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May 04, 2023

47 Cute Summer Clothing Pieces Under $40 For 2023

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

You can look ~cool for the summer~ without going broke before your big vacation.

BuzzFeed Staff

Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women's.

Note that these run small, so consider sizing up for a more relaxed fit.

See them in this TikTok!

Promising review: "I love them! The colors are as pictured with the little bit of distressed, faded look in areas. Looks like they came from Free People! The neckline lands mid to high chest area, and the armpits scoop in like a scuba tank style. Love love love, want it in more colors." —Amber

Get a pack of three for $19.98+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and dozens of styles, including two-packs and three-packs).

Prime members: You can try before you buy!

Promising review: "I can't express how excited I am to have found this dress. I'm already ordering every other color I can in my size! Not only does it fit the way it is supposed to around the body, but the length is perfect where other dresses are too long for how short I am. If you are a curvy woman of short-average height, this is the dress for you! The best part is that it's completely wrap around so there is room to order a little bigger or smaller then your normal size if the color you want isn't available in your size. This is now my new favorite dress!" —Chelsea Prime

Get it from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and in 33 colors).

Promising review: "Summer must-have. These are just my fave. I bought them in three colors and wear them all the time. As a bigger girl I want something that's loose and doesn't choke my thighs. These are it. I wear these with a slimming tank and I'm good to go dress them up or down with heels or flops." —Elizabeth Christine

Get them from Amazon for $13.29+ (available in sizes 16–24 and in 10 colors).

Promising review: "Bought this bodysuit in three colors: white, brown, and olive green. The brown is definitely more of a burnt orange. These are amazing!! I don't even bother wearing a bra with them, because the support is so nice. Since I am short, the bottom part is a little longer, but I don't mind it because then I don't have to deal with chafing. I’m definitely buying more colors! I’ve worn these with shorts, joggers, and jeans. Worn to date night and a Chicago Cubs game when it was 90 degrees! The material is breezy, so I don't get hot. Think of like a bathing suit/workout tank material. So it allows for easy breathing and does not get hot. A summer staple!" —Ms. Martinez

Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and 24 colors).

Promising review: "I have been wanting this same dress from Free People but it was $118. I was leery about this considering it was much cheaper in cost but it is PERFECT! Great length too. Keep in mind you can't wear a bra with it and if you are larger-busted (I'm small, an A cup) then it may fit totally different. It's thin and lightweight but with skin-colored undies, I had no problem with lines or visibility. I'm considering buying it in another color. 😍" —Bullitt02797

Get it from Amazon for $36.99 (available in sizes S–XL and in 25 colors).

Promising reviews: "Oh my goodness I love these pants so much! They are extremely comfortable — soft and stretchy fabric, elastic waistband, and gently tapered leg to give it some style without being too tight. I get tons of compliments when I wear them to work! I already have them in three colors, but honestly, am probably going to buy some more. These are the real deal!" —Chelsea

"I wore these to a conference, and they were great. Stays where you want them. Breathable but high quality material. Never wrinkled. And very cute with a top tucked in!" —AECastle

Get them from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in sizes XS–3XL, in sets of two, and 44 colors).

Prime members: You can try before you buy!

Promising review: "I have ordered T-shirt style dresses in the past only to be disappointed in them all, until now. This dress (and the two other colors I own) are hands-down my favorite staple in my closet. They are long enough to be office-appropriate, but can be 'shortened' with the ruching for a sexy night out. I ordered a large and for reference, I typically wear a medium in tops and an 8 or 10 in pants depending on the brand. I have a hourglass shape and this dress makes my hips look great. The dress is very good quality and has a slip or liner inside. It is thin enough to be comfortable in the South Texas heat. I would recommend this dress any day of the week." —Emily

Get it from Amazon for $28.03+ (available in sizes S–XL and 33 colors).

Promising reviews: "I finally bought this dress after seeing it all over TikTok and HOLY SMOKES. I cannot believe how universally [good it looks on people]. It's absolutely stunning!" —Catherine Thriveni

"This dress is amazing! The fabric is so soft and silky but also has structure and because the sides are ruched, I can adjust it to the perfect length, which means a lot when you're only 5'1". The ruching allows me to control the amount of fabric gathered in the tummy and behind areas. To sum it all up, I LOVE the dress and plan on purchasing at least two more in the army green and the brown because this style dress can also be worn in the fall and spring months with a basic or colored denim jacket and a cute pair of boots or booties!" —Tonya

Get it from Amazon for $16.19+ (available in sizes S–XL and in 27 colors/styles).

You can see how to style this cute top on TikTok here.

Klassy Network is a woman-owned business that sells stylish blouses, swimwear, eyewear, and their well-known Brami top, aka a top that provides amazing support and doesn't require a bra underneath!

Promising review: "I totally love these Brami Halter tops. Being a cup size C; not having to wear a bra was almost impossible for me. With the Brami I am so happy that I do not have to use a bra, and it still keeps my boobs in place. These are so versatile that I used them everywhere, all the time, even to do yoga. I just love them!" —Klassy Network Customer

Get it from Klassy Network for $39.99 (available in sizes XXS–3XL and three colors).

Promising reviews: "As I pushed 'add to cart' on this swimsuit, I did so with an eye roll and a sigh — I am a short, curvy girl and I'm chesty too. I've seen this design on a few different sites claiming it's one of the 'great bathing suits' for the summer, but there was no way this was going to work on me, right? Well, I can take back the eye roll and sigh — not only does it fit, but it makes me look dang good. The material on this suit is nice and thick, you can adjust the strings in the front to show more or less skin, and so far it has managed to adequately cover my booty despite me roaming around the house in it to try it out. I'm smitten — surprised too — but smitten." —Tenacious

"I LOVE this bathing suit, I hadn't bought a bathing suit in almost 3 years and I’ve been struggling to find the perfect one. AND HERE IT IS! It was also an awesome outfit for a festival, which was super helpful cuz it actually rained the day I wore it so it dries super fast! AND it's a cute top when paired with some jean shorts or a skirt!!" —Ant

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in sizes XS–22 Plus and 44 colors).

Promising review: "DO NOT WALK….RUN! Better than all my Lululemon shorts EASILY! These shorts look great while being so comfortable. I do CrossFit and I felt covered the whole time, but didn't feel like I was being suffocated, the fabric is so breathable the zipper is a perfect size, I love everything about these shorts. I can not recommend them enough. I’ve told everyone who will listen, these are THE shorts everyone needs." —MadelineVanHoose

Get them from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in sizes XS–3X and 35 colors)

Promising review: "I love the shape this dress gives me and it makes your cleavage look amazing. There's extra fabric left on the side boobs for me but if you are full-breasted it might look better on you. I got yellow and the color was more vibrant than pastel but still a [cute] yellow in my opinion. I didn't need a slip for mine and the length is comfortable for my nerves. The fabric is sturdy but light enough for mid-summer. If you're looking for a dress that is a bit different and sexy...this is your dress!!" —Sarah Fischer

Get it from Amazon for $26.09+ (available in sizes S–XL and 34 colors).

Promising review: "I saw so many videos of this on TikTok!! It did not disappoint. It's super cute for this summer! It's a must-have!!!!!! I’m wearing a large and it has a fit that's amazing." —Tania Zabala

Get it from Amazon for $20.99 (available in sizes S–L and in 14 colors).

Promising review: "I LOVE this skirt. I found it off a review on TikTok. The skirt fit like a glove, with room to stretch (not tight or ill fitting). I’m really happy with this product because it's hard to find a product that accommodates my size and comes in good quality. If you were hesitant, I would suggest checking your measurements. I might buy more colors!" —Nick

Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in sizes 0–12 and in 43 colors and patterns).

Note that some reviewers mention these run small, so consider sizing up if you're not sure which size to get.

Promising reviews: "These pants as so comfortable and flowy! I stepped outside of my usual skinny-jean outfit to try this style — and I never want to take them off! They are great casual pants for work, and can be dressed up for the evening with a fancy shirt and heels. They are as comfortable as pajamas, without looking like it." —Nash

"I don't usually buy clothes from Amazon but oh boy was I surprised with these pants! Good quality, does not feel cheap, and isn't see-through. What I loved most is that being 5'2, I could never wear palazzo pants before as they would always be wayyyy too long. These ones are perfect and do not even touch the floor when I am barefoot. With a small heel, they are even better! The beige ones make you look so chic. Good for the office or for a chic summer look, I need to go buy more ASAP." —Lili

Get it from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in sizes XS–2X, including short sizes, and 35 styles).

Promising review: "So cute! The dress is exactly as pictured. Love the color. I was worried about the quality because it was so inexpensive, but it's actually really nice and not see-through at all! Such a perfect dress for vacation!" —JP0811

Get it from Amazon for $20.99+ (available in sizes 0–12 and in 10 colors).

Promising review: "I was looking for a true ribbed crop top tank to go with my summer skirts and this looked like it would fit the bill, but I was really on the fence about the price to be honest. Normally, when I purchase cheap stuff it's paper thin and isn't worth the (small) amount of money I spent on it, but this top surprised me. It's actually decently thick and higher quality than what the price indicates. Now, having said that, be aware that if you want a more relaxed fit, go up a size. Other reviewers have found that it does shrink a bit in the washer. If you're ordering the white, please be aware that it is somewhat shear, so you'll need a nude colored, racerback bra. Also, this isn't truly fitted like the picture indicates, it's more open at the bottom, which I didn't have a problem with. I prefer a nice combination of comfort and cuteness with my wardrobe. I'll be ordering more in the future, and will keep this top on my lists." —Alliethealligator

Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in sizes XS–L and 19 colors).

Prime members: You can try before you buy!

Promising review: "I saw this on TikTok and fell in love with the dress! This dress is very cottagecore and fits well. The dress also has a slip under, so that it isn't too sheer, and the sizing is correct for the most part (depending on your bust as the top half of the dress is made of 'stretchy' material). I would definitely recommend this dress! Buy it if you’re thinking about it." —Jin

Get it from Amazon for $37.99 (available in XS–XL and in 27 colors).

Prime members: You can try before you buy!

Promising review: "This top is soooo cute! The top where the shoulders are are elastic so they're stretchy and will stay wherever you place them. The wrap tie is super great as well. It's a lightweight material but it's not see-through at all. I wore with a strapless bra but you can easily do without a bra." —Lizette A.

Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in sizes XS–XL and in 36 colors).

Promising review: "This dress made me feel like a goddess. I went to the Bahamas and got so many compliments. The dress made me feel beautiful, especially during our photo shoot. I highly recommend this dress!" —Katelyn

Get it from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in sizes L–3XL and in eight prints)

Prime members: You can try before you buy!

Promising review: "I bought this dress for Coachella. The skirt is a little see-through but it's cute, I wore a leopard bathing suit bottom under and it was sexy. The details are cute and it looks just like the Free People dress." —Brooke Murray

Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and in 29 colors).

Promising review: "Loving these. I say 'these' because I have purchased seven of these tanks and they are great." —Carla H.

Get it from Ashley Stewart for $10 (originally $16.50; available in sizes 10–36 and in six colors).

Reviewers say these run small, so consider sizing up! Though they're labeled as workout/athletic shorts on Amazon, reviewers say they wouldn't recommend getting these for that purpose, since they're a thicker cotton material.

Promising reviews: "So stinkin’ cute. I saw these on TikTok and had to get them. They’re so soft and they look so chic. You can wear them to lounge in or workout. I personally like wearing athletic spanks underneath the shorts but they still look nice with them!" —Lena Mei

"These shorts are so cute and a great addition to your summer must-haves! Very lightweight but not too thin. Tacked hem roll too! Wash and wear easy as can be. Great purchase!" —Mamaw Wade

Get them from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and 10 color combos).

Prime members: You can try before you buy!

Promising review: "I love my dress so much that I ordered one for my daughter and as soon as I can figure out which color I want next, I am going to order another one for myself! The fabric is amazing. I can imagine wearing this to a pool party, the beach, to a summer BBQ or almost any event outside this summer. It is so soft and comfortable that you could even sleep in it! The fabric washed and dried without changing. It hangs beautifully as it is not fly away or see through like gauze. I did take it to a tailor and had it shortened so I could wear flat sandals with it but with heels (2-3 inches) it would have been fine. I also had the pockets removed as they were not something I would ever need and I like the look better. This is an amazing little dress for an even more amazing price!" —Sparkie

Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and in 27 colors).

Promising reviews: "Super comfortable, feels like I'm getting away with wearing pajamas in public while looking incredibly cute. My plan is to live in all colors of these for the whole summer. Paired with heels, sandals, flats.. any type of shoe can change the look completely. I'll enjoy looking adorable and feeling cool in the hot weather." —LT

"I bought this on a total whim after reading an article that flight attendants love it for traveling and my wanderlust kicked in so...I had low expectations but it is AWESOME. I’m normally an XS in everything and ordered the small. Fits perfectly, [looks great] in black, and I can't wait to wear it in the spring and summer, and probably the fall. I think this will become my uniform! And unlike another jumpsuit I own, it is way easier to just pull it down." —Tracy S Sesselberg

Get it from Amazon for $37.99 (available in sizes S–3XL and 35 colors/patterns).

Promising review: "I bought my normal size, despite reviews. I wanted it to fit loose. I will totally wear this all summer and into fall — will be cute with sandals and T-shirt or turtleneck and boots. Great little piece to travel in — easy on and off. LOVE it." —Lisa

Get it from Amazon for $25.39+ (available in sizes S–4X and 44 colors)

Prime members: You can try before you buy!

Promising review: "Adorable dress! The material is flowy and soft. Great dress for a summer outing! The background color is navy. There are two pockets at the front — LOVE pockets! But they are made from pretty soft material so you can't really keep much in there." —J.Y.

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and 32 prints).

Promising review: "The shirt of the summer!!! This shirt is super breathable and soft. Love the way it feels on my skin. The colors are fun and vibrant. Love it!!! I recommend if you are not afraid of colors. I got a size XL because I was looking to get the oversized fit. My regular size is L. This shirt is great for casual occasions and street fashion. Can't wait to go to a festival with it on or a concert as well." —kathiusca Livingston

Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in sizes XS–3XL and 25 colors).

Prime members: You can try before you buy!

Promising review: "Great purchase for the price. Just what I was looking for! Comfy summer dress for any occasion. Being a momma, I'm always looking for things just like this. You can dress it up or down and it has pockets!! Can't get much better. Armholes are a little longer than most dresses but I like that for the summer so sweat marks don't show! Not see-through so great for any pair of comfy undies. Cute with a belt and also cute with none." —B&E Worthington

Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in sizes S–4XL and in 34 colors).

Promising review: "It fits as I would expect. It's super basic both in style and cut but that's kind of what I like about it — easy to throw on during summer, dress up with a necklace, and look like I actually put some effort in." —GMLSimmons

Get it from Amazon for $28.99 (available in sizes XS–XXL and in 42 colors).

Check out why one TikToker raves about this skirt!

Promising review: "Was perfect for a night out on vacation. Lightweight and comfy, perfect for summer! Also very easy to open and close. Would purchase again." —danielle

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in sizes XS–4X and 21 colors).

Promising review: "This is my second pair of these overalls. These are so breezy and comfy for summer. I personally like to take them out camping, as even when it's hot and sticky out, I don't feel like my clothes are sticking to me or constricting me. Plus, it's a nice way to enjoy cooler clothing without having to wear shorts. They are a bit snug when pulling them up over the hips as there isn't much stretch to the fabric and no hip buttons, but once they're up over the hips, they're loose and flowy." —anonymous

Get it from Amazon for $26.99 (available in sizes S–3XL and in 21 colors).

Promising review: "If you live in a hot state like Florida, you will LOVE this! Its beauty is not done justice by the pictures. I wear this to the beach over my bathing suit, that way when I go to one of the side restaurants I look stylish." —Theresa Wagoner

Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in sizes XS–XL and in 21 colors).

Promising review: "I took a chance and ordered based on reviews. Always taking a risk ordering plus-size online especially an unfamiliar brand, but I’m glad I did. I wore this on an evening dinner cruise. It was such a comfortable dress. It stays off the shoulder pretty well. I was happy with this dress and the price." —Lydia B.

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in sizes XL–4X and in 19 colors)

Rebdolls is a Latine- and woman-owned missy and plus-size fashion brand striving for more diversity and well-fitting clothes across a wider range of sizes.

Get them from Target: the shorts for $39.90 and the matching top for $34.90 (both available in sizes M–5X and two colors).

Promising review: "I could not love this dress more! I wore it to a summer wedding. It was a hot, sunny day and the dress was light and breathable. I got tons of compliments. It fit perfectly." —Missy

Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and in six colors).

Promising review: "I purchased this corset after watching a TikTok video of another midsized girl talking about how great it is. It did not disappoint! It fits nicely. I got lots of compliments on it! Someone else pointed out to me that the fabric looks expensive and just like another bustier listed on PrettyLittleThings for over twice the price." —Elizabeth

Get it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in sizes 00–20 and in 20 colors).

Promising review: "I am OBSESSED with this dress! It is hot hot HOT!!! It's super comfortable!" —JJSchmal

Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and in 14 colors).

Promising review: "Love this top so freaking much! It looks so cute with jeans and is a perfect summer top. I got the yellow paisley one and it is a nice subtle pattern that I get tons of compliments on." —Julie Chapman

Get it from Amazon for $13.49+ (available in sizes S–L and in 14 colors).

This is a hand wash-only item!

Promising review: "I've worn this dress multiple times when I just need something to throw on. It is quite short so if you know you will be outside or doing a lot of sitting/standing etc., wear some bike shorts under it. Overall super cute and super comfortable!" —Bianca v

Get it from Amazon for $33.15+ (available in sizes S–2X and in six colors).

Promising review: "I like this tank. It's cropped so I only wear it with high-waisted stuff, but it's breezy and good on hot days. Color is a nice icy blue." —Ashley S.

Get it from Girlfriend Collective for $36 (available in sizes XXS–6XL).

Promising review: "I am honestly surprised at how well it fits. The fabric is thinner than I expected but it's not see-through. It's very comfortable and the slits provide enough breeze since I live in LA and it's hot out here." —Virana K.

Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in sizes XS–XXL and in 24 colors).

Promising review: "I was pleasantly surprised at how nice this shirt was to the touch. I wore it on a very very hot day to a festival with my kids and I was sweating a lot, but no matter how much I sweat, there were no sweat stains on the shirt, my armpits, my back, nothing. The shirt stayed dry all day even though I was super hot from being out in the heat. It is a very very good quality shirt and could be tied up used as a crop top or tucked in." —Jacquin S.

Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and 17 styles).

A few reviewers noted they grabbed these to create their own graphic tees, tie-dye them, or alter them in other ways for costumes, so feel free to get creative and cool in these. You can also wear them tucked in, untucked, or tied at the bottom for different fits!

Prime members: You can try before you buy!

Promising review: "These are great. I work in a warehouse where I am constantly moving and lifting things. It's summer and I needed comfortable shirts that would keep me cool. These did the job. I usually have to change my shirts because of the sweat but now I can finally wear one shirt a day, feel dry, and not worry about odor. They also fit very nicely on the body like a regular fitted plain tee so you can be cute and dry." —Melissa

Get it from Amazon for $8.25+ (available in sizes S–5XL and in 20 colors).

Promising review: "I loved this dress on the model in the pic and thought it would be a great dress for vacation over the summer, so I bought it. As soon as I pulled it out of the package, I was in love! The colors are so pretty and I think they’d [look good on] a multitude of skin tones. This dress is also a true wrap dress, which is great for this pear shape and could probably work for many different body shapes. Also, this one goes to about my knees (I’m 5’6) and the V-neck isn't as revealing as in the picture, but that could depend on how tightly the dress itself is tied. If you aren't sure, take a chance. I was honestly surprised at how much I loved the color and the style." —Samantha Emerick

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and in 34 colors).

Big Bud Press is an ethical Los Angeles-based clothing label specializing in unisex, everyday goods.

Get it from Big Bud Press for $29 (originally $48, final sale; available in unisex sizes P–7XL).

Promising review: "I LOVE IT!!! The waist part of this dress is everything. I’m an absolute sucker for poofy sleeves. I love that they’re gauzy and translucent. Dress has a slip attached inside for the body part. I can wear this any day my mood needs elevated!" —R

Get it from Amazon for $39.49 (available in sizes XS–XXL and in 21 colors and prints).

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.