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From nifty knits to floral frocks, the high street is a one-stop shop for stellar dresses – these are the best ones under £250 that we’re adding to our baskets pronto.
When it comes to getting your frock fix, there’s no better place to peruse than the high street, whether virtually or in-person.
Whether it’s a mini, midi or maxi that your wardrobe is yearning for, the high street is positively swimming in a sea of stellar dresses that come patterned, plain and everything in-between.
The decree issued by the most recent fashion weeks is that sky-high, blink-and-you’ll-miss-them dresses are very much the hemline du jour, while elsewhere perennial favourite gingham is still vying for people’s attention in the form of cottagecore dresses that are positively oozing with character. Think noon-to-night dressing that can be dressed up or down with this fleet of fanciful frocks.
But fear not, for we’ve taken it upon ourselves to scour the high street for the crème de la crème of dresses so you don’t have to. The result: dresses too good to resist. These are the 15 under-£250 high street dresses that will make both you and your bank balance extremely happy.
The best high street dresses
Mango Floral Print Dress
Mango Floral Print Dress in Blue If you’re looking for something that’s equal parts effortless and comfy, consider the search over. This spring-ready pale-blue floral print midi with gathered front detailing has got you covered.
Cos Knitted Midi Dress
Cos Knitted Midi Dress Knitwear, but make it summer appropriate. This midi from Cos in moody khaki and blue colourways is the perfect beach-to-drinks transition dress. Pair with your favourite earrings and you’re good to go.
New Look Orange Floral Shirred Frill Square Neck Mini Dress
New Look Orange Floral Shirred Frill Square Neck Mini Dress 60s-inspired florals are all the rage of late. So, why not revel in the print with this shirred body mini dress from New Look. Wear with your favourite black padded sandals and Bottega-esque padded bags for a summer look you’ll want to take a few Instagram pics of asap.
Shop Orange Floral Shirred Frill Square Neck Mini Dress at New Look, £25.99
Asos Design Curve Tiered Midi Wrap Dress with Puff Sleeve in Green Check
ASOS DESIGN Curve Tiered Midi Wrap Dress with Puff Sleeve in Green Check Puff sleeves? Check. Wrap detailing? Check. Tiered design? Check. Everything about this light-green checked dress is perfect.
Shop Asos Design Curve Tiered Midi Wrap Dress with Puff Sleeve in Green Check, £35
& Other Stories Off-Shoulder Seersucker Mini Dress
& Other Stories Off-Shoulder Seersucker Mini Dress For those days when you can’t decide between thin straps or bardot off-the-shoulder, this sweet floral printed mini dress lets you do both. Wear it with your favourite oversized marble sunglasses and cream crossbody bag to complete the look.
Shop Off-Shoulder Seersucker Mini Dress at & Other Stories, £95
Reformation Christina Dress Es
Reformation Christina Dress Es When it comes to beautiful cuts, designs and an admirable commitment to sustainability, Reformation never disappoints. What also doesn’t let us down is this deliciously moody and floral frilled hem dress ready for any occasion.
Warehouse Floral One Shoulder Pleated Midi Dress
Warehouse Floral One Shoulder Pleated Midi Dress Did someone say statement dress? Not only does this midi dress feature a punchy fuchsia colourway, but its one-shoulder design means the detailing is on point, too. Weddings, parties, drinks, whatever the event, this is the dress of all dresses.
Shop Floral One Shoulder Pleated Midi Dress at Warehouse, £99
Never Fully Dressed Orange Lace Mini Gabriel Dress
Never Fully Dressed Orange Lace Mini Gabriel Dress When you’re collating your summer holiday looks for your Italian getaway, don’t forget a sun-soaked blood-orange mini. This particular dress is all about the details: lace, exaggerated frilly sleeves and a v-neck cut.
Shop Orange Lace Mini Gabriel Dress at Never Fully Dressed, £79
H&M Smocked Cotton Dress
H&M Smocked Cotton Dress Loose-fit, floral print in a casual smock design, this is the dress for casual meet-ups and drinks. Or even just lounging about the flat.
Arket Long Linen Dress
Arket Long Linen Dress This striped maxi dress is perfect for those days you’re not looking to go big on a look, but want to still display effortless style. Wear as an everyday dress or even as a beach cover-up when the temperature turns colder.
Whistles Warped Checkerboard Midi Dress, Lime
Whistles Warped Checkerboard Midi Dress, Lime Checkerboard is a pattern that never goes out of style. Especially when its printed onto a midi dress silhouette as timeless as this. This front button detailed midi goes perfectly with your ecru denim jacket, sunglasses and sandals of choice.
Shop Whistles Warped Checkerboard Midi Dress, Lime at John Lewis, £159
Soaked In Luxury Vesper Mini Dress, Pale Banana
Soaked In Luxury Vesper Mini Dress, Pale Banana If there was a dress that oozed summertime vibes, it’s this Soaked in Luxury mini dress. With oversized sleeves and a tiered design, it’s impossible not to love the detail on this one.Shop Soaked In Luxury Vesper Mini Dress, Pale Banana at John Lewis, £74.99
Mint Velvet Hattie Abstract Print Midi Shirt Dress, Purple Light
Mint Velvet Hattie Abstract Print Midi Shirt Dress, Purple Light A fan of abstract art? Consider this Mint Velvet option art in dress form. With its secretly disguised pockets on either side to place your beloved lip balm, keys and cards in, going hands-free just got a lot more stylish.Shop Mint Velvet Hattie Abstract Print Midi Shirt Dress, Purple Light at John Lewis, £119
Hush Martina Halterneck Knitted Dress
Hush Martina Halterneck Knitted Dress Though it might seem like a beachwear staple, this Martina halterneck dress works just as well going for drinks alfresco. Plus, it’s rainbow zig-zag print is one that’ll get everyone talking in the best way.Ganni Oversized Seersucker Wrap-Dress
Ganni Oversized Seersucker Wrap-Dress In classic Ganni fashion, this mini oversized wrap dress champions the seersucker-checked print. A welcomed upgrade, though? The sweet collar detail.
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