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May 2011  |  By Kathryn Achenbach  |  Comments

Dress for Less

Looking for fun but affordable dresses for spring and summer?

We’re following up our May article, Mod About Color, with some similar styles that are both trend- and wallet-friendly. Here’s a selection of playful prints and bold colors, all ringing in at under $200.

Painterly Prints

Embrace the warm hues of summer with garments in watercolor washes.

Twisted Up Halter Dress (above right), $109, RACHEL Rachel Roy

Flowy Brights

Get noticed by your dress’s brilliant color, not its body-clinging cut. The draped, romantic nature of this season’s frocks look great paired with accessories with large floral prints in contrasting tones, like this tote from Zara

Sleeveless Tulip Tie-back Dress, $53.78, ASOS

Tribal Patterns

We love that this easy, breezy dress combines both the tribal and maxi trends we’ll continue to see in the coming months. It’s the perfect combo of comfortable and chic.

ONE by Line & Dot Printed Long Dress, $118, Shopbop

Not-So-Girly Skirts

Prim pleats get kicked up a notch with artsy swirls and unique color combos.

Elie Tahari Roxy Skirt, $198, Nordstrom

Neon Pops

The mixture of neons in this dress (reminiscent of some of the looks from the Proenza Schouler and Christopher Kane spring runways) is eye-catching, but the silhouette is still appropriate for the office. If you’re really feeling feisty, switch out the tie belt for a bright orange one, like this one from Topshop.

Alfani sheath, $39.50, Macy’s

What dresses are you wearing this spring? Leave your thoughts in the comments!