Shopping
THE BEST DRESSES UNDER $500
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: WHITE DRESS • JACQUARD DRESS • SATIN LACE DRESS • SHIRT DRESS • RENATA DRESS • MATTHIA DRESS • CELIA DRESS
Shopping in August always feels a little bit awkward. It’s still very much summer outside (triple digit temperatures don’t lie), but my mind – and my shopping cart – have officially moved on to fall. Weddings, dinners, school events, cocktail parties: the calendar is about to get busy again, and suddenly having a few really good dresses at the ready feels like a very smart idea.
The good news: you don’t have to break the bank to find something special. I’ve been keeping an eye out for dresses under $500 that still have the details I care about – great shape, interesting color, beautiful fabric, or simply that ‘where-did-you-get-that?’ quality. Some are wear-now styles (see: here and here) that will easily make the transition into September; others are decidedly fall but worth buying now, before you actually need them.
Below, the dresses currently at the top of my list – all under $500 and ready for whatever is coming up next.
TUCKERNUCK CHARTREUSE SATIN SINCLAIR DRESS
At $268, this is such a good event-dress find. The chartreuse satin feels unexpected for fall, and the cowl neck and gathered waist give it that easy, flattering drape that looks much more expensive than it is.
HYACINTH TROPICAL LOWERY MAXI DRESS
This is one of those finds that makes the entire under-$500 story worth doing. The olive botanical print is a great way to nod to fall while it’s still hot outside, and the sculpted strapless neckline gives the simple column shape just enough interest.
ANINE BING FRAN GATHERED CREPE MIDI DRESS
The draping is what makes this one. It has that cool, unfussy Anine Bing quality I love, but still feels special enough for a dinner or cocktail event—a very good answer when you want to look dressed up without looking too dressed up.
ARDEN SHIRT DRESS IN COTTON POPLIN
This is the dress version of a great navy button-down—and exactly the kind of thing I’d live in during these in-between weeks. Wear it now with flat sandals, then add a loafer or ballet flat once fall actually decides to arrive.
DOEN MARISELLE DRESS
DÔEN does this romantic, slightly undone kind of dress so well. The gray-green print and fluid silk make this especially good for an early-fall wedding—and at exactly $500, it just makes the cut.
TUCKERNUCK APRICOT JACQUARD RENATA DRESS
Major Emilia Wickstead vibes for much less. The structured silhouette and apricot floral jacquard have that same feminine, slightly retro elegance—and make this an especially good find for the fall event circuit.
HILL HOUSE HOME THE SLOANE DRESS
Navy is often my answer when black feels a little too obvious. The clean silhouette makes this an easy one to dress up or down—and a very good closet workhorse for the season ahead.
ANNA CATE TULIPA MILLARD MIDI DRESS
The tulip print with that little hit of navy velvet is so good. It’s feminine without feeling overly sweet, and exactly the sort of dress that looks good with summer sandals or a chunky heel.
CIAO LUCIA MATTHIA DRESS
At $275, this might be one of my favorite finds of the bunch. The blue-and-white stripe is forever, but the long sleeves and slightly oversized shape make it particularly good for right now—sandals in August, loafers or a ballet flat come September.
NORMA KAMALI BIAS STRAPLESS SATIN GOWN
This is a lot of dress for $350. The clean strapless shape and liquid satin feel decidedly evening without trying too hard—and the chartreuse is such a good departure from the usual black gown.
CINQ A SEPT CELIA DRESS
This dress is exactly what I want to wear during these in-between weeks. The olive stripe feels decidedly fall, while the fitted bodice and full skirt still work beautifully now—add a great jacket later and keep it in rotation.
DOEN ZILDA DRESS
The paisley print is what got me, but the open back and halter neckline really make it. It feels a little ’70s in the best way—and at $398, a very good option for all those early-fall dinners and events that are suddenly filling the calendar.
REFORMATION CECILIA LINEN DRESS
Basic, but not boring. The neckline and fitted waist make this feel especially good for date night, and it’s one of those dresses that needs little more than a great pair of earrings and a barely-there heel.
RIXO MAURA PRINTED MIDI DRESS
Rixo always gets the vintage-inspired print just right. I love this one for an early-fall wedding—the halter neckline and fluid satin make it feel special, while the print keeps the whole thing from feeling too precious.
SHOPPING LIST
