Oct 29, 2014 11:11
by Natasha Saroca

No summer wardrobe is complete without one or two (okay, let’s be real, more like several...) just-throw-on-and-go dresses that you can wear everywhere, from the beach to a bar; out on a date or to brunch with the girls; or while you’re running errands or even to the office. Seriously, easy, breezy summer frocks can work for pretty much any occasion (with the right accessories and footwear, of course!), which means you can never really have too many of these chic everyday essentials hanging in your closet.

We totally get that the small little issue of money may hinder your ability to stock up on an endless number of frocks to wear during the warmer months (after all, we are slowly inching toward the holiday period – a time when our bank accounts tend to take a serious hit!), so to help you boost your collection of dresses without doing too much damage to your savings, we’ve hunted down 10 of the best summer frocks that are super versatile and très chic, but won’t chew up all of your weekly pay check. Honestly, it was a tough job – we could’ve included dozens more, but we didn’t want to overwhelm you with too many options!

Check out our favourite buys below (each of these beauties come in at $100 or less), as well as our tips on how to style these fun, flirty, all-in-one ensembles.

1. Our pick: Asos Swing Dress in Texture with Dipped Hem in white, $92.31.

Wear it with: A blazer and pumps for the office; or team it with a chambray shirt, white Converse sneakers and a floppy wide-brim hat on the weekend.

2. Our pick: Beginning Boutique Flying High Maxi Dress, $85.

Wear it with: A statement necklace and strappy heels if you’re heading out on the town. For a more casual look, try a pair of tan leather sandals, cluster of petite rings and a chunky leather watch.

3. Our pick: H&M Flared Dress, $79.95.

Wear it with: Heading out for dinner and drinks? Dress it up with off-white strappy heels, a gold metallic clutch and a slick of red lippy. If you’re going for an off-duty look, keep it low-key with a pair of white slides, a neutral-toned hip bag and a straw fedora.

4. Our pick: Sabo Skirt Sanctuary Maxi Dress, $52.

Wear it with: Over a bikini and black Havaianas if you’re hitting the beach. Add a gauzy, draped blazer and a pair of pointed cutaway heels if you plan on going straight to the bar once you’ve had your fill of the sun and sand.

5. Our pick: Forecast Sydney Vivid Dress, $79.95.

Wear it with: A pair of gold ballet flats and a light cobalt blue cardi during the day. At night, wear bold cobalt or red heels and add a golden tan (fake, of course), beachy hair and a pop of bright lippy to complete your outfit.

6. Our pick: H&M Lyocell Dress, $29.95.

Wear it with: High-top sneakers, a statement necklace and cap for a cool, urban look. Pair it with tan sandals, a floral headpiece or floppy straw hat, round specs and boho-style bangles for a hipster-meets-festival-ready vibe.

7. Our pick: H&M Dress with Frilled Sleeves, $39.95.

Wear it with: A pair of nude pumps or peep-toes and a coordinating leather handbag for the office. On the weekend, keep it casual with neutral or bold red wedges, a light denim jacket and a leather bucket or shoulder bag. Complete the look with one or two long necklaces and coat of shiny red or pink lipgloss.

8. Our pick: Bardot Dolce Vita Sundress, $89.95.

Wear it with: Black sky-high heels, a leather jacket (only on cooler nights, of course), a metallic hardcase clutch and gold jewellery for an edgy yet sultry party-appropriate look. Wear it with black and gold summery sandals, black Ray Bans, a delicate gold necklace and matching rings during the day.

9. Our pick: Talulah Swim & Resort Sail Away Mini Dress from The Iconic, $99.95.

Wear it with: Going out for drinks on a hot summer night? Pair this dreamy dress with pastel or metallic heels, sparkly drop earrings and a statement ring. Otherwise, for relaxed, resort-ready look, go with flat, strappy sandals, a straw hat (either a fedora or one that’s floppy in style) and canvas shopper tote.

10. Our pick: Country Road Hibiscus Print Dress, $99.95.

Wear it with: Work this dress with nude peep-toes or wedges and an oversized chain necklace for casual Friday. On the weekend, opt for flat espadrilles or white slides, a sporty watch and a tote instead.

Have a hot tip on where you can find cheap yet chic summer dresses? We’d love to know, so share your secret shopping spot in the comments section below.