The 17 Best Places to Buy Dresses, Vetted by Byrdie Editors

Gone are the days of spending hours at your local department store, sifting through racks and racks to shop for a dress. Now you can get a dress for every occasion and trend sitting in your sweats on the sofa. And still, with endless options, the search for the perfect dress can be overwhelming. "Dresses in varying silhouettes, lengths, and fabrications can make it challenging to know what's right for you," says former Stitch Fix stylist Whitney Keefe.

Besides the dress style, the online shopping experience can impact your purchase. To help you find the best retailer for your next order, we surveyed more than 500 editors on where they love to shop for dresses online. We asked questions about the material quality, price point, size selection, shipping, returns, and overall customer service. After analyzing the responses, we narrowed our list to the best sites to buy dresses for any event.

Best Overall

Anthropologie

View on Anthropologie

Size Range: XXS–4X, plus petite and plus sizes | Shipping: Free shipping over $50 | Return Policy: Full refund within 30 days

We love this retailer for its variety and unique selection from many brands, including Farm Rio, Ciao Lucia, and Faithfull The Brand, to name a few. The site has also made efforts to offer more inclusive sizing, with a lot of dresses coming in plus or petite sizes. Whether we are looking for a casual sundress or silky number to wear to a wedding or perhaps a wedding dress itself (yep, Anthro has an entire bridal shop), we know we can find it online.

So many options can make shopping overwhelming, but the site lets you filter by occasion, size, length, neckline, and more. We recommend creating an account, so that you can add dresses to your wish list if you want to wait to buy something when it goes on sale. Anthro is known for its generous sales that often feature items up to 40% off.

Best Budget

Amazon

View on Amazon

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

While Amazon certainly offers some designer and higher-end options, it's the selection of affordable yet cute clothing brands that can't be beat. On top of that, Amazon offers the most extensive reviews and star ratings, so you can get a fairly accurate reading of the product's quality and fit. And, of course, if you're an Amazon Prime member you get free two-day shipping, which beats most other retailers.

Amazon has saved us many times when we needed to get a dress at the last minute. We could order a few styles and sizes and easily return whatever didn't work out. Amazon Prime also offers "Try Before You Buy" with 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).

Best Designer

Saks Fifth Avenue

View on Saks Fifth Avenue

Size Range: 000-28 | Shipping: Free standard shipping on orders of $100+ | Return Policy: Free returns within 14 days of delivery, otherwise $10 fee for return label within 30 days of delivery

For those who want all the designer brands at their fingertips, we recommend Saks Fifth Avenue, which carries all the legacy designers like Alexander McQueen as well as the new breed. Saks does the hard work for us by sorting dresses by dress code (cocktail vs evening) as well as curating fun shops like Revenge Dressing, It Girl's Closet, and It's a Date, to name a few.

One of our favorite pastimes is lying in bed, scrolling through the Saks app, and saving items that catch our eye, so we can buy them when they go on sale, which happens quite frequently. While the site has a higher shipping minimum than most, it's easy to meet when buying designer items. You technically have 30 days to return your order, but in order to receive a free shipping label, it has to be done within the first 14 days. And with the option to make returns in store or use a QR code at FedEx, you don't have to print the return label (yay!).

Best Perks

Nordstrom

View on Nordstrom

Size Range: XXS–4X, plus petite and maternity sizing | Shipping: Free standard shipping | Return Policy: Flexible

If you do a lot of online shopping like us, it's nice to be rewarded for your business, and Nordstrom treats its loyal customers quite well. By signing up for the site's free Nordy Club, you rack up points with every purchase that eventually lead to a discount. Dresses are especially easy to shop for online thanks to Nordstrom's curated selection of brands across several price points. Plus, with Nordstrom's price matching, you're guaranteed the best price for that particular item across major retailers. Yup, we've reached out to the customer service team after noticing a better price elsewhere and quickly received a refund.

Not to mention the 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." Whether you prefer to pick up in store, return in store, or return by mail, Nordstrom makes it easy. And if the dress you ordered is generally what you were looking for but would be perfect with some adjustments, you can take it to your nearest Nordstrom for free alterations and tailoring, if you're a Nordy Club Member.

Best Trendy

Revolve

View on Revolve

Size Range: XXS–4X | Shipping: Free two-day shipping | Return Policy: Full refund within 60 days; exchanges up to 90 days

Sometimes we like to browse through Revolve just to see what's trending in the fashion world. Revolve carries a slew of trendy brands and dress styles but at more elevated price points, ideal for those occasions when you might be willing to splurge, such as for a fancy vacation or an elegant party. We've found some great dresses on sale though, so be sure to check out that section before checking out.

But it's also a great place to shop in a pinch, as they offer free two-day shipping in the United States. We've definitely had those moments when we thought we had the perfect dress for an event, only to realize it was dirty or not right for the dress code, and Revolve was the only site that could rescue us on time. We also love how we get free returns up to 60 days and the prepaid label is already included (who has a printer these days?). So, it really is a source of convenience all around.

Best Sustainable

Reformation

View on Reformation

Size Range: XS–3X, plus petite sizing | Shipping: Free U.S. shipping on all orders | Return Policy: Full refund within 30 days

The Los Angeles-based brand strives to merge sustainability with style by recycling scrap materials, focusing on local manufacturing, and reducing the chemicals used in production. But its 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. Whenever we order a dress from the site, we know we are going to get a ton of compliments due to the timeless silhouettes and fabrics that feel and looks luxe. Case in point: when we wore a Reformation dress to a wedding, we were the talk of the town, after the bride's dress that is. Who said eco-friendliness couldn’t be stylish?

We've found the sizing to be consistent across styles, but you can always pop into a store if you want to try something on in-person. The one thing we don't like about the site is that they don't feature customer reviews, which could further help when we're between sizes. Reformation offers free shipping and returns within 30 days, but be sure to mark the return date in your calendar, because after the deadline, they won't give you any compensation.

Best Plus-Size

Torrid

View on Torrid.com

Size Range: 10–30 | Shipping: $6 for standard shipping | Return Policy: Returns within 60 days with a $6 shipping fee

With sizes ranging from 10 to 30, Torrid has one of the most inclusive size ranges online. Most dresses fall under $200, allowing you to revamp your wardrobe without completely draining your bank account—though every time we shop there, we end up loving so many styles, we go past our budget anyway.

The site is easy to navigate, and we can narrow our selection by filtering the dresses on silhouette, fabric, length, color, and more. The styles range from party frocks to work staples to date night dresses, and they even have a selection of white gowns perfect for a casual wedding or bridal events. Shipping and returns come at a flat fee for $6, though you can ship to a store for free.

Best for Wedding Guests

Lulus

View on Lulus

Size Range: 10–30 | Shipping: $6 for standard shipping | Return Policy: Returns within 60 days with a $6 shipping fee

During those periods where we had a wedding event every other weekend, we used Lulus to quickly shop all the dresses we needed, plus nab some shoes and accessories to tie it all together. Best of all, most dresses are under $100 We even got a bridesmaid dress from the site, since we could easily filter by color, neckline, and shape. And for those brides looking for a gorgeous yet affordable wedding gown, Lulus has a entire shop dedicated to weddings. Most products have a ton of customer reviews, complete with photos and details about sizing. Meeting the $50 minimum for shipping is a breeze, and you have 30 days to make a return, though you have to pay for the return label if it's past 10 days since you received your order.

Best for Fast Shipping

Shopbop

View on Shopbop.com

Size Range: XXS–3XL | Shipping: Free two-day shipping with Prime membership | Return Policy: Free returns within 15 days; $10 label fee from 16–30 days

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 collections from contemporary designers like Rhode, Rixo, Ulla Johnson, and La DoubleJ. Compared to other luxe retailers, Shopbop holds more sales on designer items, and you know we love a good steal. We also enjoy perusing the site's Fashion Finds: Under $200 to get the thrill of a fantastic fashion deal.

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.

Best Size Range

ASOS

View on Asos

Size Range: 00–36 | Shipping: Free standard shipping on orders of $50+ | Return Policy: Free returns within 28 days of delivery

No matter your body type, finding the right fit when shopping online can be a challenge. But Asos has never let us down. With its wide size range, as well as styles specifically made for petite, plus-size, tall, and pregnant customers, it's the one site where we know we can find a dress that makes us looking and feel amazing. Most of the dresses feature a video of the model wearing the outfit, which is a game changer, since it gives us an even a better idea of the material and how the dress lays on the body.

Besides the range of sizes, Asos also carries a wide range of brands from Topshop to Mango to its own label. They have styles for every occasion imaginable, and you can even shop wedding and bridesmaid dresses. We have noticed that once a style goes out of stock, it usually doesn't come back, so don't wait around if you find one you love. Shipping and returns are quick and easy, and if you struggle with package thieves, you can opt to have your package delivered to Nordstrom, so you can safely pick it up.

Best for Work

Boden

View on Bodenusa.com

Size Range: 0–20/22 | Shipping: Free standard shipping on orders of $49+ | Return Policy: Free returns within 45 days of dispatch

We personally believe dresses make the best work outfits, because all you need is one piece to walk out the door, and they're surprisingly more comfortable than most pants and skirts. When shopping for workwear, you want a dress that's not too revealing or flashy, and Boden's designs fit the bill. Go to the site and you'll find a vast collection of knee-length and midi dresses in chic prints and colors that strike the right balance of unique yet professional. Most dresses feature the universally loved A-line silhouette and come in cozy knits and comfy jersey. Nearly every style comes in petite and tall sizing as well, because the right tailoring can make or break a work outfit.

Yet what really makes Boden stand out is its 365-day Quality Guarantee. Though you have 45 days since dispatch to make a return, if the dress doesn't meet your quality past that point, they will still replace, refund, or give you store credit. We constantly rewear our work dresses, so it's nice to know that in case anything rips, pops off, or fades, Boden has our back.

Best Cottagecore

Christy Dawn

View on Christydawn.com

Size Range: XS-3X | Shipping: $12 standard shipping or free on orders over $400 | Return Policy: Returns accepted within 14 days of delivery

Whenever we put on a Christy Dawn dress, we feel like we're fulfilling our cottagecore fantasy. The designs are exactly what we envision when we daydream about living in a secluded cottage: floral prints, flannel, lace, and a lot of smocking. Besides the aesthetic, the dresses feel extremely high quality. Most designs are made in Los Angeles from sustainable materials like organic or regenerative cotton, deadstock fabric, and organic dyes. You can even shop bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses that are made from regenerative silk and repurposed fabric for a more sustainable take on bridal fashion.

The site has dedicated extended sizing and petite sections to ensure everyone can enjoy their dreamy designs. Another aspect that makes shopping online at Christy Dawn a breeze is all the specific details on the product pages. The brand isn't afraid to inform us when we need to size up or that a dress requires a strapless bra. While we typically love surprises, the more information we can gather before making a purchase, the better.

Best for Going Out

Nasty Gal

View on Nastygal.com

Size Range: 0–24 | Shipping: $4 standard shipping | Return Policy: 28 days from date of receipt

Nasty Gal excels in a certain type of dress: the going-out dress. You know, the one 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 always a sale going on.

Runner Up: Best Plus-Size

Eloquii

View on Eloquii.com

Size Range: 14–32 | Shipping: Free standard shipping on orders over $125 | Return Policy: Full refund within 30 days

With plus sizes-ranging from 14 to 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.

Runner Up: Best for Work

M.M. LaFleur

View on Mmlafleur.com

Size Range: 0P–18 | Shipping: Free ground shipping on orders over $150; $10 flat rate on orders less than $150 | Return Policy: Full refund within 21 days of shipment

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, and 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.

Best Maternity

Pink Blush

View on Pinkblushmaternity.com

Size Range: XS–XL | Shipping: Free standard shipping on orders over $175 | Return Policy: Full refund within 30 days of receipt

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 these 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 toward petite or tall figures. And at affordable prices, the designs deserve to be bought in every color. It's worth mentioning that the brand's sizing mostly ranges from XS to XL, so it's not as size-inclusive as others on this list.

Best Fashion-Forward

McMullen Boutique

View on Shopmcmullen.com

Size Range: Not listed | Shipping: $10 for ground shipping | Return Policy: 7 days for a credit or exchange in store, return merchandise must be received on or before 10 days from delivery

Sherri McMullen, the owner of her eponymous boutique, opened her doors in Oakland in 2007 and has since attracted a cult following of shoppers who were interested in coveted brands like Tibi, Zimmermann, Peter Do, and Christopher John Rogers. The shop is curated with a keen eye for tailoring and eclectic workwear, including belted dresses with flared skirts, wide-leg trousers, and graphic printed blazers. Though, you can also find everything from breezy dresses to cozy knitwear, should you be all-in on the trend-based appeal.

What to Look for When Buying Dresses Online

• Shipping Policy: The speed and price of shipping is one of the biggest factors when choosing what site to shop from online. If you need a dress asap, look for sites that offer free two-day shipping like Amazon and Revolve. If you have more time to spare, you may want to look for sites that offer free standard shipping when you spend a certain amount. And if you're worried about your package getting lost or stolen from your doorstep, consider shopping at a site that offers free in-store pickup, like Anthropologie or Asos.
  
• Return Policy: Returns policies vary greatly from site to site, so it's important to read through the fine print before you place your order. Generally speaking, larger stores are much more likely to take returns or offer up store credit if you miss the return deadline. Smaller brands tend to charge for the return label itself and keep to a tighter deadline. That's why it's best to try the dress on as soon as possible, in case you need to return it.
• 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 clean. If you are looking for a sundress, you’ll want to look for materials like lyocell and cotton to promote breathability and prevent wrinkling as you sit 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 a backless bra or boob tape to make it work. Likewise, certain materials and silhouettes—like a silk slip dress—will need a seamless thong or shapewear.
  

Why Trust Byrdie

Emily Cieslak is an associate commerce editor, covering all things beauty and fashion. Assisting celebrity stylists and styling photoshoots has taught her how to shop for all different body types and aesthetics, especially online. When getting dressed, she chooses dresses over pants any day and has shopped from the majority of these retailers.

In addition to analyzing the results of the survey, Cieslak interviewed the following expert about how to shop for dresses online:

• Whitney Keefe, a former stylist at Stitch Fix

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any dress retailers from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.