IMO, nothing marks the transition from spring to summer more so than a breezy dress made for picnics and brunches seated under patio umbrellas. Dresses are my summer uniform from Memorial Day weekend until mid-September (begone, layers and leggings!), so I always like to buy a few new styles so that my wardrobe feels fresh and exciting.
But new clothing can be expensive. Which is why, as a shopping editor, I’m always on the lookout for good deals on high-quality pieces. One of my go-to retailers as of late? Walmart. The store has really been serving some high-end-looking pieces on their site — at impressively affordable prices. From star designers with exclusive labels (Pioneer Woman and Sofia Vergara come to mind) to lesser-known (to me) brands with eerily-similar-to-designer styles, it’s so easy to pick up an entire new dress haul for under a hundred bucks.
Below are some of my personal favorites I’ve already added to cart.
Sofia Vergara One Shoulder Ruched Dress
Sofia Jeans by Sofia Vergara, One-Shoulder Ruched Dress
This one-shoulder, fitted dress is *so* similar to the Norma Kamali Diana gown that millennials can’t stop wearing to weddings, but it’s actually a bit shorter, which I love. (And it’s only $20 versus close to $200, just sayin’!) Crafted from a polyester-spandex fabric, this dress has tons of stretch, making it the perfect summer wedding or going-out dress that actually feels comfortable from the moment you put it on to the second you take it off. It comes in black or white, which is so easy to accessorize with some sparkly or colorful jewelry and shoes.
Free Assembly Midi Shirt Dress
Free Assembly, Midi Shirt Dress With Puff Sleeves
This shirt dress (which I love in “Jelly Belly Green” — so fun and bright!) reminds me of something J.Crew would totally sell. It’s preppy, light, and smart — perfect for both the office or a day spent at the park. And thanks to its rayon and linen fabric, it’s pretty breathable. I’d style this with my sneakers, but it can easily be dressed up with some strapp-y sandals.
Pioneer Woman Peasant Dress
The Pioneer Woman, Embellished Peasant Dress
Available in a light and navy blue, this peasant dress from The Pioneer Woman’s new collection is giving Madewell vibes. The longer sleeves contrasted with the above-knee length hem means you can easily pull it off for work or the weekend. I personally love wearing dresses like this with less form, but if you want a little more structure, you can easily belt it up.
Time and Tru Midi T-Shirt Dress
Time and Tru, Midi T-Shirt Dress With Short Sleeves
This tie-dye inspired tee dress captures my perfect summer, and I can see myself wearing this at music festivals, to the pool on vacation, and day trips to the beach. Made from 100 percent cotton, this loosely fitted dress is oh-so effortless — it’s just something you can throw on with some flip-flops and call it a day. It reminds me of something you’d buy from Free People for over $100, so I’d say this is a steal.
Scoop Pleated Handkerchief Hem Dress
Scoop, Pleated Handkerchief Hem Dress With Long Sleeves
This is *such* a good Tucker New York lookalike, I actually had to look closer to make sure I wasn’t looking at one of the Tucker dresses on my wish list tab. The deep, romantic colors (those contrasting blues!) is something you’d see on their website, and it gives this dress a more luxurious look — that, and the pleated texture and plisse knit (which is oh-so trendy right now, and great for warmer weather). While it is a long-sleeve number, I like to invest in at least one for summer, since you’ll be going out at night and need something for when the temps dip below 75.
Free Assembly Square Neck Midi Dress
Free Assembly, Sleeveless Square Neck Midi Dress
“Such a fun dress that’s well-made and on-trend. Seriously looks like J. Crew or Gap but at half the cost,” one shopper says, and I have to agree. Since it’s made with 100 percent cotton, it’s ultra breathable. The classic square neck cut is so easy to style, creating a timeless look you can rewear over and over. If you’re looking for a good 4th of July ‘fit, I’d recommend this beauty.
Jessica Simpson Yellow Pleated Floral Dress
Jessica Simpson, Yellow Pleated Button Top Tiered Spaghetti Strap Dress
On Sale 52% off
You know which brand I always think of when I see bold yellows and pinks? Farm Rio. But Jessica Simpson has a very Farm Rio-esque dress in her line with Walmart, and I’m absolutely in love with the sunflower yellow and tropical flower print. It’s giving “I’m on a vacation in Hawaii right now, please hand me a pina colada.” Long and flow-y, this is such a pretty summer dress I’ll definitely be packing for getaways.
Time and Tru Eyelet Dress
Time and Tru Cotton Eyelet Button Front Dress
On Sale 25% off
The minimalist, clean design reminds me of a style I’d see from Everlane, or maybe GAP. The romantic square neck and eyelet detailing is summer-y and carefree, and the tie-waist gives it a bit more structure. This is a very “quiet, coastal luxury” piece that’s begging to be worn with some poppy sandals and a woven bag.
