Let's be real: The process of dating can be either delightful or downright draining. No matter your age, where you live, or who you choose to court, chances are you've experienced dating fatigue at some point—frankly, I don't blame you! It takes a ton of effort to plan a date, and despite our best efforts we all likely have had one (or many) bad dates before that make you want to skip going out altogether. Even if you've been lucky enoughto already find your person or have a great group of friends, making time for a special night out isn't always easy. You not only have to carve out space on your calendar but choosing what to do is anotther challenge. Do you go to the ballet? Splurge on concert tickets? Spend the afternoon at an art museum? Or try to get a reservation at a buzzy restaurant? The options are seemingly endless.
And then there's possibly the most overwhelming aspect of all: choosing what to wear. With so much pressure surrounding the process, it's easy to see why so many would fall into a dating slump. Luckily for all of us, there's one simple solution: dresses. When you don't want to spend hours trying to pick out an outfit a pretty dress can be your saving grace. So, in an effort to help you get your groove back, I've taken to rounding up some of the 42 best date-night dresses at various price points to show how this simple wardrobe item can make the process of dating so much more delightful. Get ready to redownload your dating apps, light up the group chat, or clear your calendar because you'll want to make plans after you see these dresses…
Ciao Lucia
Magali Dress
Is it just me or does this remind you of the dress Jenna Rink wore in 13 Going on 30?
Reformation
Fiorello Knit Dress
If they don't swoon at the sight of you in this dress, they're not The One.
Nana Jacqueline
Eva Silk Dress
How could you not fall in love with the floral lace pannels on this dress?
Free People
Onda Tube Midi
You can also shop this strapless dress in four other colorways, including pink, blue, yellow and white.
COS
Linen-Blend Mini Bustier Dress
The dress above goes well with sandals and a clutch in the summer or knee-high boots and a leather trench in the fall.
Anna Quan
Amyra Strapless Cotton-Blend Maxi Dress
My inner romantic is losing it over this two-tone strapless number.
J.Crew
Collection Strapless Gwyneth Slip Dress in Luster Charmeuse
Whether you're heading out for dinner or to a wedding, this simple slip dress will work wonders.
Abercrombie and Fitch
Strapless Pleat Release Midi Dress
Pro tip: Pleats are a great way to look put-together without having to opt for a skintight silhoutte.
SIR.
Manifesto Sleeve Midi Dress
I will need 3–5 business days to process this dress—it's too hot to handle.
Nia the Label
Demi Sweater Dress
The keyhole cutouts transform this black sweaterdress from simple to sultry.
Mara Hoffman
+ Net Sustain Mereba Organic Cotton-Poplin and Popcorn Jersey Midi Dress
I'm a sucker for an open-back dress.
Lioness
Glory Long Sleeve Mini Dress
Please take a second to zoom-in to see the 3D rosettes on the side of this dress.
Nensi Dojaka
Asymmetric Ruffled Bustier Mini Dress
Rest assured, jaws will drop when youwear this dress.
Dissh
Cass Black Asym Linen Mini Dress
The draped neckline on this dress is so flattering, without being too overtly revealing for a first-date.
Significant Other
Robyn Off-The-Shoulder Shirred Dress
Now, this is the type of dress you want to pack for a weekend getaway with your partner.
Wayf
Slip Dress
For those evenings when you don't know what to wear, having a minimal slip dress on hand will come in handy.
Faithfull the Brand
Das Flores Maxi Dress
On a balmy evening, a linen maxi dress will ensure you look (and stay) cool.
Buci
Midnight Dress
Can't think of a better dress to wear from dinner to drinks to the dance floor—it does it all!
Diesel
Rowy Logo-Plaque Draped Modal-Blend T-Shirt Dress
Nothing says, "I'm a cool girl" better than showing up for date night in a T-shirt dress.
Sandy Liang
Battu Dress
Get the most out of your purchase by investing in a more staple-forward dress style with a more sultry element like a tank dress with a cutout.
Rezek Studio
Garden Lace Dress
What better way to put your skin back in the dating game than with a sheer lace dress?
Farm Rio
Red Sleeveless Midi Dress
The lace-up detail on the side of this dress adds a bit of drama to this otherwise minimal silhouette.
Sergio Hudson
Lowback Layered Camisole Dress
A camisole dress is always a safe bet for date night, but if you want to spice it up, shop for one with unique details like this one from Sergio Hudson that features contrasting layered chiffon.
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