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Gorgeous Dresses Under $45 for Valentine’s Day 2018

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Auburn chapter.

Valentine’s Day is in less than a month, and I’m completely unprepared. I have so many gift ideas, but almost no time to make them or buy them, plus decorating and finding Galentine’s Day items as well. However, the one area of this holiday I am prepared for is my outfit. Whether or not my boyfriend and I go on a fancy date or just go grab some ice cream after making dinner at home, I plan on dressing up just because I don’t get a lot of opportunities to do so. If you’re like me and plan on dressing up no matter what, here are some of the prettiest dresses for your Valentine’s Day date, all under $45!

 

Glitter Mock Neck Dress $15.90 from Forever 21

The black and silver glitter dress features a mock neck and a sleeveless cut. There’s also an asymmetrical hemline and a trapeze silhouette. It’s available in sizes small-large. Pair it with some statement earrings for a bold look!

 

Crushed Velvet Wrap Dress $17.90 from Forever 21

This velvet dress has a deep neckline and a self-tie waist closure. The taupe colored garment also has adjustable straps and a tulip-hem. It’s available in sizes small-large. A shimmering necklace and bold lipstick will pair nicely with the velvet.

 

Cooperative Ruffled Cold-Shoulder Linen Dress $19.99 (on sale from $69.00) from Urban Outfitters

This maroon dress has extravagant statement ruffles along the sleeves. It features a straight silhouette and a high square neckline. It’s available in sizes XS-XL. A dainty yet colorful necklace or patterned shoes will balance the size of the sleeves!

 

Jersey Dress with Lace Trim $29.99 from H&M

This burgundy-colored dress hits above the knee, showing off the lace trim at the bottom. It has a rounded collar, long sleeves and is unlined. It’s available in sizes 2-16. A cute messenger bag purse will add to the sophisticated style of the dress!

Glittery Mesh Dress $29.99 from H&M

This sparkly little number is a black/glitter combo color and has adjustable shoulder straps. The mesh skirt is cinched in the waist and has a raw edge hem. It’s available in sizes 2-16. Gorgeous and glittery jewelry or a velvet choker will glam it up or give it a 90s vibe!

 

Chiffon Dress with Flounces $34.99 from H&M

This pink floral dress is also available in a black floral print. It features a V-neck with flounce detailing, long sleeves and layered flounces on the skirt. It’s available in sizes 2-16. A pretty rose colored lipstick and flower jewelry add to the floral vibe of this flounce-filled dress!

Glittery Jersey Dress $34.99 from H&M

This glittery dress is also available in a blue sparkly version. It features a fitted silhouette, a cut-out in the back and long sleeves. It’s available in sizes 2-16. To make sure all the attention is on the sparkly design, stick to small and plain jewelry and an updo to show off the cut-out!

Lace Off-the-shoulder Dress $34.99 from H&M

This lace dress is also available in black. It features thin straps, a flounce over the chest and flounced sleeves. It’s available in sizes 2-16. This scarlet color calls attention to itself, so keep everything else simple to let it shine!

Glittery Bandeau Dress $34.99 from H&M

This glittery dress features a thick textured-fabric with sparkly threads. It’s fitted and strapless in a black/silver color. It’s available in sizes 2-16. Beautiful statement earrings full of jewels or colors will add the extra pop of something special to your outfit!

Don’t Ask Why Open Back Bodycon Dress $39.95 from American Eagle

This black dress is a stretch fit in a halter-type crew neckline. It features thin straps and a cut out in the back. It’s available in one size (most reviews say it fits like a small however). This dress has lots of room for creativity, so let your style come through with this one!

 

Fitted Lace Dress $39.99 from H&M

This powder pink dress is fitted and hits around mid-thigh. It features long sleeves, a V-neck in front and back and a lined skirt. It’s available in sizes 2-12. This romantic dress will pair nicely with dainty accessories, but bright colors will also love this almost-neutral backdrop!

 

Kimchi Blue Heart Of The Ocean Sweetheart Mini Dress $39.99 (on sale from $69.00) from Urban Outfitters

This maroon dress is also available in white. It features a sweetheart neckline, a fit and flare silhouette and a scoop back. It’s available in sizes XS-XL. Another simple dress that can act as a blank canvas for anything you want to add, whether it’s a jacket or killer heels!

 

AE Ruffle Wrap Dress $45.95 from American Eagle

This pink floral dress is also available in a black floral print. It features a V-neck with ruffles and a tie-closure at the waist. It’s available in sizes XXS-XXL. You can dress this one up with heels and a clutch or keep it casual with boots and a cool jacket, but either way will look perfect with the floral print!

Cathlene is a senior studying journalism and women's studies at Auburn University. She has been a part of Her Campus Auburn for three years and is in her first year as Campus Correspondent. When she isn't studying and working on Her Campus, she enjoys baking desserts, reading young adult fiction and watching Netflix (mainly Friends, The Office and The Great British Baking Show). Some of her favorite things include Disney, desserts and fluffy animals to cuddle. Cathlene aspires to write for a magazine once she graduates and hopefully move back to Los Angeles.