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Tweens are notorious for craving a wardrobe refresh every other week, so why not earn “parent of the year” and indulge them in a quick pick-me-up in the form of some shopping? And what better place to start than with a tween dress refresh? Whether the two of you are looking for something new to wear to a birthday party, a special occasion, or the beginning of the school year, there are so many retailers that sell tween-approved dresses at affordable prices.
Best Places to Buy Tween Dresses, at a Glance
Best Overall: Nordstrom
Best Places for Formal Tween Dresses: Nordstrom Rack
Best Places for Comfortable Tween Dresses: Target
Best Places for Affordable Tween Dresses: Walmart
Best Places for Comfortable Tween Dresses With the Most Options: Amazon
Best Places for Athletic Tween Dresses: Athleta
Best Places for Trendy Tween Dresses: Abercrombie Kids
Best Places for Edgy Tween Dresses: Zara Kids
Best Places for Tween Statement Dresses: H&M
Best Places for Everyday Tween Dresses: Gap Kids
Best for Splurge Tween Dresses: Dillard’s
You don’t need us to tell you that shopping for tweens is a never-ending adventure, particularly when their preferred styles and sizes seem to change with every season. But the dresses at our favorite retailers hit all the right notes, so she’s bound to find one that aligns with her personal style and self-expression while remaining age-appropriate.
Whether she wants a new collection of classroom looks, plans on slaying at the next birthday party she’s invited to or needs to feel chic and confident at the school dance, there’s something at these stores that will strike the perfect balance of stylish and affordable. Many of these retailers use ethical, eco-friendly manufacturing practices and carry inventory in a wide range of styles, sizes, cuts and colors.
Keep reading to see our top shops and the tween dresses we think are at the head of the class.
Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Nordstrom is a SheKnows sponsors, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
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Nordstrom
Image Credit: Nordstrom Nordstrom carries dresses of all kinds, but the department store’s sweet spot is formalwear. Case in point: this classic party dress with its adorable tiered layers and pastel green hue. It manages to be playful, feminine and understated all at once, while giving big “cool” princess vibes.
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Nordstrom
Image Credit: Nordstrom This floral dress is ready for a party or just a casual shopping day. It features pretty inlays that accent the floral pattern, plus stunning voluminous sleeves that add plenty of character to the dress.
Return policy: Returns are processed in 10-14 business days
Shipping: Standard 3-5 business days (free), two Business days ($12), next business day ($20)Pros:
Can be dressed up or down
Voluminous long sleevesCons:
Expensive -
Nordstrom Rack
Image Credit: Nordstrom Rack Nordstrom Rack is a one-stop shop where you can score awesome designer picks. It’s also one of the best retailers to stock your teens with cool dresses from cool brands they’ll love putting on for school or hanging out with friends. One dress that’s at the top of our list? This pretty seashell shirtdress which is perfect for upcoming vacations.
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Nordstrom Rack
Image Credit: Nordstrom Rack We love a good Nordstrom Rack find. Your tween will go crazy over this LoveShackFancy-inspired dress. It has a fun vibe and even features a stylish design with tie sleeves.
Return policy: Returnable within 40 days
Shipping: Standard 3-5 business daysPros:
Lined
Easy pull-on designCons:
Only one color option -
Target
Image Credit: Target Your pre-teen fashionista has all the sassiest styles at her fingertips thanks to Target’s coveted in-house brands, which include All In Motion and its array of dresses made with cool tweens in mind. She’ll have a ball shopping the All In Motion line and you’ll be relieved that the looks are oh-so affordable; most are just $20 or less.
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Target
Image Credit: Target Is it ever a Target trip without grabbing some new styles for your tween? Luckily, the mega-retailer has plenty of brands to shop from, like Art Class, which offer the trendiest picks at affordable prices. This oh-so cute dress will quickly become a staple in their wardrobe thanks to its simple (add comfortable) design. It’s also just $18!
Return policy: Full refund within 90 days
Shipping: Free 2-day shippingPros:
Affordable
Multiple colors and prints
Comfortable designCons:
Style may be fit for warmer seasons -
Walmart
Image Credit: Walmart Walmart’s tween clothing selection is packed with stylish and affordable options—most items are under $20. The retailer is home to tons of in-house brands like Wonder Nation and 365 Kids from Granimals. This colorblock dress is just $15—yep, that’s not a typo. The dress has a longer design that falls right at the knees, so it’s appropriate for warm days at school.
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Walmart
Image Credit: Walmart Walmart reviewers report that their tweens love this dress for a picture day. So, if you need an option in a pinch, add this denim dress to your cart. It has the cutest preppy design, which includes cap sleeves and a belt.
Return policy: Up to 90 days after purchase
Shipping: Standard (2-5 business days), three day (2-3 business days), next day (1 business day)Pros:
Made from high quality denim
Includes beltCons:
Runs small, size up -
Amazon
Image Credit: Amazon You already know that Amazon’s inventory is unrivaled, its prices are incredible and its shoppers are very outspoken. So it’s easy to find a gem there, whether you’re shopping for a school dress, a party dress or anything in between. This ruffled number has more than 900 five-star reviews and comes in a slew of vibrant colors. The back has a bow detail that absolutely makes the look.
Return policy: Free returns on some colors and sizes
Shipping: 3-5 business days or Prime deliveryPros:
33 colors
AffordableCons:
Shipping times vary
Crafted with thin fabrics -
Amazon
Image Credit: Amazon Whether your tween is headed to a dance or science fair, this dress works for multiple occasions. Arshiner’s sundress has an empire waist, which gives it a longer length. There’s also a tiered hem and drapey fabric for a whimsical appearance.
Return policy: Free returns on some colors and sizes
Shipping: 3-5 business days or Prime deliveryPros:
Longer silhouette
Fits true to sizeCons:
Waist line flares out -
Athleta Girl
Image Credit: Athleta Girl She may be blooming into a fashion queen, but your tween is still a kid and has all the energy that comes with it. Athleta Girl excels at producing dresses that are on-point style-wise but still provide enough freedom of movement and ultimate comfort that she could (theoretically) even wear them to gym class. The Rise Above Rib Cami Dress is super-soft and pajama-like in feel but a showstopper to look at.
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Athleta Girl
Image Credit: Athleta Girl The Athleta Girl Right Moves Romper is such a versatile piece for tweens. It’s functional for school, playing, and heading to practice. Although not technically a “dress” this romper includes a flowy bottom and two drop-in pockets to hold essentials. Plus, it’s made with the brand’s cotton blend, which is buttery soft.
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Abercrombie Kids
Image Credit: Abercrombie Kids For the ultimate in cool-girl style, there’s no one doing it like Abercrombie Kids. There are styles in sizes 5-16 to suit every unique personality, including mini casual dresses, rompers, slip dresses, swim cover-ups, skort dresses, and more.
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Abercrombie Kids
Image Credit: Abercrombie Kids Grab Abercrombie Kids’ casual dress, which is right on time for break. The dress has a lightweight design, pretty print, and flowy bottom. It looks great paired with sneakers and a cardigan or with a denim jacket.
Return policy: Accepted 30 days from the date items shipped
Shipping: 4-9 business days for deliveryPros:
Classic design
Soft materialsCons:
Not many colors -
Zara Kids
Image Credit: Zara Kids If you’re looking for edgy, you’re looking for Zara. Yep, the same store you’re obsessed with (admit it!) has a lineup of It-girl looks for tweens, and this adorable denim dress decorated with a subtle floral print is the perfect example. Zara produces their kids’ clothes ethically, with care for the environment and the health of their workers. And if you know Gen Z, you know this matters.
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Zara Kids
Image Credit: Zara Kids If your tween needs an outfit for an upcoming dance or special event, snag this sparkly caftan before it’s too late. The dress has a pretty shape and an elastic detail with bow appliqué at the waist.
Return policy: 30 days from the shipment date
Shipping: 3-5 working daysPros:
Formal
Appliqué detailingCons:
Sells out fast online -
H&M
Image Credit: H&M This ribbed Jersey dress is just one example of the elevated everyday aesthetic you’ll find at H&M Kids. Tweens outgrow things quickly, so luckily H&M brings the looks your tween wants to rock at prices that make it guilt-free to stock up. You’ll find every piece she needs to give her school wardrobe that cool-girl vibe.
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H&M
Image Credit: H&M When it comes to filling your tweens’ closet, the cost can quickly add up. That’s why H&M is a lifesaver, offering affordable basics like this viscose wrap dress. It’s a budget-friendly option that comes in two versatile colors: white (above) and black.
Return policy: 30 days to return for a refund
Shipping: Standard (3-5 business days), expedited (3-5 business days), express (2-3 business days), next day (1-2 business days)Pros:
Inclusive sizing
LightweightCons:
Unlined -
Gap Kids
Image Credit: Gap Kids This denim dress bridges the gap between feminine and playground-friendly, and it goes just as well with cool booties as it does with tennis shoes. No surprise here: Gap Kids is a treasure trove of trendy looks for tweens — some things never change.
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Gap Kids
Image Credit: Gap Kids Preppy styles are in this year, so if your tween is on the hunt for some cute new items, add this eyelet romper-like dress to your cart before it’s too late. It’s sleeveless, has a scalloped hem, and a crewneck.
Return policy: Accepted within 30 days of the delivery date
Shipping: 5-7 business daysPros:
4 colors
“perfect fit” according to reviewersCons:
Shorter length -
Dillard’s
Image Credit: Dillard's Dillard’s is a great retailer to shop at when looking for tween dresses, no matter the occasion. There are plenty of brands to browse from, like A Loves A, which makes this floral bubble sleeve dress — it’s at the top of our list for our mini teens! It isn’t too juvenile and isn’t too grown.
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Dillard’s
Image Credit: Dillard's School outfits can be challenging to select in the morning, so we recommend having a few of these on hand. This dress has a square, faux corset bodice detailing, and a zipper back closure for a comfy fit!
Return policy: Accepted within 60 days of the purchase date
Shipping: Standard (3-5 business days), expedited (3 business days), expedited (2 business days)Pros:
Best for school
2 colors availableCons:
Minimal design -
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