Few things are more exciting (and nerve-wracking!) than figuring out what to wear on a first date.
Date night dresses come in all shapes, shades, and sizes—that’s what can make it so hard to choose one. When you’re deciding which date dress to wear, the options can be overwhelming.
Well, francesca’s has your back—even if you decide to go backless. We’ve put together a little list of cute date night outfits that are sure to stun your potential significant other. The best part? They’re all under $50!
Feeling overwhelmed? Scroll on for a list of date night dresses that’ll break the ice without breaking the bank.
1. Sanya Glitter One-Shoulder Date Dress
No matter what season it is, there are few booties with dress rules that stay the same.
The dress itself usually acts as the centerpiece of an outfit. Try to pick a boot that complements, but doesn’t overpower the statement the dress makes.
For more elegant dresses, sleek and heeled ankle booties are usually a good starting point. The more casual the dress is, the more a flat and comfy bootie will make sense.
If you’re rocking a dress with intricate or elaborate patterns, even out the energy with simpler booties. If the dress is simple, add some edge with a wilder pair of booties.
More casual, light booties make sense in the day, while the best booties for evening wear are generally sleeker and darker.
For the most part, rules like these hold true when you’re choosing which dresses to wear with booties. Now let’s look at the booties with dresses pursuit from a seasonal perspective. Skip to whichever season it is you’re reading this!
2. Gretta Clip Dot Mini Dress
Sophisticated but still flirty, the Gretta Mini Dress will capture your date’s attention with its clip dots and flowy sleeves. This date dress is perfect for communicating a side of you that says substance matters, but having a good time matters just as much. Thread that needle with Gretta.
3. Shaun Smocked Clip Dot Mini Date Dress
Cute date night outfits don’t get much better than this Shaun mini. The puff-sleeves, the tiered ruffles, the square back—everything comes together for a romantic, whimsical (yet, somehow, still bold) look that won’t just capture your date’s eyes, but their imagination as well.
4. Dixie Metallic Wrap Mini Dress
When you’ve had enough with nibbling around the edges of your love life, go for this Dixie date dress. As a metallic, V-neck wrap, this minidress is perfect for refracting dancefloor lights and candlelit dinners. You’ll command the perfect amount of attention—which is what getting a date right is all about.
5. Chloe Leopard Wrap Mini Dress
Animal print date night dresses can really take the wager to a new level. This Chloe leopard print wrap mini will let you show just enough of your wild side, turning heads all night and giving you the edge when it comes to stopping your date dead in their tracks. Chloe says #rawr.
6. Jean Ditsy Rose Godet Date Dress
When you want your date to know you’ll go with the flow, you know, to a certain point, something like the Jean Ditsy Rose Godet Mini Dress is perfect. With just sheer puff-sleeves and a scoop neck, you can say everything you want to say up front, but leave a lot to discover. Pair with combat boots or strappy heels to seal the deal.
7. Raquel Long Sleeve Date Night Dress
Until you’ve got a long sleeve date night dress, your date night closet is not complete. This Raquel long sleeve mini is both comfy and chic, keeping you in fighting form all night, while communicating a level of sophistication that is anything but ordinary. The little side slit adds an unexpected element that is sure to keep things interesting.
8. Jacey Ruffle Godet Black Date Night Dress
If you’re searching for the perfect black date night dress, something like the Jacey checks all the boxes. Black, but backed up by compelling details like a sheer back and flutter sleeves, Jacey is a good example of a black date night dress that comes across as anything but basic.
9. Everly Floral V-Neck Mini Date Dress
Until you’ve got a long sleeve date night dress, your date night closet is not complete. This Raquel long sleeve mini is both comfy and chic, keeping you in fighting form all night, while communicating a level of sophistication that is anything but ordinary. The little side slit adds an unexpected element that is sure to keep things interesting.
10. Leslye Rose Ladder Trim Mini Dress
What makes more sense for a cute date night outfit than a rose print dress like the Leslye? Covering yourself in a symbol of love can only mean good things for your potential foray into love, right? The ladder trim adds an almost imperceptible element that elevates and says you pay attention to detail.
We hope this has given you major ammo when it comes to choosing between date night dresses. We’re confident you’ll nail the perfect look and energy—just take a deep breath, think about who you are and what you want to communicate on your date, and pick a dress that does just that. You got this!
