I’m have to admit that I prefer casual dresses over another casual outfit option like shorts and a t-shirt. Dresses are comfortable, versatile and make for a great everyday outfit option. You can wear them running errands, hanging out with friends and to other casual activities. There are quite a few bonuses to wearing dresses, for example they don’t include a waistband. They’re flowy and feminine and make you look put together with little-to-no effort. Dresses can be worn all year round and styled and accessorized to suit any season or type of weather. They also come in a variety of styles and fabrics to match your personal style. I’m rounding up casual dresses for everyday wear as well as tips on how to style them for each season.

If you need more outfit inspiration for workwear ideas, be sure to check out this post too!

Casual Dresses for Everyday Wear

Casual dresses are great staples to have in your closet because of their versatility. You can style a dress with sneakers and a denim jacket to make it look casual. However, that same dress could be transformed into a work-appropriate look by wearing mules, pumps or flats with a blazer. Keep that in mind throughout this post because chances are most, if not all, these dresses can be dressed up or down.

The Margaret Dress by Petal + Pup

This pink polka-dot dress is from my collecgtion with Petal + Pup. They have a great selection of dresses for women, and are definitely a go-to of mine to find that perfect dress for many different occasions. This dress is under $70 and comes in sizes 0 to 12. It has functional side pockets with a straight ruffle neckline and tie shoulder straps. It’s a dress that can work for many different body types. This dress is bump and nursing-friendly too. This would be a perfect outfit to wear to a baby shower or gender reveal party. Sandals or wedges would look great with this dress and could pair a denim jacket with it if it’s a little on the cool side.

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Free Assembly Puff Sleeve Shirt Dress

Shirt dresses are great casual dress options and love that this one has a tie-waist. The tie-waist helps define your waist a bit and gives the dress a feminine touch. The puff-sleeve detail makes the dress look a little more dressy and think it would be so cute to wear as a business-casual option too paired with flats. This particular dress has been a top seller for a while now. It’s under $30 and comes in a variety of patterns and colors, including cream, blue checkered, blue stripes, olive green, chambray and black. This orange and brown plaid pattern is great to wear in the fall with booties, and think it would be so cute to wear to a Thanksgiving gathering or a fall party. I also have to mention the buttons make it a nursing friendly option, too!

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Dancer Dress by Petal + Pup

This short sleeve dress hits just above the knee. I’m 5’5″ for reference, and pairs well with knee-high boots. The boots run a bit small and recommend sizing up a half size from your normal boot size. I also think it would be cute to wear with sandals or mules throughout the summer. It has a gorgeous rustic color and pattern to it, so it’s a great dress to transition from summer to fall with. It has functional buttons on the bodice with a tiered skirt. This dress does run small – I’m wearing a size 8 and the buttons are functional, making it a great nursing-friendly option. What I love about dresses like this one and others with functional buttons is that they’re not labeled “nursing-friendly” but work well for nursing. It’s stylish, comfortable and you can wear it any time.

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Short Sleeve T-shirt Dress by Universal Thread

This t-shirt dress is a great option to throw on for running errands on the weekends. It’s only $12 and comes in sizes XS to 3X. It comes in a variety of colors and striped patterns too. It’s 100 percent cotton, so it feels nice and light during the hot days of summer. You can also continue to wear it in the cooler months and throw on a duster like I did here. Pair the dress with white sneakers or sandals and a baseball hat for an effortlessly chic look for your weekend plans. This whole looks also makes a great travel outfit. Wear it on the plane with sneakers, and then change your shoes to cute sandals when you arrive to your destination and be ready to go to a casual dinner or lunch. You could also wear this dress as a cover-up, and go from beach to lunch by throwing this over your swimsuit.

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Fitted Slit Long Sleeve Rib Dress by BP at Nordstrom

Sweater dresses are great options to wear throughout the fall and winter. The dress also has a small front slit for added detail and dimension. It comes in two other colors and under $40. I paired it with a short sleeve ruana for an added layer of warmth, but you could also wear the dress with a duster or cardigan. For cooler weather, I like wearing knee-high or over-the-knee boots to keep my legs covered and avoid having to wear tights. I accessorized with a felt hat and a two-toned Tory Burch tote bag thats a great option to carry to work or for traveling.

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Hestia Dress by Petal + Pup

One of my favorite parts about this dress is the ruffle sleeve detail. The beautiful teal color and floral pattern are stunning together. It has a round neckline and button on the back of the neck. This is the only color this particular pattern comes in, but I included similar silhouettes below in a variety of other patterns and colors. I paired this dress with booties, but also think it would look really cute with knee-high boots or sandals for the warmer months of the year. You could wear this on vacation, to a bridal or baby shower or casual parties.

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Free Assembly Tiered Swing Dress

This plaid shift dress is only $30! It comes in two other colors, sizes XS to 3X. It has a relaxed fit and made of 100 percent cotton. It’s a pullover style dress and has elastic at the end of the cuffs. I love the details of the tiered skirt, breaking up the pattern a bit. These booties look so similar to the ones featured in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, but for the fraction of the price. This camel beige suede material goes with most any outfit, and they also come in a black faux suede too. I paired the dress with this felt hat that elevates any look.

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Palmy Dress by Petal + Pup

This blue gingham dress would be fun to wear to a boy baby shower. Sometimes maxi dresses can run a little long, but this one hits me right above my ankles. The smocking on the straps and bodice are very lightweight and stretchy, making this both nursing-friendly and bump-friendly. It did come in a pink gingham too, but looks like it’s sold out right now. Watch to see if they restock that option. That would be fun to wear to a girl’s baby shower. This dress would pair well with sandals, and think it would be a great casual option to bring on a beach trip too. You could accessorize with a straw bag and a floppy hat.

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Outfit Idea with a Midi Dress

This gorgeous blue floral dress comes in petite, regular and tall options to fit a variety of body types. It has adjustable shoulder straps and a sweetheart neckline. The shirred, elastic waistline gives the waist some definition and the side slits gives the dress more breathability and sass. If you like a bit more coverage for your legs, a midi dress is a great option. They generally hit between the knee and ankle. I paired one of my favorite pairs of shoes with this dress – the Tory Burch Miller sandals. They’re comfortable and pair well with dresses and shorts. If it gets chilly, you can throw a denim jacket over the top to cover your shoulders. Finish the look with a tote like this Tory Burch option or a crossbody if you prefer to have your hands free. Simple, gold hoop earrings go nicely with this look.

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Outfit Idea with a T-shirt Dress

T-shirt dresses are a must when it comes to a staple piece for your wardrobe. I prefer them over wearing shorts and a t-shirt because like I mentioned before, you aren’t dealing with buttons, zippers or the overall hassel of a waistband in general. You could dress this t-shirt dress up or down. I paired it with these basic, slip-on sneakers that are comfortable for running errands or traveling. Or you could also wear mules or sandals to go out to brunch or a casual party. A denim jacket is another great basic to have in your wardrobe because it’s easy to grab if it might get a little chilly. Finish the look with a crossbody or a backpack-style purse.

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Outfit Idea with a Long Sleeve Shift Dress

This floral-print v-neck shift dress features long blouson sleeves with elastic sleeve openings. It has an empire waist with a babydoll skirt that moves with you, making it a very comfortable fit. It’s made of a woven-cotton blend, so it’s very breathable. It comes in this gray color or a burgundy floral print and has sizes available in regular, tall and petite. You could wear strappy sandals shown in the collage or you can opt for a more casual look and wear sneakers. During the fall and winter, booties and knee-high boots would also be great options to wear with this dress. I have this look accessorized with my go-to, favorite sunglasses and simple hoop earrings. Finish the look with a crossbody or straw tote. Wear this to your next date night, church or as a business casual look.

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Casual dresses for everyday wear are great pieces to add to your wardrobe. Some of my very favorite retailers to shop for casual dresses include Target, Walmart, Express, Petal + Pup, Red Dress Boutique, Abercrombie and Nordstrom. I’ve found that dresses from these retailers and many others are affordable and beautiful. I hope this post helps you find the perfect casual dress. Be sure to save this post for later by pinning the image below to your Pinterest account.

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Do you prefer dresses or shorts for everyday casual wear? Let me know in the comments below!