For those in need of a dreamy dress on a budget, here are our top affordable summer frocks to shop right now
Summer is finally on the horizon, and with brighter days and warmer evenings around the corner, a little wardrobe refresh is always a nice treat. We think there’s no better way to welcome in sunnier days than with a new dress to complement the season.
Whether it’s for beach days or picnics in the park, finding the right dress for all summer activities is essential. The good news is, shoppers don’t have to spend a fortune to find a dress they’ll love.
We’ve rounded up the best summer dresses under £50, from flattering shapes and trend-led details. These offers are not to be missed. With picks from much-loved brands like Boden, Roman, White Stuff, and Free People, fashion fans are spoilt for choice.
READ MORE: Boden fans rave over ‘lovely’ summer dress that’s now 25% off in the sale
READ MORE: I’m a fashion writer and these are the Boden items to buy for spring including jackets
Boden Kristen Pleated Jersey Dress – £43.12 (was £98)
The Kristen dress is an easy, elegant option for those slightly dressier summer days. Now with almost a 50% price cut, it’s one to watch for chic style and affordability.
Made from soft, comfortable jersey fabric, the dress features a flattering V-neckline and a fit-and-flare silhouette that suits every shape. Gentle pleats on the skirt add a delicate touch of movement, making it perfect for garden parties, weekend lunches, or relaxed holiday outings.
Simple to style and effortless to wear, the dress is available in over eight different prints. It’s one of those throw-on-and-go pieces we’re sure shoppers will be reaching for all season long.
The chic dress boasts over 80 five-star reviews online, with many praising the bold prints and how comfortable it is. One shopper wrote: “This is a very flattering, stylish dress. The fabric is soft and very comfortable, and hangs beautifully. It is flexible and versatile and can be worn with sandals as a summer dress or layered with a plain long-sleeved top and boots on cooler days. I’ve had so many compliments.”
A second buyer shared: “This fits beautifully and has a lovely swishy skirt. I love the colour stripes and it’s a classy dress.”
A third person remarked on the chic design, saying: “This dress is cut perfectly for me and is very flattering. The pleats fall away from the hipline so that there’s no bunching around the waist, which is the worst possible fit for my shape.”
However, one shopper noted: “This is a lovely dress and pattern. Unfortunately, for me, the pockets stick out oddly at the hips.”
Shop Kristen Pleated Jersey Dress from Boden
Roman Blue Denim Pintuck Detail Pocket Dress
This timeless denim pocket dress is an effortless staple for any summer wardrobe. Not only is it super chic thanks to the true blue denim tone, but also made from lightweight cotton denim, so is designed to be relaxed and comfortable. The sleeveless shape with round neckline makes this easy pull-on style ideal for warm, sunny days.
Pintuck detailing at the bust adds a subtle touch that is flattering to every shape, while the gathered skirt offers a breezy, laid-back feel. The addition of handy side pockets also makes it a practical option.
Perfect for everything from picnics in the park to casual holiday outings, pair the dress with your favourite sandals for an everyday summer look.
One happy shopper wrote online in a review: “I love this dress, the style, the material and how it drapes my figure. The pintucks are a nice added detail.”
A second review read: “I love this dress and can’t wait to wear it in summer. The fit is perfect and length, just on the knee, is ideal for me (5’3″). I’d love this style in other colours, it’s just so comfortable and the pin tuck detail is perfect.” A third person said: “Lovely everyday denim dress. Very comfortable and ideal for ‘in between’ weather.”
While many of the reviews were positive, some shoppers noted that they wish the dress came in other colours.
Shop Blue Denim Pintuck Detail Pocket Dress from Roman
White Stuff Tallie Jersey Short Sleeve Dress
With over 500 positive reviews, it’s easy to see why customers love this unique dress from White Stuff.
We can never have too many easy, throw-on jersey dresses, and this one ticks all the boxes for summer. The Tallie dress comes in a fresh minty green print and is made from breathable jersey fabric, ideal for warmer days.
Boasting short sleeves, a gathered waist, and a relaxed fit makes this number is flattering and effortless to wear. Whether you’re running errands or packing for a sunny getaway, this versatile dress is an easy win.
In one five-star rating, one happy shopper shared: “This dress is very easy to wear- an excellent fit for me and comfortable. I like the colours- the flash of yellow in the pattern makes a difference to the navy and white that I usually go for. Very pleased with this buy.”
Another comment read: “I purchased this dress for my holiday. It is very comfortable to wear and doesn’t crease, ideal for holidays!” A third review said: “The dress is much nicer on than in the photos. It’s very comfortable and has been worn on several occasions recently. The pattern is pretty and a change from the many floral prints available at the moment.”
However, some reviews were mixed. One customer said: “I am short-waisted, so the waistline on this dress was too high for me.”
Shop Tallie Jersey Short Sleeve Dress from White Stuff
Free People Kayla Sweater Midi
An effortless wardrobe hero, this midi dress a piece we’re packing in our holiday suitcase. It’s available in three bright colours so shoppers can find their perfect fit.
The Kayla dress is made from a soft, lightweight sweater knit, designed in a relaxed, column fit with a flattering V-neckline for a laid-back feel. Little details make this dress special, such as the twisted strap detailing, which adds a subtle, stylish touch.
The versatility of this style means it can be worn with trainers on casual days, dressed up with chunky sandals or platforms for evenings out. Whatever the season, this is a staple to reach for now and layer up later.
Customers love the shape, sharing that it’s flattering on their shape. One review read: “I feel super sexy in this dress! It’s incredibly flattering.” Another customer wrote: “This dress is so adorable and I can see myself wearing it year-round!”
A third reviewer shared: “A sexy and tropical vibe. It’s a little see-through, but it’s absolutely beautiful!”
Shop Kayla Sweater Midi from Free People
For more summer staples at affordable prices, customers can currently save up to 60% off in Roman’s spring sale. Top options include the Pink Cotton Broderie Tiered Smock Dress, now down to £28 from its original £40 price.
There’s also 25% off thousands of dress styles at New Look. We found the effortlessly chic Black Puff Sleeve Midi Dress for £22.49 after the 25% saving.