Ask Belle: Inexpensive, Stylish Dresses
Sep 11, 2014
Hi Belle!
I love dresses for work, but the dresses in the stores are so damn boring. How many sleeveless sheaths does a woman need? Do you have a resource for something…dare I ask…stylish? And if these dresses could cost less than $125, I would be so grateful.
Love the blog. Good luck in school. –Mioda
If you’re looking for ideas on where to buy work dresses, look no further than Asos and Gilt. I try to scan the new arrivals each week to make sure that I don’t miss any must-have gems. Here are a few of my favorite dresses that they have available right now.
I showed the red version of this dress so you could see the waist details, but the dress also comes in black. It defines the waist beautifully. And I’ll take a sleeve anytime that I can get one.
This cowl-neck shift dress has a breezy shape and a cool neckline. I also love this crop-top styled sheath dress. Trust me, it’s all Audrey Hepburn, all the time.
Ava & Aiden Crepe Pleat Sheath Dress ($129)
I’ve mentioned it before, but I think Ava & Aiden is a great line. It’s available only at Gilt. Don’t buy into the MSRP lie, but the dresses are definitely worth the purchase price. They’re well-made and chic.
This sleeveless dress has a great color (try it under a gray dress), and a cool neckline. It also comes in coral. I also like this cap-sleeve, ponte dress. And if you need a v-neck, try this short-sleeve dress.
I just discovered your blog yesterday and it is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Thank you for providing nice AND affordable options!
Would you be willing to share what your total closet exists of? It seems like you must have a ton of clothes, and I can’t fathom that much stuff even if it is all worn at some point!
I actually have far fewer clothes than most people think thanks to an almost puritanical adherence to the one in, one out policy. I also sell clothes that I’m tired of at consignment stores or on eBay.
Belle, which consignment store in DC fetched you the highest prices for your clothes? I am looking to sell many dresses but am unsure about where to start. Thank!
I like cash up front and the ease of being done in one throw, so I go to Redzzz. I’m not sure who has the best monetary returns.
ASOS’ dress selection really is amazing. Love the one you picked!
Style by Joules
How does the Ava and Aiden sizing compare to a brand like JCrew or Banana Republic ? I’d love to order some of these dresses, but hate to order the wrong size and have to deal with returns!
I find it runs a bit smaller than J.Crew, but I still take my normal size.
Do you find that selling on ebay is worth the time and effort? I’ve got so many items to get rid of but I’m not sure how difficult it would be to get started….
I only sell bigger ticket items ($100+) on eBay. Otherwise, not worth the effort. Everything else, consignment.
Thank you for this selection, I love!