FASHION

Summer Dresses Worth the Money

by Gabrielle Carty posted on June 13, 2024
Summer dress shopping can be tricky; however, there are many options worth checking out, both at high-end prices and some more affordable options.
Reformation/ American Eagle/ Betsy Johnson/ Glitter Magazine Collage

Summer dress shopping can be tricky; however, there are many options worth checking out, both at high-end prices and some more affordable options.

Clothing has become quite expensive in recent years despite not being made of high-quality materials. Fast fashion production and purchasing are at an all-time high, which has contributed significantly to pollution. Fortunately, some cute summer dresses won’t break your bank.

Firstly, the Balia Linen Dress from Reformation is a great summer dress. It’s a milkmaid corset style that comes in various colors and patterns. Two floral patterns are available, perfect for a summer wedding or picnic. The dress also comes in white, which could make it an excellent graduation outfit.

Other great features of the dress include adjustable straps and pockets for ultimate comfort. Lastly, it’s made of linen. Not only is linen a very breathable fabric for hot summer days, but it’s also highly sustainable and eco-friendly.

When thinking of a “summer dress,” something more fun, vibrant, and flirty might come to mind. Think Betsey Johnson. She has been a world-renowned designer for over 50 years, making some eye-catching, flamboyant punk styles perfect for those who want to stand out this summer. Johnson has made young women feel special for years and remains a beloved member of many women’s closets.

Even pop star Olivia Rodrigo has quite the Betsey Johnson collection.

Betsey Johnson’s website currently has the pink dress Rodrigo is wearing in the bottom left in two variations on sale for under $100. For those interested in the animal print trend of the last few months, there’s also a similar leopard design.

American Eagle is also great for more affordable pieces like the AE Crochet Striped Open Back Mini Dress. This dress is crocheted and backless, which are very popular among Gen Z. The material and striped pattern make it a little more casual. 

It is perfect for everyday wear with Converse “dad” shoes, cowgirl boots, or flip-flops. It’s also 100% cotton, which isn’t the most accessible material to produce but is very soft, reusable, and biodegradable. The dress also evokes the “80s slasher summer” vibe, almost like something a character in a summer camp slasher film would wear. It is currently on sale on the American Eagle website.

The Sydney Sequin Maxi Dress from For Love and Lemons is perfect for all your Aquamarine dreams. It’s covered top to bottom with sequins, a halter neck, and a plunging cutout. The ruching on the side also imitates the tops of mermaid tails.

Lastly, everyone has loved the tennis dresses seen on Zendaya’s character Tashi ever since Challengers. They’re super breathable, and many have shorts underneath for maximum comfortability. Alo’s Soft Courtside Tennis Dress is chic and simple, allowing you to accessorize however you see fit.

There are many great options to purchase without spending too much to get your money’s worth. To complement these dresses, check out this year’s summer hair trends.

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