There are many places to shop for dress. You can find dresses in different shapes, sizes and prices. There are so many kinds of dresses that you can choose from. If you want to buy a formal dress then you must go to a formal wear shop where they have all kinds of dresses. But if you want to buy a casual dress then you should go to a casual wear shop where they have all kinds of casual dresses.

If you want to buy a short prom dress then you must go to a short prom wear shop where they have all kinds of short prom dresses. If you want to buy a long prom dress then you must go to a long prom wear shop where they have all kinds of long prom dresses. You can also find some good online stores that sell different types of dresses at reasonable prices.

Where To Shop For Dresses

woman sitting in a dress

It wasn’t too long ago when shopping for a dress meant spending hours at your local department store, sifting through racks and racks. Thanks to the internet, though, you can now shop for a dress for every occasion and aesthetic while in your sweats on the sofa.

Our top site for buying dresses is Lulus because their search engine allows you to narrow down options and suggests similar picks. For an even more cost-effective route (especially if you’re a Prime member), Amazon has plenty of options, reliable reviews, and a “Try Before You Buy” policy.

Yet with endless options, the search for the perfect dress can be overwhelming. “There’s a ton of variety in the dress category these days. Dresses in varying silhouettes, lengths, and fabrications can make it challenging to know what’s right for you,” says Whitney Keefe, stylist at Stitch Fix, the online shopping site that provides personal styling recommendations. “If you’re looking to emphasize your curves, A-line or wrap dresses are great options because they will fit close to the body through the waist and flow away at the hips and thighs. If you are straighter through the hips and thighs, try a classic shift dress. Lately, I’m loving a midi-length dress for all body types. They’re comfortable, effortless, and easy to dress up or down.”

As someone who always prefers dresses to pants or skirts, I’m constantly trying out new frocks to wear to the grocery store, office, or neighborhood stroll. Gone are the days when dresses were only saved for special events.

No matter your budget, occasion, or personal style, these are the best sites for buying dresses online.

Best Overall: Lulus

lulus-cute-teal-dress

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Sometimes you know exactly what you are looking for when online shopping. Sometimes you just want to browse and get inspired. Lulus makes both options easy for customers. The site has mastered the search engine by allowing you to filter by trend, color, style, and details like sleeve length and neckline. You know you want a more “feminine” dress—but will you look in the puff sleeve, ruffled category, or both? And if the first dress you click into isn’t quite right, they suggest similar styles with slightly different details. With most dresses under 100 dollars, you can easily stock up on a few styles you love.

Size Range: XXS-3X | Prices: $ | Shipping: Free on orders over $50 | Return Policy: Free return shipping within 10 days; $7 fee from 11-30 days

Best for Occasions: Revolve

Revolve

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Similar to Asos, Revolve carries a slew of different brands and dress styles but at slightly steeper prices, catering to those occasions when you want to shell out a bit more, perhaps for a fancy vacation or elevated party. What is music to our ears, though, is that they offer free two-day shipping in the United States. While free shipping is less of a rarity these days, free two-day is still a unicorn. Returns also are free as the prepaid label is already included in the packaging. In other words, Revolve is a great place to shop when you need a dress fast and you want to try a few styles and/or sizes without the extra hassle of returns. From minis to maxis and everything in between, Revolve has all your party personas covered.

Size Range: XXS-XXL | Prices: $$ | Shipping: Free 2-day shipping | Return Policy: Full refund within 60 days; exchanges up to 90 days

Best Perks: Nordstrom

nordstrom-dresses

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Buying anything online at Nordstrom is such a pleasant and streamlined experience. Dresses are especially easy thanks to Nordstrom’s curated selection of brands across several price points; however, you know even the lower price points are of good quality and value. Filter by occasion, size, and more to discover a host of options that fit your needs. Plus, with Nordstrom price matching, you’re guaranteed the best price for that particular item across major retailers. Not to mention their return policy is very accommodating and flexible—so much so that they technically don’t have one. According to Nordstrom, they “handle returns on a case-by-case basis with the ultimate goal of making customers happy.”

If the dress you ordered is what you were looking for but would be perfect with some adjustments, take the dress to your nearest Nordstrom for free alterations and tailoring (note: you must be a Nordy Club member to get this service for free, but it’s free to sign up). You can also hit up sister brand Nordstrom Rack for discounted dresses from the same brands that sell on Nordstrom.

Size Range: XXS-4X | Prices: $$-$$$$ | Shipping: Free shipping | Return Policy: Flexible

Best Variety: Asos

asos-design-90s-mini-tea-dress

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If you want every type of dress and brand at your fingertips, start at Asos. Sort of like fashion’s own online search engine, Asos carries a broad range of major brands, price points, sizes, vibes, and trends. You can find everything from those flirty cutout dresses to classic shirt dresses at budget prices—and even some designers. They also carry athletic dresses from brands like Adidas and Nike. If you mourned the bankruptcy of Topshop, rejoice in knowing you can still shop the brand via Asos (and Nordstrom, for that matter). 

As someone who personally used Asos when dressing up for all my college events, I know firsthand how easy they make the return process (just print the free label and drop it off at your closest UPS). Most pieces also feature a video of a model wearing the piece of clothing which is a game-changer when deciding what dress to buy and in what size. Add in the express shipping, and Asos is made for last-minute event shopping.

Size Range: XXS-3X | Prices: $ | Shipping: $4.99; free on orders over $49.99 | Return Policy: Full refund within 28 days via original payment method; equivalent gift voucher from 29-45 days

Most Sustainable: Reformation

Reformation

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Reformation already caught our eyes with their gorgeous floral dresses and silk gowns made for garden parties, but add in the fact that they are a carbon-neutral company (meaning they achieve net-zero carbon emissions), and we’re officially in love. Since 2009, the Los Angeles-based brand has strived to merge sustainability with style by recycling scrap materials, focusing on local manufacturing, and reducing the chemicals used in production. But their conservative production doesn’t mean a limited selection; you can find anything from your next wedding gown to your next sundress. The brand focuses on a minimalist aesthetic with structural details like high slits, square necklines, and puff sleeves. Who says sustainability couldn’t be stylish?

Size Range: 0-24 +petite | Prices: $$$ | Shipping: Free worldwide shipping on all orders | Return Policy: Full refund within 30 days

Best Budget: Amazon

amazon-the-drop-dress

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While Amazon certainly offers some designer and higher-end options, it’s the place to dress shop if you’re wanting to get the best bang for your buck. Not only are there so many affordable options, but Amazon offers the most extensive reviews and star ratings so you can get a fairly accurate reading of the product’s quality. And, of course, if you’re an Amazon Prime member you get free two-day shipping, which beats most other retailers.

Amazon Prime also has a newish offering aptly called “Try Before You Buy” which gives you a seven-day try-on period, so you can test out various sizes and colors and only get charged for what you keep (it also includes free returns). This is great if you’re in the market for new dresses since that buying experience usually requires proper fittings with different sizes in order to find the perfect fit for your occasion.

Size Range: Varies | Prices: $ | Shipping: Free 2-day shipping with Prime membership | Return Policy: Full refund within 30 days of delivery

Best for Weddings: Anthropologie

Anthropologie

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Whether you’ve decided to buy your wedding dress online or are just looking for some inspiration, BHLDN by Anthropologie is a great place to check out for all your wedding fantasies. Their wedding dresses range from $150 to $3,000 and from classic to modern. They also carry plenty of bridal party and parent of the bride dresses, so your entire wedding party is covered. Feel free to browse the collection online and then go try it on in-store or schedule a virtual appointment in the comfort of your home.

Size Range: 00-26 | Prices: $$-$$$$ | Shipping: $15 standard shipping | Return Policy: Full refund within 28 days

Best for Going Out: Nasty Gal

nasty-gal-going-out-dresses

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While fast fashion is not the most sustainable choice, the cheap prices and cutting-edge trends make it ideal for a certain type of dress: the going out dress.1 It’s the dress you slip on for the night fully knowing it’s about to get spilled on and sweated through. You want it to be trendy and cheap, so you don’t mind wearing it only once to that party or club. So you turn to Nasty Gal, which offers an encyclopedia of the latest trends at insanely affordable prices. They also carry a plus, petite, and maternity line and are constantly dropping new collections. We can’t complain that there’s almost always some sale going on.

Size Range: 0-24 | Prices: $ | Shipping: $9.99 standard shipping | Return Policy: Full refund within 45 days

Best Plus Size: Eloquii

Eloquii

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With plus sizes ranging from 14-28, Eloquii makes finding the perfect dress easy for all shapes and sizes. From sweater dresses to sequin slips, the spread of styles has you covered for casual and dressy occasions and everything in between. The pieces are trend-forward, whether you lean towards sequins, lace, or solid colors. They even offer a rental service, making it possible to have a new dress for every day of the workweek.

Size Range: 14-28 | Prices: $$ | Shipping: Free standard shipping on orders over $125; $7.50 for orders under $125 | Return Policy: Full refund within 30 days

Best for Work: M.M. LaFleur

mm-lafleur-black-maaza-dress-for-work

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Founded by a management consultant and the former head designer of Zac Posen, the women-led brand M.M. LaFleur is all about empowerment in the workplace through functional, comfortable, and stylish clothing. The line of dresses checks off all the boxes you want in office attire—appropriate length, comfortable fabrics, sophisticated colors. These aren’t the frumpy designs you’ll find in the work section of your department store—no, you’ll want to rock the streamlined silhouettes even after happy hour. Best of all, all of the brand’s clothes are machine washer friendly, so you can save on the dry cleaner costs.

Size Range: 0P-3X | Prices: $$$ | Shipping: Free on orders more than $150; $10 flat rate on orders less than $150 | Return Policy: Full refund within 30 days

Best Maternity: Pink Blush

pink-blush-lace-mesh-overlay-maternity-dress

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With the motto, “not your mother’s maternity clothes,” Pink Blush truly delivers chic, modern maternity wear. The items are designed to be worn before, during, and after your pregnancy, and trust us, you’ll want to wear their dresses long after. From form-fitting knit dresses to playful tiered numbers, the brand lets you tackle any occasion during your pregnancy. You can even shop for dresses geared towards petite or tall figures. And at affordable prices, the designs deserve to be bought in every color. It’s worth mentioning that their sizing mostly ranges from XS-XL, so it’s not as size-inclusive as others on this list.

Size Range: XS-XL | Prices: $$ | Shipping: Free standard shipping on orders over $75; $5 standard shipping under $75 | Return Policy: Full refund within 30 days

Best Selection: Shopbop

shopbop-dresses

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If you love to discover new and emerging designers and also appreciate an aesthetically pleasing e-commerce experience, Shopbop is made for you. The clean and editorial-forward site offers thoughtful edits and extensive gift guides across different price points. The best part? Shopbop is part of the Amazon family, so if you’re a Prime member, those benefits stretch far—with free two-day shipping plus free returns.

Size Range: XXS-3X | Prices: $$-$$$$ | Shipping: Free 2-day shipping (with Prime membership) | Return Policy: Free returns within 15 days; $10 label fee from 16-30 days

Best Designer: Moda Operandi

Moda Operandi

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If you adore designer fashion and aren’t subscribed to Moda Operandi’s newsletter, you’re missing out. Though it’s a retail site, their emails feel more like a magazine with their rundown of upcoming trends and stylized trunk shows. Encouraging fashion discovery, they regularly host trunk shows of new collections from fashion designers like Balenciaga, Carolina Herrera, and Emilia Wickstead including swoon-worthy dresses. Leaning towards over-the-top, their frocks are best for holiday vacations and glamorous nights out. The best part is you can read through the site’s Edit, which gives you insider advice on all the upcoming trends and how to wear them. Whether you dish out the dollars on the dress or not, you can still leave with some priceless fashion knowledge.

Size Range: 0-16 | Prices: $$$$ | Shipping: $15 standard shipping | Return Policy: Full refund within 28 days

Best Custom: Fame & Partners

fame-and-partners-the-kira-dress-black

Think you have to shop in person to get a custom dress? Think again! Fame & Partners revolutionizes online shopping by allowing you to customize a range of occasion dresses based on your measurements and heel height. No matter if you are the bride, bridesmaid, or prom queen, you can receive a custom-fit dress right at your door. Making everything to order, the brand also minimizes its environmental impact by producing less stock. 

However, if you just want to save money without all the frills, you can browse the site’s outlet, which features styles up to 80 percent off. It’s important to note that the sale items are final sale.

Size Range: 0-22; custom alterations | Prices: $$$ | Shipping: Free in US, UK, AUS, NZ, CA | Return Policy: $35 Zero Waste Fee, within 30 days

Best for Basics: Uniqlo

uniqlo-rayon-long-sleeve-shirt-dress

When looking for simple, no-nonsense dresses for working from home and occasionally running an errand, you can’t go wrong with Uniqlo’s utilitarian designs and affordable prices. Surely the hoodie or T-shirt dress makes for an excellent get-up when working from the couch. Yet the minimalistic designs can also be great for more professional settings. When I needed a simple dress I could wear to interviews during my senior year of college, I opted for their stretch short sleeve flare dress in black (view at Uniqlo) and added accessories like necklaces and blazers based on the level of formality. The best part? The dress came with built-in pockets. 

Uniqlo regularly does collaborations with other designers as well, so you can enjoy Marimekko’s joyful prints or JW Anderson’s timeless designs at a fraction of the price.

Size Range: XXS-XL | Prices: $ | Shipping: $7.99 standard shipping | Return Policy: Full refund within 30 days

What to Look for When Buying Dresses Online

Material

Like with any piece of clothing, the material is a critical factor that sometimes is overlooked. Yet it impacts how hot or cold you’ll be in the dress, the likelihood of it getting wrinkled throughout the day, and how easy it will be clean. If you are going to a summer wedding, you’ll want to look for materials like lyocell that promote breathability and won’t get wrinkles too easily from sitting through the entire ceremony. For colder temperatures, wool is a great breathable, wrinkle-resistant choice.

On the other hand, if you are shopping for dresses you’ll regularly wear to work or around the house, you’ll want a fabric that won’t require dry-cleaning unless you are ready for expensive bills piling up.

Undergarments

Another factor that is easily forgotten when shopping for dresses online is what bras and underwear you’ll need to wear underneath. While backless and plunging necklines look amazing on the mannequin, you’ll likely need a special bra (or no bra) to make it work. Likewise, that body-con number will likely need a seamless thong or shapewear. Nothing is worse than ordering your dream dress only to realize you don’t have the right undergarments to complete the look, so think ahead and consider adding a sticky bra or boob tape to your cart while shopping. 

Shipping and returns

Shopping for clothes online is no easy feat, especially when selecting dresses in new silhouettes and colors. When shopping for an event with no extra time to spare, it can be wise to buy the same dress in different sizes and/or colors just to be sure you end up with something to wear. 

To avoid losing money, look for sites with free shipping and returns, so you can easily try out different options and return what doesn’t work.

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