Summer is here in full force and there’s no better way to beat the heat and still look cute than by wearing a flowy summer dress. If you live in Toronto, then you know that summer comes and goes in a flash. If you don’t feel like spending hundreds on a dress you’ll wear for just a few months, do yourself a favour and shop an affordable summer dress from these stores.
Here are 8 affordable stores to shop for a flowy summer dress under $50
ASOS
Instagram/@gabyburger
Super popular British online retailer, ASOS, has thousands of dresses under $50 just waiting for you to fawn over. What’s really wonderful too is that there’s something for everyone regardless if you’re tall, petite, plus, or preggers. From dresses for the beach, to even your next bridesmaid or wedding guest dress, you’re bound to find something on this site.
Dynamite
Instagram/@dynamiteclothing
Looking for a chic yet still cool summer dress to wear to work? Head to your nearest Dynamite store to start shopping because this retailer has loads of options. From curve-hugging body con numbers to sweet floral frocks, this perhaps under loved mall staple has you covered, plus there are lots on sale right now!
Everlane
Instagram/@everlane
If you’re after basics that are far from basic, then Everlane is right up your alley. The brand is known for its exceptional quality and transparency as it’s up front about pricing and sustainability. While there are dresses on the site that exceed $50, there are effortless and casual options that are perfect for throwing on and going about your day!
Forever 21
A favourite for endless reasons, Forever 21 is a mall staple and go-to for anyone looking to shop trendy items without going over budget. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a dress that retails for over $50, as there are what feels like hundreds of options from breezy maxi dresses, to fierce animal print numbers.
Joe Fresh
Instagram/@joefresh
If elevated basics are what you’re coveting, step into any Joe Fresh location and shop your little heart out. Affordable, trendy, and inclusive, Joe Fresh is a fave among many. We can’t get enough of the brands current selection which includes options with bright colours and fun prints!
thredUP
Instagram/@styledinsequins
Everyone loves a fab deal but what if your shopping could also help the environment? Online consignment store thredUP is known for its stellar (and cheap!) options for every budget. Expect to find brands from Aritzia, Zara, Free People, and lots of premium designers, too!
Hudson’s Bay
Instagram/@hudsonsbay
Who doesn’t love Hudson’s Bay? This classic Canadian heritage store is home to an abundance of affordable summer dresses. Not only can you peruse the racks, but don’t forget to step inside Topshop for trends that are hot off the runways at an affordable price point.
Ardene
Instagram/@chloesugarr
If you thought Ardene sold just affordable jewellery, think again! This wallet-friendly retailer houses loads of fun and easy-to-throw-on dresses that are perfect for pretty much any summer occasion. From chic wrap dresses to belted shirt dresses, it’s all right here!
Featured Image: Instagram/@emilylavenders
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The holiday season is all about spending time with family and friends. Looking your best without stressing about the cost of your outfit is priceless — not to mention the stress of potentially spilling gravy or wine on your outfit.
Often, those we see over holidays is seldom and reserved for these special times. Make it even more special and show loved ones how awesome you’ve been with an outfit that does your beauty and inner confidence justice.
Here’s a list of our favourite places to shop for holiday parties and events.
Winners
Instagram/@winners
We had to start the list off with the mother of discounted fashion brands at 20-60% below department price. Winners has several shipments of new arrivals put on their floor multiple times per week. If you can’t find your perfect holiday outfit on your first trip, don’t stress and pop by another time for better luck. In this case, we advise starting the hunt as soon as your busy life allows – your holiday shine will thank you later.
Some lose and some win during the holiday craze — be a winner with dresses from $24.99 and up at Winners.
H&M
Instagram/@hm
H&M is the perfect place for a variety of holiday look options. Their vast selection allows you to execute that holiday vision you’ve been harbouring for 12 months. Options from blouses, blazers, trousers, dresses, jumpsuits, accessories and more. This is the go-to spot for an entirely new outfit from head to toe.
Having so much inventory means lots of sale selection options! Make your look even more affordable without compromise – shop their party dress sale selection here, featuring dresses from $17.99 and up.
Dynamite
Instagram/@dynamiteclothing
Get that #dynamitestyle and work their chic items into your wardrobe this holiday season. This season they are focused on sequins and we have no complaints. Wearing sequins gives off good times vibes and confidence. Let your hair down and have some good old fashion fun, you deserve to feel the love and laugh uncontrollably and dance and eat…clearly we are excited to enjoy all the holidays have to offer.
We love how adaptable their inventory is for any holiday occasion. Need a couple of looks for different gatherings? No problem, they’ve got cute and cozy sweaters for more intimate gatherings as well as stunning glam dresses and everything in between. Tbh, Dynamite slipped off our radar but damn, they are stepping up their game and we are impressed.
Uniqlo
Instagram/@uniqlo
Looking for more of a minimal yet classy holiday vibe? Uniqlo is a great place to supplement your existing wardrobe with a nice new blouse or beautiful winter sweater. This is the perfect option for a cottage-like holiday occasion.. We usually say “there’s no such thing as overdressing”, however, we are full advocates of dressing appropriately and sometimes less is more takes the cake.
Heading up to a cottage or simply wanting more of a cozy and toned down look this Christmas? We do NOT blame you, dress appropriately for the snowy conditions and still look stunning with Uniqlo.
You guessed it – their prices are within your holiday budget!
Common Sort
Instagram/@commonsort
Common Sort is thrift and consignment store with amazing prices and a great selection! We are always impressed by brands they carry, reflecting the collective style and vibes of the 3 locations they operate in:
- Common Sort – Parkdale, 1414 Queen Street West
- Common Sort Annex 444 Bloor St. W
- Sort Riverside 800 Queen St. E
Make a holiday shopping date with your friend(s) and hit up all locations – we almost guarantee all of you will score at least one piece for your holiday outfit.
Their business model is buying, selling and trading fashion which translates super well in Toronto’s urban landscape and culture, creating a space with curated yet affordable thrifted finds. Common Sort will give you the perfect touch of a cool girl from the city when you visit home for the holidays. It is also an awesome option for holiday parties, with fun thrifted items and you’ll just want to party after the thrill you get from your amazing and cheap find!
M Boutique
Instagram/@shop_mboutique
M Boutique believes in empowering women, embracing curves and has a love for all things fashion. They are a Canadian-owned and operated company with 19 stores across Toronto. Their numerous locations are perfect for the hectic holidays.
Feel like bringing the glam this season? M Boutique will give you instantaneous diva with her sh** together status. We love how they empower women with clothing that embraces curves. Whether you need a sexy outfit for a killer party or a more toned down sweater dress for more of a low-key event, they have plenty of options.
Prices are reasonable for a holiday season investment, they generally range from: $29 for sweaters and bodysuits, $35 for throw-over fashion blazers, $59 for party dresses and $69 for jumpsuits.
If you decide to enhance your holiday look with M Boutique, make sure you throw them a tag: #msgotit
Value Village
Instagram/@layitonmee
Mix and match old and new, leaving a little more financial wiggle room to spend a little extra on the other components of your outfit or gifts for others or savings or whatever!
Feeling up for the challenge? Get together with your friends and create a challenge to put together a killer thrifted holiday outfit. See what you can come up with! At the very least you will have many laughs, a killer time with friends and most likely an awesome new thrifted holiday piece.
Value Village will have you standing out like the snowflake you are.
The holidays are wonderful, but they can also be stressful. Keep stress in check with affordable choices and no compromise. Happy holidays lovelies!
Featured Image: Instagram/@dynamiteclothing
Celebrating the love of two people is cause for celebration, but after everything is said and done, weddings are hella expensive!
Sure, you’re happy for your friends’ eternal flame, but you can’t say the same for your wallet. Wedding season (aka broke AF season) ultimately leaves you stuck with an expensive dress you’ll likely never wear again. While you can’t put a price on love, you can definitely put a price on a dress, and by price, I mean under $150.
Take a look at the best stores to find affordable dresses for weddings below, and save that cash money!
Fitzroy Boutique
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkSSkzfg-K6/?taken-by=fitzroyrentals
If your bougie taste in dresses doesn’t match your budget, Fitzroy Boutique is the perfect place for you. Rather than buying a dress, the studio allows you to rent designer frocks at much cheaper prices ($80 – $110). Think covetable labels like For Love and Lemons, Narces, Elle Zeitoune and more.
M Boutique
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bki-8ohA5pn/?taken-by=shop_mboutique
M Boutique isn’t only a good destination for trendy summer outfits, it’s also filled to the brim with a number of party dresses and jumpsuits, perfect for weddings. Right now select styles are starting at $59 which is tres affordable if you ask me. They also usually have adorbs two-piece top and bottom sets, if you’re feeling a little more scandalous.
Fashion Nova
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkyqkMNBOVq/?taken-by=fashionnova
Let’s not forget about online stores too! Wedding invitations usually give you loads of time to get your affairs in order, so get on ordering a dress stat from Fashion Nova. The online retailer who is known for their ridiculous prices (starting at around $35) has an entire section for special occasion dresses. You’re going to sizzle in these styles – they’re famous for hugging curves.
Nordstrom Rack
https://www.instagram.com/p/BixHDoBg6Mt/?hl=en&taken-by=nordstromrack
ICYMI: Nordstrom Rack is now open in Toronto with their flagship in Bloor-Yorkville village. Who else is literally freaking out?! The off-price division of the department store will give label lovers an insane rush with unbelievable markdowns on designer clothing. While I can’t guarantee all prices will be under $150, the value you’ll be getting is insane.
Dynamite
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bj3Twnfh_p4/?taken-by=dynamiteclothing
You might not have been paying attention, but over the past several years, Dynamite has done a total rebranding. They used to remind me of Suzy Shier, but have since gotten into much more stylish things. There are actually so many cute AF dresses to choose from with prices starting at $39.95.
Winners/Marshalls
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjAIMMBHU7D/?taken-by=winners
A list for affordable dresses for weddings wouldn’t be complete without Winners and Marshalls. I LOVE these stores and can almost never go inside without buying something. Check out our lists for the best Winners and Marshalls in Toronto and head straight for the “Off the Runway Racks.” Start there, and then branch out to the other dresses; you’ll likely end up buying more than one! LOL
Lulus
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkEBxGvFRMJ/?taken-by=lulus
If you haven’t shopped at Lulus yet, you’re in for a lovely surprise. The online retailer is like a more upscale and trendy Forever 21 or H&M, while still remaining hella affordable. Sale dresses are as cheap as $15, while in season dresses start around $50. They have a great mix of different styles, from simple to more extravagant and regularly have sale promotions going on as well as periods of free shipping.
Do you know any other places to find affordable dresses for weddings? Let us know in the comments.
Featured image: Instagram/@shop_mboutique