Colorful Summer Dresses Under $50

Summer dresses are all about being colorful and bright. Whether short, long or somewhere in between, there are cute, colorful summer dresses to be had this season for $50 or less.

Colorful Summer Dresses - Red

Faded Glory Women's Organic Cotton Smocked Halter Dress - Walmart, $9

This tea-length dress comes in a gorgeous shade of strawberry red. This could easily double as a beach coverup, as it slips right on and has only a thin halter strap around the neck. I could see this being worn with espadrilles and a denim jacket on the 4^th of July.

Colorful Summer Dresses - Orange

Attention Women's Belted Sleeveless Sheath Dress - Kmart, $29.99

Check out this snappy little orange sheath. The split collar detail is reminiscent of a Nehru jacket, while the belt buckle adds a touch of strictness. I could see Mrs. O wearing this - Onassis or Obama. This could easily be worn well into the cooler months, with a sweater or blazer and a pair of textured tights.

Colorful Summer Dresses - Yellow

Connected Sleeveless Floral Print Dress - Kmart, $39.99

This sleeveless dress is in a soft maize yellow with white floral cutout print. A bow at the waist adds subtle charm, and the fuller skirt gives off a Mad Men vibe. This colorful summer dress would be equally great for a day at the office, or paired with a light sweater or jacket for date night.

Colorful Summer Dresses - Green

Embellished Halter Bra Top Dress - Victoria's Secret, $24.99

Available in several colors, this fit-and-flare dress features studded cups. The dusty teal green shade looks the most attractive to me, and would wear well with leather or cabochon jewelry. Try this out with studded sandals and a gauzy scarf or shawl.

Colorful Summer Dresses - Blue

XOXO Sleeveless Paisley Shift - Amazon, $40.99

Go boho in this Pucci-esque printed shift. Bright blue, purple and black paisley print make this a dress for a summer soiree; dress it up with gold jewelry and you're good to go. This would look adorable with a swingy '60s-inspired hairdo, try out a high ponytail with barrel-curled ends.

Colorful Summer Dresses - Purple

V-Neck Dress - Victoria's Secret, $29.99

This dress features subtly puffed sleeves and a thin ruffle detail at the hem. Though available in a few different colors, the contrasting combination of purple and yellow keeps this dress from getting too frilly. This dress could wear equally well with some well-worn boots or a pair of sweet flats.

Colorful Summer Dresses - Pink

Sequin Halter Dress - Forever 21, $44.80

This sexy dress features a sequined belt detail and open back. Short and flowy at the same time, this is the dress to wear with your skyscraper gladiator heels once the sun goes down.