11 Beautiful Designer Dresses and the Affordable Ones That Are Just as Good
While there may end up being fewer occasions to actually wear dresses this summer, it's dress season nonetheless, and even if you'll just be wearing them around the house or for walks around the block this season, adding a new one to your closet sounds like a lovely treat. As is the case every summer, designers really saved their prettiest dresses of the year for the warmer months (makes sense since they won't be covered up).
Designer dresses typically cost $400 and up, which can be a tough pill to swallow, we know. So if a designer dress isn't within your budget right now, not to worry. We found affordable alternatives that are similar but still unique. Feel free to spring for a designer option if you have the means to splurge, but if not, here are 11 beautiful wallet-friendly options to shop instead.
Designer
This stunning embroidered dress is as photogenic as dresses get.
Affordable Alternative
While you miss the colored embroidery on this one, it's even more versatile. You'll undoubtedly wear it on repeat.
Designer
Affordable Alternative
I've had my eye on this dress for a while and might have to take the plunge now that it's on sale.
Designer
Proof that you can and should wear a red dress in the summer.
Affordable Alternative
Designer
Affordable Alternative
Designer
Affordable Alternative
Another pink polka-dot option you'll wear on repeat.
Designer
Affordable Alternative
Designer
Affordable Alternative
Designer
Affordable Alternative
Designer
Affordable Alternative
Designer
Affordable Alternative
Designer
Affordable Alternative
Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.