After what seems like an endless winter, it’s finally starting to warm up. The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming…and you’re still wearing the same tired boyfriend shorts and T-shirts from last summer. It’s time to freshen up your spring wardrobe—and nothing says spring like a breezy sundress! After last year’s utility-chic cargos and button-downs, the dress is back with a vengeance this spring. With tons of fresh and unexpected lengths, prints, colors and cuts available, you’ll want to buy a whole closetful! And you won’t have to break the bank, either—Her Campus found 50 sundresses under $50, to fit any collegiette’s™ personal style. All you need is one of these cheap and chic frocks, some wedges, and your biggest shades, and you’re ready to step into the sun!
Classic
The perfect starting point for any spring wardrobe, these simple, flattering classics are a must for any collegiette™ with Audrey on her mind. They’ll work for your summer internship, a chic summer party, brunch and shopping with your best friends, or even thrown over a bikini at the beach. Try them with all different accessories and jackets for a different look each time—they match with everything!
1. The classic maxi is the new LBD—and this one is such a steal! The deep navy color is a classy and fresh twist on classic black—try it with white or beige accessories for a casual spring day. $6.99 at Forever21
2. This dress works for day, night, or the beach, and matches with brown, black, metallic, or neon accessories—what could be more versatile? $48 at NastyGal
3. This season, wide nautical stripes have been replaced by the subtler Breton stripe pattern—narrow stripes on top, solid on the bottom. They look so chic on this classic t-shirt dress! $42 at Urban Outfitters
4. The quintessential T-shirt dress, you’ll want to throw this on again and again for Saturday shopping trips or beach days. Try it with a neutral belt, and, if you dare, a wide-brimmed hat! $38 at NastyGal
5. This will be your go-to internship dress—the mock two-piece cut, flattering pleated wrap skirt and versatile neutral color combo will make you the chicest collegiette™ in the office! $40.34 at ASOS
6. Take a classic tank dress to the next level with an asymmetrical hem and fab buttons! Try it with a brown belt and chunky sandals. $43.50 at LuLu’s
7. For those days that are just a little too cool for short sleeves, throw on this chic, neutral minidress. It looks great with layered necklaces and a belt! $21.90 at Nordstrom
8. A whimsical take on the traditional chambray shirtdress we all coveted last year, this must-have features mesh polka-dot cuffs and shoulder details. $45 at YesStyle
9. What says “sundress” more than linen? It’s like this dress is just waiting to be taken to a picnic—but it works for your internship too, under a blazer! The buttons and pockets add a playful touch. $39.99 at Urban Outfitters
10. Who doesn’t look amazing in navy? The classic color and flattering one-shoulder fit make this dress a go-to for any event this summer, from family brunch to a work party. $42.99 at ModCloth
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Girly
If you love anything pink, lacy, sheer, or ruffled, you’re in luck this season. Girly floral dresses are everywhere, from floaty chiffon minidresses to sophisticated ladylike shifts. Check out these adorable picks to look classy without breaking the bank!
11. The romantic neckline, three-quarter sleeves and flattering peach color on this cotton dress make this dress casual enough for a lazy spring Saturday, or you can dress it up with wedges for work or a garden party! $44.83 at ASOS
12. Want just a hint of pink while keeping it interesting? Try this floaty, flattering frock—the print looks floral, but close up it’s actually dots and brushstrokes. It’s like wearing a piece of art! $32.50 at LuLu’s
13. The bow-shaped cutout on the back of this silky, flattering dress adds a playful touch for day or night. $48 at NastyGal
14. Perfect for work with a blazer and pumps, or for night with wedges and a statement necklace, this bold ruffled dress will be a staple in your spring wardrobe—and it’s a total steal! $24.99 at Urban Outfitters
15. This classic spaghetti-strap dress is super-flattering, with two tiers and a swingy mini-skirt. Plus, it comes in a neutral mink color and bright orange, so you can buy one for everyday and one for if you’re feeling bold! $40 at ASOS
16. The combination of pale pink and dove gray, and the sweetheart neckline and frothy pleated skirt make this dress look like it just stepped off the Nutcracker stage. $40 at LuLu’s
17. Perfect for a spring formal or party, this adorable watercolor tube dress looks awesome with classic nude or black pumps and a silver bag! $26.50 at Charlotte Russe
18. This floral chiffon sundress is so versatile—you can wear it now with a leather jacket or later over a bikini—that you’ll want to buy it in every color! $30.99 at Old Navy
19. This sweet floral print can easily go from day to night with its sexy body-con fit and edgy mesh inserts. $28 at Macy’s
20. This frothy, frilly dress from Madewell comes in both white/pink and neutral/brown combinations to flatter every skin tone—and match with all your spring accessories! $50 at ShopBop
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Boho
Nothing is more perfect for a boho look than a spring dress. Luckily, this season boho is back in a major way, with lengths down to the floor and tribal and floral prints multiplying before our eyes. Snatch up these breezy picks before they’re all gone!
21. Challenge your inner flower child with this sweet and easy floral mini, and pair it with a belt or brown leather jacket for a prairie-chic look. $17.80 at Forever21
22. Go to new lengths with this seriously asymmetrical tank dress. Pair it with boyfriend jeans like shown here, or wear it alone with a long necklace and flat sandals! $48 at NastyGal
23. This flattering maxi comes in grey tie-dye stripes, washed blue, and faded orange—three quintessentially boho, and totally of-the-moment, shades. Try them all with a chunky beaded necklace! $49 at Urban Outfitters
24. There is no better starting point for boho style than a perfect white maxi dress—and we may have found it. All you need are platforms and some retro shades! $40.34 at ASOS
25. This deep teal color looks perfect with a straw bag and gold jewelry—perfect for a casual-chic day look, and dressed up with strappy sandals for evening. $47.99 at ModCloth
26. Girly chiffon takes on an unexpected twist with this tribal print. $22.80 at Wet Seal
27. Bubblegum pink goes boho with this breezy tie-die maxi dress. Looks awesome with a light-wash denim jacket! $26.99 at Macy’s
28. Lightweight, subtly ribbed, and available in black, white, navy, and bright yellow, this is the boho-girl’s go-to staple for summer. Try it with a fringed vest and layered necklaces. $36 at American Apparel
29. This universally flattering neutral tunic works perfectly now with a long, lightweight cardigan and peep-toe booties, and this summer with nude wedges and a straw fedora! $44 at Revolve Clothing
30. So easy, breezy, and beautiful, this maxi dress will go with everything—and the three-quarter sleeves mean you can start wearing it right now! $39.45 at ASOS
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Edgy
Tired of the same old floral mini or striped tunic? Take it to the edge with these downtown dresses and watch every head turn as you walk by. You’ll look like such a fashionista, no one will know you got your dress for a steal!
31. With a relaxed fit, original geometric print and sexy back cutout, this dress is spring-fling meets fashion-forward. $49 at Urban Outfitters.
32. Throw this on over your bikini with a brown belt and a fedora, and you’ll be the coolest beach bum around! $18.90 at Forever 21
33. Mix girly and wild with this surprising chiffon take on classic leopard print. $48 at NastyGal
34. Do you dare to wear this sheer lace mini-slip? Try it with a black bodysuit under and a light-wash denim jacket for a good-girl-gone-bad look. $26.95 at Karmaloop
35. An unexpected and fresh color combination and an interesting play on proportion sets this apart from your typical breezy tank dress. $49 at Urban Outfitters
36. Leather strips down for spring with this rocker-chic strapless dress. Lighten it up with a light-colored blazer for work, then pair it with open-toe booties for night. $46 at LuLu’s
37. Too cool for mini AND maxi? Try this deceptively nondescript gray tank dress—it falls below your knees for an unexpectedly cool effect. Wear it now with wedges and a jacket, and this summer over a swimsuit! $42.99 at ModCloth
38. Take a walk on the wild side in this too-cool swingy tank dress. Try it with a cropped leather or denim jacket and fierce peep-toe booties. $38 at NastyGal
39. The slouchy-yet-sexy cut on this draped mini makes it perfect for both day and night, and the black shoulder details give it some edge. $25.35 at Karmaloop
40. Really push the envelope with this dress—its asymmetrical mid-length hem and geometric print are so fashion-forward, you’ll look like you just stepped off the runway! $40.80 at Shopbop
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Glam
Want to stand out from the LBD-ed crowd at formal this year? Ready to bust out something May-jor for girls night out? Check out these sparkly, bright, printed, and totally sexy options to add some glamour to your nighttime look.
41. A flattering take on the bandage dress, this deep-V mini sparkles with sequin inserts for a party-ready look. $29.80 at Forever21
42. The incredible orange color on this swingy shift will make you the brightest star at any party this spring. Try it with nude strappy sandals and a straw clutch! $26.90 at ASOS
43. This mini combines this year’s nautical obsession with some serious sequins for a trendy club look! $13.80 at Forever21
44. Elegant and dramatic at the same time, this dress can be sexed up with black platform sandals, or taken down a notch with demure pumps for a chic summer party. $40.34 at ASOS
45. So simple, yet so sexy. Wear it with gold jewelry and a beaded clutch for an effortless party look. $24 at Nordstrom
46. This eggplant-colored strapless dress keeps it chic by showing only a hint of sequins—but it’s just enough to add a little drama! $26.99 at Charlotte Russe
47. Equal parts sweet and dangerous, this hot pink strapless mini is perfect with gold jewelry and neutral wedges. $40.49 at Bluefly
48. What better time than spring to show some skin? Turn up the heat in this body-conscious cutout minidress. $49 at Karmaloop
49. This show-stopper combines two red-hot trends—neon and asymmetry. Wear it with nude heels to a steamy night on the town, and try to keep the entire club from staring! $45.31 at ShopBop
50. This one-shoulder dress by Aqua will stand out in any room with a unique asymmetrical cut, flattering draping, and out-there snake print. Try it with a neon bag—it will really pop against the gray and black! $47.20 at Bloomingdales