Get Ready to Dress to Impress: Events are Back ON!

The sun is shining, mask mandates are being lifted, and events are back ON! I know 2020 was a particularly hard year for brides and others celebrating special events. While some folks opted to have smaller gatherings, I know a lot of special occasions were postponed to this year. I know my friends and family members are happy to be celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, showers, and weddings this year.

We (ok, I) may have forgotten how to dress up…so I wanted to round-up some cute and affordable event dresses to JUMP back into a social life. I purchase dresses regularly from lots of different retailers, so you can always find those on my LTK profile. These particular dresses are from Amazon so you can easily try them at home and send back what does not work. I know it can be REALLY stressful (and expensive) to find a special occasion dress, so I loved doing it from home. All of these dresses are under $45. In fact, four of them are under $35!

Off Shoulder

I’m not going to bury the lead here. This is my favorite dress out of the bunch because I love…everything about it. This style just works well for my body, but your body may prefer something else on the list! This dress features a very flattering off shoulder neckline with short sleeves for some arm coverage. The bodice is ruched in front and the material is super soft and stretchy. I also love the length. Unbelievably, this dress is only around $20! It comes in even sizes from 2-16 and is available in two other colors (which I have convinced myself I need to order). This dress fits TTS and I am wearing the 2/XS. This dress works for a variety of occasions, and the color options stretch across multiples seasons. This is perfect for a reception or work event.

One Shoulder

The style of this dress is unlike anything I own. It’s a one shoulder style, but the shoulder detail is much wider than a typical one shoulder strap. In my opinion, this elevates and updates the look. This dress has a pretty metallic sheen. It is a “bodycon” style, so be aware that it is supposed to be fitted. It is around $30 and it comes in sizes small to XXL. I am wearing a small and it fits TTS. It comes in several colors and I love the metallic bronze option. This would be super fun for a bachelorette party, vacation, or reception.

Sleeveless

This little number is the prettiest green. It has a v-neck, but it isn’t too low. The front of the skirt is ruched, so it will help to hide lumps and bumps! This dress does have a lower scoop in the back if that is a concern. This dress comes in a TON of different colors and styles (some have a lace front top). It comes in sizes small to XXL. I am wearing a small and it fits TTS. This one will set you back about $35. This would be fun for a cocktail party or date night.

Calling All Brides

I made sure to grab a couple white dresses in case you are looking for something for bridal festivities. A lace dress is always a classy option and this would be perfect for a rehearsal dinner. This would also work for an anniversary bridal or anniversary dinner. I know I like to wear white for our anniversary date! This lace dress is very good quality for the price and it fits well. This dress also comes in other colors if you need an affordable lace dress, but you are not looking for white. It comes in sizes small to XXL and is priced around $44. I’m wearing a small and it’s only slightly big in the waist and hips. Order your true size.

Ok, I lied a little…while the first dress is my favorite dress overall, the SLEEVES on this white polka dress are SO good. It is such a pretty detail. This would be cute and comfortable for a bridal shower or luncheon. It is available in a couple other colors and it’s under $30. It comes in sizes small to XXL. This dress runs large in the bodice, but it is also a loose style. I am wearing a small and it fits TTS, but size down if in between sizes.

Yes, Sleeves

This black dress is definitely multipurpose. It has a unique and gorgeous neckline, but with a lot of body coverage. You could wear this one for SO many occasions from weddings to work functions. The material is thick and soft and it will only set you back about $36. It would look beautiful with an updo and statement jewelry. There are several colors available and it comes in sizes small to XXL. I accidentally ordered the wrong size, so this one was too big overall (especially on top), but I think it would fit perfectly in my right size. It is also a tad bit long, so it would definitely work on someone much taller.

Talk about a POP of color! This red dress is a soft and stretchy material with a very conservative sleeve and length, but a deep v on the chest. This dress is almost maxi length on me. It’s dressy enough for a wedding reception, but casual enough that the length doesn’t make it look too formal.

I would LOVE to see it on one of my tall friends because it would be a gorgeous midi. I don’t personally wear many dresses or tops that show cleavage, but I know that others do and I think this is still very tasteful if you are comfortable showing some chest. It comes in sizes small to 3XL and it’s only $35. It also has pockets! There are several other colors…and the blue is VERY pretty. This dress fits TTS, but size up if you carry weight at your natural waist.

Brides: These dresses both come in white!

Are you attending any events this summer?

Katie G.