If you’ve been checking out the summer 2016 fashion guides, you’ll notice that dresses are absolutely in trend this year. From uber-feminine flowy ruffles to simple chic shirt dresses, it’s definitely the season of the shift. Some of the dresses that hit the runway were, well, a little impracticable for us “everyday” sort of people! I just can’t see rocking a super floofy, flouncy frock, sorry. No worries, there are plenty of great versatile dresses out there in just about every budget! Check out a few of my favorite summer dresses under $100!

From uber-feminine flowy ruffles to simple chic shirt dresses, summer 2016 is definitely the season of the dress. Admittedly, some of the dresses that hit the runway were a little impracticable for us "everyday" sort of people! No worries, there are plenty of great versatile dresses out there in just about every budget! Check out a few of my favorite summer dresses under $100!

Pretty Summer Dresses under $100

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When I say every budget, I mean it. I can’t stand when someone says “under $100” then gives you a dozen dresses that cost $99. So let’s start with what I consider to be a fair small budget price and work our way up, shall we?

Dresses under $40

 

15 Fabulous Summer Dresses Under $100 (including 5 under $40!)15 Fabulous Summer Dresses Under $100 (including 5 under $40!)

Who said spring has to be about pastels? I love the whimsical design of this cami dress! Regularly $29.94.

Old Navy Sleeveless Jersey Maxi Dress For Women: 15 Fabulous Summer Dresses Under $100 (including 5 under $40!)15 Fabulous Summer Dresses Under $100 (including 5 under $40!)
Same design as above, but brighter colors and a little longer (for those who don’t want to show so much leg?). Grab the Sleeveless Jersey Maxi Dress for $39.94 regularly.
Old Navy V Neck Midi Dress For Women Size M Petite - Berry chutney15 Fabulous Summer Dresses Under $100 (including 5 under $40!)
For those days you need something a little more elegant, yet still super comfy! V-Neck Midi Dress in Berry Chutney, $39.94

Crochet Shoulder Rue

The whole “exposed shoulder” thing is trending this year big time, but I’m not a big fan of the look. I like the subtler way of following the trend with this Rue21 Crochet Cold Shoulder Guaze Dress, just $22.99.

Target Skater Dress

Another hot look this spring: skater skirts and dresses. Target has a ton of cute stuff under $40, including this pretty coral skater dress. It also comes in a light blue color. $29.99

3-4-sleeve-bird-dress

Birds of a feather frock together, right? Sorry, that was a horrible pun. I’m sick today, what do you expect? Bad jokes aside, isn’t this Bird Dress from Oasap pretty? It’s $29.99 as of now, but originally $52.99, which is why it’s last on the list. If it goes off sale, it’s getting moved down to the next section.

Summer Dresses in the $41-75 price range

Target Poppy Flare

Love the colors of this sleeveless grey poppy fit and flare dress from Target! It’s spring-y without being too pink. Price: $59.99

Target Red Gray Sleeveless

Another great color combo. Can you tell I’m not really a pastel person? Grab this striped sleeveless number for $49.99 at Target.

demure-floral-boat-neck-skater-dress

Go vintage in a Demure Floral Skater Dress: Oasap, $54.99

Torrid

Torrid has an insane selection of gorgeous plus-size fashions, including loads of dresses in all price ranges. I love this bright and beautiful Retro Chic Anchor Dress, $58.50

EXPRESS Women's Dresses Crossover Halter Crocheted Hem Fit And Flare Dress15 Fabulous Summer Dresses Under $100 (including 5 under $40!)

I know it’s pretty much just a white dress, but the crochet lacey stuff at the bottom makes it totally adorable, don’t you think? I could never wear it though, white clothes and I don’t mix. Grab it at Express for $69.90.

$75-125 Spring Dresses

Joules Gracie Jersey Dress - Grey Marl Tulip15 Fabulous Summer Dresses Under $100 (including 5 under $40!)
The Joules Gracie Jersey Dress, which takes its inspiration from the 50s, looks perfect for a weekend in the Hamptons or a Sunday picnic in the local park.

LouGrey15 Fabulous Summer Dresses Under $100 (including 5 under $40!)

Want to embrace the florals without all the crazy-bright colors? Lou & Grey is the place to shop. I love the muted washed florals of this dress. Grab it for $79.50.

M by Maia

This flouncy dress from Target is perfect for a 4th of July party, don’t you think? Grab it for $74.99

Isani Target

The ISANI burnout floral dress from Target is another fun way to wear florals without looking like you smeared a flower shop on your clothes. At $99.99, it’s RIGHT at the “under $100” price point, but Target often has coupons and sales.

One very important final tip: If you’re on a tight budget, before you even think about buying a dress, make sure it’s returnable! I bought a few dresses last year from a popular “while they last” site and every last one of them was awful. Awful fit, awful material, just awful. I was out over $100 because they have a no returns policy. So even though it seems like a great deal, if you’re stuck with something that you’ll never wear, it’s NOT a deal. Sad, because they looked so cute on the site and I wanted to love them. This goes for all budgets, really, but when a dress is a major splurge, it’s disappointing to find out that it’s useless.

Where do you shop for great summer dresses under $100? Tell me below!