The 17 Best Places to Buy Dresses of 2023
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Including Nordstrom, where you can buy discounted dresses until August 6 during the retailer's Anniversary Sale event
Eloquii, Nordstrom, Amazon
No matter the occasion, shopping for dresses can get a bit overwhelming. If you want a new comfy dress you will ultimately live in, need to find that perfect wedding guest dress, or are looking for workwear dresses that are office appropriate yet still feel like you (and can moonlight as going out dresses for happy hour during the week), knowing where to start in your shopping search is key.
As far as the best places to buy dresses is concerned, Naz Meknat, a celebrity stylist who works with stars like Sterling K. Brown, says that “it all depends on what kind of dress you are looking for, the occasion, your budget, and your style.” She recommends starting at a department store or multi-brand online retailer for more variety and “access to different designers, a variety of colors, sizes, and prices all in one place.”
Whether you prefer the variety of a department store or are looking for a more curated dress collection to shop from, we researched dozens of retailers, carefully considering styles, size offerings, shipping and return policies, and more to find the ones with the best dresses. As a result, we put together a list of our top picks for all of your dress-shopping needs.
Keep reading to discover the best places to buy dresses this spring and summer.
Best Overall: Amazon
Who It's Good For
If you're a Prime member and want to try on several sizes or types of dresses at once, this is your best option.
Who It's Not Good For
Amazon isn't the place to browse if you're someone that prefers a more curated collection (or less scrolling).
Nothing says variety and affordability quite like Amazon, which is home to thousands of dresses from hundreds of brands. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll most likely find it here, making the retail giant the very best place to buy dresses, whether you're on the hunt for designer options or budget-friendly buys.
We personally love the affordable wedding guest dresses available, like this floral maxi dress that comes in a whopping 28 colors, as well as plenty of casual options (including the Amazon Essentials T-shirt Dress) for any sunny daytime occasion. In terms of designer brands, you can find a wonderful curation at The Shop by Shopbop. For example, this white poplin dress by Rails could easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion, which only adds to its value (plus, it's currently on sale).
In addition to variety, many dresses on Amazon are included in the retailer’s Try Before You Buy initiative, allowing you to order and try on at home before purchasing. Prime Members can receive free one- to two-day shipping on a majority of dress styles, as well.
Size Range: Varies, depending on the brand | Shipping Policy: Free Prime Shipping for members | Return Policy: Free returns for most Prime items
Related: The 10 Most Comfortable Bras of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best Return Policy: Nordstrom
Who It's Good For
A wide variety of labels, price points, size ranges, as well as free shipping and a lenient return policy will make you fall in love with shopping here.
Who It's Not Good For
If you're looking for more fast-fashion brands or needing a wider range of affordable styles, there are better options on this list.
Per Meknat’s advice, one of our top recommended department stores is the best place for shopping tons of variety in designers, styles, prices, and sizes. Nordstrom is home to everything from runway designers to smaller brands and everything in between, offering a collection of dress styles that work for all occasions, including casual everyday looks, formal attire, workwear dresses, and even bridal style.
Since Nordstrom offers a variety of brand selections, it also has a more inclusive size range, with plus and petite sizes offered (depending on the designer), as well as maternity cuts. It also has one of the best return policies around, allowing customers to return most items without the constraints of a return period. Right now, you can save up to 40 percent off select dresses thanks to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale that lasts until August 6, 2023.
Size Range: XXS-4XL, plus petite and maternity | Shipping Policy: Free shipping, no minimum | Return Policy: Generous case-by-case basis
Best Value: Target
Target's offerings are not only relatively affordable, but the quality is there too, thanks to in-house brands like A New Day, Knox Rose, and Wild Fable to trend-forward partnerships with Who What Wear. Target also drops Designer Collections in the spring and fall, launching collaborations with both up-and-coming and seasoned labels. The latest spring collection featured designs from Fe Noel, Rhode, and Agua Bendita, while past collections include the likes of Missoni, Rodarte, Zac Posen, Jason Wu, and Lilly Pulitzer. These collections mean you can get access to your favorite designer labels — only at a Target price point. We can't imagine anything better.
Plus, Target offers plenty of discounts and sales, especially for those signed up for Target Circle, the retailer's reward program. Look for end-of-season sales to get the biggest discounts on dresses. Aside from the designer collections, most of Target's dress offerings lean casual — however they still offer styles appropriate for outings like weekend brunch and summer wedding attire.
Size Range: XXS-4XL | Shipping Policy: Free shipping on orders $35+ and any orders paid with RedCard; same-day shipping on select items for $10 with Shipt | Return Policy: Return within 90 days for full refund on most items (120 days if purchased with RedCard); free return shipping when mailed
Best Budget: Walmart
Who It's Good For
This is a great place to shop if you're looking for affordable options with free returns and plenty of store locations for easy order pick-up.
Who It's Not Good For
If you're looking for more elevated pieces that will last you years, this won't be the best option.
For the ultimate budget marketplace, it doesn't get much better than Walmart's selection. Find affordable trend-forward pieces at The Dress Edit, where you can filter through for dresses of different lengths, materials, and styles. Everything from a boho crochet beach cover-up to casual summer dresses to office-friendly shirt dresses, Walmart has a little something for everyone — and you may be surprised at some of the trend-forward styles available. Aside from some great dress inventory, there are some other perks when shopping at Walmart. Since there are retail locations all around the country, it's easy for most to buy online and pick up in-store and it's easy to drop off any returns as well (although it's free to mail returns, too, which you can do by dropping off at a FedEx location or scheduling a package pickup). With Walmart+, you can get free next-day and two-day shipping on any order sold and shipped by Walmart.
Size Range: XS-3X | Shipping Policy: Free two-day shipping on most items $35+; free shipping with Walmart+ | Return Policy: Free returns with full refund within 90 days of purchase for most items
Best Wedding Guest Dresses: Lulus
Who It's Good For
Anyone who is looking for a wide style variety with tons of options at decent prices will appreciate Lulus' offering.
Who It's Not Good For
You may not find enough variety for more formal occasions that call for black-tie formalwear, such as ballgowns.
Lulus is one of those places where you can find anything you need for your closet, and that is especially true for formalwear. The brand has a vast selection of dress styles that are all categorized based on style and occasion, making it easier to sift through more formal options. We love it for formal dresses because the designs feel less stuffy compared to more traditional silhouettes, plus there’s a ton of style variety so you can easily find something that fits your personality and preference. However, if you're on the hunt for black-tie attire like ballgowns, we recommend looking to Nordstrom.
Size Range: XXS-3XL | Shipping Policy: Free shipping over $50 | Return Policy: Free returns within 30 days of delivery date
Best for Vacation: Show Me Your Mumu
Who It's Good For
Especially with summer vacation season in mind, Show Me Your Mumu is the place to splurge on a stylish dress with free returns.
Who It's Not Good For
Budget-friendly shoppers may not find the price point they need here, unless browsing sale items.
Finding that perfect vacation dress can be a bit of a headache and have you running from store to store. For a one-stop shop, Show Me Your Mumu, which is a brand that's been seen on many stars from The Bachelor franchises, is our go-to place to buy summer vacation dresses. We personally love it because it has an excellent range of dress styles, most of which are either trendy or feel a little more modern than some classic and modest silhouettes. Although Show Me Your Mumu isn’t the most budget-friendly dress shop there is, you can get high-quality pieces that you love enough to wear several times, making any Show Me Your Mumu dress worth the investment. Another great thing about the brand is that it makes shopping for your next trip super easy with a curated Vacation Shop page, so you can browse through all that’s available and pick out some swimsuits and accessories, too.
Size Range: XXS-3XL | Shipping Policy: $6.99 for standard shipping | Return Policy: Free returns within 30 days of delivery date
Related: The 20 Best Places to Buy Plus Size Swimsuits Online
Best Size Range: Old Navy
Who It's Good For
If you're looking to spend little on a dress you'll likely only wear a few times or those needing affordable dress options with inclusive sizing are ideal for Old Navy.
Who It's Not Good For
Someone with more high-end style looking for investment pieces may prefer retailers like Nordstrom and Reformation.
If you’re looking for budget-friendly dresses that boast a ton of style, Old Navy is an excellent place to start. The brand not only specializes in more affordable price points but also offers a variety of classic styles — as well as some trendy designs — that work within many personal style preferences. On top of that, Old Navy is only of the most size-inclusive brands with an excellent size range, as well as tall, plus, and petite sizes offered in a majority of styles. In addition to its budget-friendly price points, Old Navy loves a good deal and typically offers coupons and rewards so you can find a dress you love for even less than the original price tag.
Size Range: XXS-4XL (tall, plus, and petite sizes) | Shipping Policy: $7 (free after $50 for Core and Enthusiast Rewards Members) | Return Policy: Free returns within 30 days of shipment date
Related: 13 Best Flip Flops for Women of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best Trendy Dresses: Zara
Who It's Good For
Zara excels at incorporating trends and adding a fashion-forward approach to traditional dresses at a decent price point.
Who It's Not Good For
If you're looking for more traditional formalwear, Zara may not have what you need.
Zara might not be the first place you think of when you think of cocktail dresses, but the brand actually has a ton of great selections every season. Albeit on the more fashion-forward side of the spectrum, you can turn to Zara for a collection of stylish dresses that can easily be dressed up as cocktail dresses (or even a going-out dress) and then dressed down for more of a day-off type of look. We love Zara because many pieces feel runway-worthy without the designer price tag to match, making it a more affordable place to shop for dresses, too. If you live near a brick-and-mortar location, you can opt for in-store pick-up when ordering online and always get free shipping (if not, you’ll need to spend $50).
Size Range: XXS-XXL | Shipping Policy: Free shipping over $50; free online pick-up for any order | Return Policy: Free returns within 30 days of the shipment date
Best Sustainable: Reformation
Who It's Good For
Those looking to invest in multi-functional, versatile pieces that can result in a low cost-per-wear over time, you'll love Reformation.
Who It's Not Good For
If you are shopping for a dress to wear for a single occasion, the price point might not be worth it.
Our top pick for the best investment dresses is Reformation. While this isn't your typical runway designer, Reformation makes some of the most high-quality dresses with even higher standards. The brand plans to be climate positive by 2025 and has a variety of necessary practices in place to do so — including cleaner and more efficient practices. Apart from its sustainable lens, Reformation has some truly special designs that feel timeless and classy, even when they boast a more trendy style. From formalwear to wedding guest dresses to going-out dresses, you can find a variety of options that fit your occasion and style that can be worn again and again.
Size Range: XS-3XL | Shipping Policy: Free shipping on everything | Return Policy: Return within 30 days of delivery date
Best Workwear: Banana Republic
Who It's Good For
Office-workers looking for work-appropriate dresses that are high-quality and timeless.
Who It's Not Good For
People who work in more casual settings or anyone looking for more inclusive sizing may not find what they're needing here.
If you’re looking for the best dresses for the office, Banana Republic is the place to look. The company has a variety of office-appropriate silhouettes in more traditional, preppy styles that work well for both dressy and casual office environments (and can easily transition into an after-work drinks look). From satin shirt dresses to blazer dresses to sweater dresses, the company is a great resource for chic and sensible office attire. The one downside is that while the company does offer petite and tall sizes, the largest size the brand offers is XXL, so this isn't the place for anyone who needs plus or extended sizing, unfortunately.
Size Range: XXS-XXL (regular, tall, and petite) | Shipping Policy: Free shipping over $50 | Return Policy: Return within 30 days of shipment date
Related: The 11 Best Work Flats of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best Maternity: Hatch
Who It's Good For
Moms-to-be looking for everyday dresses that are high-quality and comfortable.
Who It's Not Good For
Expecting mothers looking for a lower price point or needing formalwear attire.
For expecting mothers, Hatch is a fantastic place to find stylish pieces that fit a growing baby bump. The brand offers more casual, everyday looks that are perfect for staying comfortable throughout your trimesters (although they don't offer formalwear dresses). We love it because the collection is super easy to shop, as you can find styles based on your trimester as well as size. The brand also has a collection of postpartum essentials, including styles such as nursing dresses, nightgowns, and other comfortable styles. The dresses aren't cheap, however, so this might not be the place if you're not wanting to spend a ton of money on maternity clothes.
Size Range: XS-XL | Shipping Policy: $6 ground shipping | Return Policy: Return within 30 days of purchase for a $10 fee
Related: The 10 Best Plus Size Shapewear of 2023, According to Style Experts
Best Statement Dresses: Farm Rio
Who It's Good For
If you're a lover of bold prints and colors, you won't regret investing money into a Farm Rio dress — they're more versatile than you think.
Who It's Not Good For
Anyone needing a dress size beyond XL.
For those looking to invest in high-quality dresses that will stand out from the rest, Farm Rio should be top of your list. Known for its bold colorways and playful patterns, the Brazil-born brand will undoubtedly tempt you to step outside your comfort zone. Whether you're packing for a tropical vacation or are in need of a statement wedding guest dress, Farm Rio has what you're looking for. Pair the Blue Pineapple Love Organic Cotton Maxi Dress with lace-up sandals for a beach getaway, or opt for the White Summer Garden Midi Dress that can function equally well as a wedding guest piece as well as for Sunday brunch.
While the brand isn't as affordable as other options on this list, the brand regularly has sales where at times you can find plenty of dresses available at a discount. Plus, the website being both intuitive and colorful makes for a pleasant online shopping experience. We just wish the brand offered more size options beyond XL so more people can enjoy these beautiful dresses that double as works of art.
Size Range: XXS-XL | Shipping Policy: Delivery time and price calculated at checkout | Return Policy: Return within 30 days of purchase date for full refund; free returns for U.S. orders
Best Casual: Madewell
Who It's Good For
Shoppers needing high-quality and versatile casual dresses will likely find what they're looking for at Madewell.
Who It's Not Good For
If you're looking for more budget-friendly casual dresses, we recommend Amazon, Target, and Old Navy.
Casual yet ultra-stylish, Madewell is the best place to find dresses for everyday wear. From classic T-shirt dresses to smocked silhouettes, you can find a variety of casual dress looks from the brand itself as well as from smaller brands through Madewell’s Labels We Love marketplace. On top of that, the brand takes a sustainable approach to preloved items, allowing customers to resell pieces through a partnership with ThredUp for a fraction of the original price tag. A corner of the website is dedicated to vintage finds (including vintage dresses). Since the brand has such a great collection of dresses from its own designs and small brands, it also has a more inclusive size range with plus sizes available on select styles. While there are some affordable options, this isn't a low-budget fast fashion brand — if you have a smaller budget we recommend Old Navy, Amazon, and Target, which offer some great budget-friendly casual dresses.
Size Range: XS-5XL | Shipping Policy: $3 economy shipping (free for members) | Return Policy: Return within 30 days of purchase
Best Petite: Petite Studio
Who It's Good For
Petite people who are looking for a collection of great-fitting dresses would appreciate this offering.
Who It's Not Good For
Petite people who are looking for more variety of dresses, formalwear, or designer labels may consider Nordstrom instead.
Made exclusively for petite sizes, Petite Studio is the best place to find great-fitting dresses for smaller frames. We love this shop because, in addition to its petite-sized focus, it has only a small collection of dresses, making it less overwhelming to shop. Most dresses are versatile enough to dress up, wear to the office, or dress down for day-off activities, too. Although it doesn’t have the greatest return policy, the store does offer free exchanges, so you can easily swap out sizes for a better fit.
Size Range: XXS-L | Shipping Policy: Free shipping over $98 | Return Policy: Return within 20 days of purchasing for an $8 fee
Related: The 19 Best Jeans for Short Women of 2023, According to 12 Fashion Experts
Best Plus Size: Eloquii
Who It's Good For
Plus size shoppers needing trendy dresses for various occasions, from formalwear to office wear to bridal.
Who It's Not Good For
If you're a plus size shopper on the hunt for designer dresses with inclusive sizing, we recommend checking Nordstrom.
Eloquii is one of our favorite places to shop for trendy and stylish plus-sized garments — and their dress selection is no exception. The company specializes in dresses sizes 14 through 32 and offers a variety of styles, including more casual, everyday looks, as well as formalwear, wedding guest dresses, and even bridal. From trendy sweater dresses to sleek shirt dresses, you can find all sorts of stunning dress styles. On top of that, Eloquii is no stranger to a good deal and is known to occasionally offer up to 60 percent off select styles, making it even easier to find something within budget.
Size Range: 14-32 | Shipping Policy: Varies, depending on where you live | Return Policy: Return within 30 days of receipt; $5 return shipping fee
Best Bridal: BHLDN at Anthropologie
Who It's Good For
Brides-to-be who need a well-curated selection of unique wedding event and rehearsal dress styles.
Who It's Not Good For
Brides-to-be with more traditional style or those who are looking for more budget-friendly wedding event dresses.
Whether you’re shopping for a rehearsal dinner dress or a wedding gown, BHLDN is home to some of the most unique and stylish options. From classic silhouettes to funky shapes, you can find a variety of incredible dress silhouettes for all of your wedding occasions (including bridesmaid dresses) when you shop the Anthropologie-owned brand. On top of having excellent taste, BHLDN has a fantastic size range, with plus size options available.
Size Range: XXS-3XL, 1X-4X | Shipping Policy: Free shipping over $50 | Return Policy: Return within 30 days of purchase; $5.95 online returns, or free returns in store
Related: These Are the Most Delicious-Smelling Perfumes for Every Personality
Best Going Out Dresses: Showpo
Whom It's Good For
Someone needing well-priced party dresses and doesn't mind sifting through a ton of options to find exactly what they're looking for.
Who It's Not Good For
Anyone who prefers designer labels or investment pieces.
Going-out dresses are all about showing off personal style, and Showpo is the epitome of style. With tons of amazing dress styles to choose from, you can find virtually anything for a night out on the town. From classic silhouettes and trendy designs to birthday party and bachelorette dresses, the retailer is home to over 33 pages of stylish dresses to wear when you go out. On top of that, it has a pretty decent size range (compared to other retailers) with some silhouettes offered in plus and curve sizes.
Size Range: XXS-4X | Shipping Policy: Varies, depending on where you live | Return Policy: Return within 30 days of placing your order for 110 percent store credit or a refund
How to Pick the Right Place to Buy Dresses Online
Size Range
First and foremost, you want to make sure a dress is available in your size, as there is nothing worse than falling in love with a dress only to find out your size is sold out or unavailable. If you do end up falling loving a dress that has your size but is sold out, many brands and companies offer restock notifications, which can ultimately help you snag the dress of your dreams once it becomes available again. Another hack: Nordstrom offers free tailoring on anything — whether or not it was purchased from the retailer — so you can always size up and get it tailored in-store if you need to.
Price Range
It’s also important to consider your budget as well as look at the price range of dresses offered when shopping for dresses. If you plan to invest in a dress with a higher price tag, Meknat says to “make sure it’s not too trendy and won’t go out of style by the next season if you want to invest in a piece that can be worn more than once.” That's why we picked Reformation as a splurge option — the brand's silhouettes have timeless appeal, and the high-quality materials increase the longevity of the dresses.
It’s also important to have things like your personal style and the occasion dialed in before considering your budget. “It’s better to have a clear vision of what you’re looking for first and then go to the stores and brands within your budget rather than the other way around,” says Elysha Lenkin, a TV and celebrity stylist who has worked with Carrie Underwood, Serena Williams, and Tina Fey.
Shipping and Return Policies
Before clicking add to cart, be sure to double-check the shipping and return policies. Not only do you want to have a clear idea of the policies and how soon your dress will arrive, but you also want to make sure your dress is returnable if you’re unsure of the sizing. Many retailers offer returns on most items, though some sale items could be final-sale, depending on the store. Nordstrom, Walmart, and Amazon are best in class when it comes to returns — Amazon and Walmart have free shipping and returns for members, and Nordstrom has such a generous return policy that usually takes any returns without a time limit, even without a receipt or the original packaging.
Fit
“It’s also important to consider your body type while shopping for a dress, as different styles complement different body types,” says Meknat. She recommends getting to know your body shape and which styles are “the most flattering to your shape and size” before honing in on a dress type.
Comfort is another key fit component. “I know that isn’t necessarily everyone’s point of view, but I think there is a way to combine comfort with looking your absolute best,” says Daniela Romero, a celebrity stylist who has worked with Sarah Hyland and Kaley Cuoco. Romero also recommends trying something new. If it doesn’t fit right, she recommends a quick trip to the tailor to achieve that amazing fit and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brand is best for dresses?
We picked Amazon as the best overall place to shop for dresses due to the retailer's wide variety of styles, price points, designers, and sizes, as well as plenty of clearance items. The online retailer is also known for its generous return policy as well as its Try Before You Buy program.
Are expensive dresses worth it?
It totally depends on your budget and the item's potential cost-per-wear, but overall, investing in a dress that's versatile and high-quality can be worth it. If you can find a timeless, well-made black dress that can accompany you to formals, wedding events, dinner dates, office parties, and the like, it can be worth investing in. Cheaper dresses don't always last long and tend to be more trend-forward, meaning you'll get less wear out of them in the long run.
Is a cocktail dress long or short?
According to Lenkin, a cocktail dress can be whatever length you choose (though they do tend to be on the shorter side). “Focus on the styles you love and the length that suits your body best,” she advises. “The key is to feel comfortable so that you’re not tugging at a shorter hemline or tripping over too much fabric around your ankles,” she adds. For a more modern spin on a cocktail dress, Lenkin recommends a classy floral maxi dress in a silk chiffon fabric.
What makes a dress office-appropriate?
“A perfect dress to wear to the office is anything that isn’t too short, so you can sit comfortably in it,” says Romero. “I think you should be able to show your personality in office clothes and have some fun with it, though." To do so, Romero recommends looking at colors, patterns, and different necklines to mix it up. “It comes down to the accessories for executing a look and making it look super-polished,” she adds.
What is the difference between cocktail and formal attire?
“It used to be that cocktail attire was shorter, and formal attire was longer, but that is no longer the case,” says Lenkin. She says a short dress can be the perfect ensemble for a formal event, just like Reese Witherspoon once demonstrated on the Golden Globe Awards red carpet in her knee-length, bright yellow Nina Ricci dress. “Rather than get your guidance from the ‘formal’ or ‘cocktail’ descriptors, plug into other adjectives that resonate with the way you want to feel at the event, and then align your dress to express these words,” Lenkin recommends. “An elegant, sophisticated, or glamorous dress will work well for many occasions.”
Take Our Word for It
Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, and NYLON. When researching the best places to buy dresses, Jessie tapped celebrity stylists Daniela Romero, Elysha Lenkin, and Naz Meknat for their expertise in dress shopping, including what to look for in dresses and advice for dressing for more formal occasions. She also did her own research and carefully considered everything from a variety of styles, price points, size ranges, and shipping and return policies, as well as her own experience shopping from these retailers, before landing on the the best places to buy dresses online. In May 2023, PEOPLE Commerce Editor Erika Reals updated this piece with more dress buying options and added additional insight throughout.
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