trim
    reviewer in black dress with white trim

    Promising review: "Wore this for the first time today and got TONS of compliments on it. It is a very comfortable dress, and you can't go wrong with a dress that has pockets. Having gotten so many compliments on it today, I think I will order it in another color. I think it will be really cute with my cowboy boots this fall." —Adam Shields

    Get it from Amazon for $22.39+ (available in sizes S–XXL and 14 styles).

    31. A button-down skater dress for anyone who needs a reliably adorable-yet-comfy staple they can toss on their person on the way out the door. 

    Promising review: "Oh my, I love this dress, I love the feel of the material! I love how it fits!! I put this dress on and just loved how It looked on me. What is nice is you can wear leggings underneath it for colder weather/seasons, and also still wear in warmer seasons. I loved it so much I ordered another one in a different color. Highly recommend, you will love it!!" —jamie hesse

    Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and 42 styles).

    32. A halter-neck sundress you can pair with a chic pair of sunglasses and take out on the town like the local micro-celeb that you are (your neighbors could NEVER). 

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

    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

    Psst — if you have Amazon Prime Wardrobe you can try this piece out before you buy it! 

    Get it from Amazon for $35.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and 28 colors).

    33. A cozy alpaca sweater dress built to last not just because of the quality of the soft fabric and timeless style, but because the seller will customize each of these handmade pieces to your height and preferences. 

    a model wearing the dress in light grey
    the same model wearing the dress in light grey
    RoseUniqueStyle / Etsy

    RoseUniqueStyle is a Canada-based, woman-owned Etsy shop that specializes in handmade, customizable apparel.

    Promising reviews: "Very responsive seller. This is sooo gorgeous!!! And impeccably soft." —Patricia Walters

    Get it from RoseUniqueStyle on Etsy for $118+ (available in sizes 2–22 and five colors). 

    34. A long-sleeve faux-wrap dress you'll be so happy to have in your closet when you're looking for something that's simultaneously understated and beautiful for your next night out. 

    a reviewer in black and orange floral
    A customer review photo showing a close up of the print on the dress

    Promising review: "Super impressed with this dress! I looked at it and read the reviews so many times before just buying it, and I am SO glad I did! I wore it for a night out with my husband and got a ton of compliments. Even at my height, I didn't feel like it was too short which can sometimes be an issue... Bottom line, buy the dress!!! I'll be ordering it in more colors!" —14AnnaM

    Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in sizes 4–22 and in 27 prints).

    Your future self appreciating you for investing in only the comfiest, chicest of dresses: