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it's getting hot in here
June 19, 2015

20 Easy Summer Dresses That Cost Less Than $200

By Lori Keong

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As much as we love a white dress on a hot day, spending the whole summer in just one color feels stifling. You have the rest of the year to be stuck in neutrals — why not try something bright and cheerful while the sun is shining? This season, there are plenty of colorful dress options to choose from, especially if you don’t want to spend a ton.

Need a new work dress? H&M has a pale-green wrap style that you can wear on the weekdays. Or maybe you want a cover-up that isn’t a caftan? Calder Viv has a cool striped T-shirt style that will look great over a bikini. And on those super-hot days when you can barely stand to be outside, Armani Exchange’s strappy number is almost as good as being naked. The best part? Nothing here costs more than $200, and most of our picks are less than $100. Click ahead to see them all.

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A slimmer, though just as forgiving, take on the caftan. Add sleek nude sandals and wear it on a night out.
Think of this as a way to try the ubiquitous crop-top trend without having to expose your midriff.
Take advantage of the three-quarter-length sleeves by accessorizing with a sleek silver cuff.
If you're in search of a colorful summer dress that's fitted and flattering, try a drapey wrap style in a grapefruit shade.
Ditch the belt that comes with this deep-blue maxi-length column dress and it instantly looks much more expensive than it really is.
If you're looking for something that is a bit more covered up but still light enough for a hot day, this airy chiffon dress fits the bill. Try it with... If you're looking for something that is a bit more covered up but still light enough for a hot day, this airy chiffon dress fits the bill. Try it with flat sandals.
This dress has a cool racer-back detail; wear it with a backless adhesive bra or try these nipple covers.
From the front it looks like any simple denim dress, but the back features a cool tulip-shaped cutout — handy in the battle of back sweat.
Play up the fun, slightly hippie vibe of this tunic dress and wear it with a printed scarf for a bright weekend outfit.
An airy spaghetti-strap dress is about as close as you can get to being naked when it's really hot outside.
If you’re sick of overly pretty floral dresses for summer, try one in a rich color with bright, contrasting details.
Though a translucent shirtdress wouldn't be appropriate for the office, you can wear this dress with a neutral-colored slip on the weekends.
Try this long striped tee as a cover-up for your bikini.
If you’re not a fan of loose-fitting shirtdresses, try one with a drawstring waist. The pale blue will look crisp with a pair of your favorite white s... If you’re not a fan of loose-fitting shirtdresses, try one with a drawstring waist. The pale blue will look crisp with a pair of your favorite white sneakers.
Still stuck on what to wear to your summer weddings? Try this dress with dangly gold earrings and sandals for a pulled-together outfit.
Inspired by a snapshot taken from a moving car, this dress is perfect for your next weekend getaway. 
Wear it with a matching red lip and a side-braid for a pretty and pulled-together hot-weather outfit.
At first glance, this looks like your typical boring sheath, but when you turn around it has revealing cutouts.
If you're seeking a more structured T-shirt dress, try a midi-length version with a belted waist and longer fitted sleeves.
A '60s-style maxidress is perfect for summer parties when paired with strappy sandals and colorful printed accessories.
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Tags:

  • summer dresses
  • summer dress guide
  • goods
  • summer
  • dresses
  • shift dresses
  • shirt dresses
  • it's getting hot in here
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