The Best Smocked Dresses Under $200

The Best Smocked Dresses

Smocked dresses are super popular lately, and perfect for spring and summer. With the rise of the Hill House Nap Dress (of which I am a huge fan), this style dress has started popping up everywhere. Here, I’m sharing some of my favorite smocked dress finds, each under $200!

The Best Smocked Dresses Under 0

Wearing one of my favorite plaid Ellie Nap Dresses from Hill House

What Does Smocked Mean in Clothing?

First things first, I wanted to answer the question: what is a smock style? Smocking generally refers to a type of rouched stitching style, generally at the top of an otherwise looser-silhouetted dress. It can be a bit of an old fashioned style. However, many current designers and brands have taken the style and really run with it!

The Best Smocked Dresses Under $200

For this round up, I’ve split up my finds into two main categories based on length. I noticed that there are a lot of cute short smocked mini dress options this year. This is exciting for me, since mini dresses work well for petite women like myself. In a similar vein, I’ve noticed fewer midi options than I remember from last year.

Mini and Short Smocked Dress Options

Whether you’re looking for sleeves or sleeveless, patterns or solid colors, there are plenty of mini and short smocked dress options out there for spring and summer. Dress these styles up for date night or down for every day and you’re all set for the season!

The Best Smocked Dresses Under 0

Top Row: A&F Smock Waist Tiered Mini Dress | Aqua Smocked Heart Print Mini | Aqua Smocked Floral Print Dress | A&F Plunge Crinkle Mini Dress
Bottom Row: Hill House Nail Nap Dress (similar midi dress here) | J.Crew Factory Flutter-Sleeve Mini Dress | Draper James Smocked Shania Dress | Draper James Taylor Smocked Strawberry Fields Dress

As for sleeveless versus sleeves, I especially love the the Hill House Nail Nap Dress as a short-sleeved option. If you want a bolder sleeve, try the Buddy Love Andi Dress. The Andi Dress comes in some brighter patterns while offering a similar silhouette. For sleeveless, the Draper James Smocked Shania Dress is a great option. I have a black watch tartan version from the fall and fits true to size. Plus, it has pockets!

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Long and Maxi Smock Dresses

While I am confident that the Hill House Ellie Nap Dress will remain my forever favorite in terms of longer smocked dresses, I am impressed with the variety of maxi styles this spring. Between Abercrombie & Fitch, Anthropologie, and J.Crew, there are plenty of affordable styles to choose from.

The Best Smocked Dresses Under 0

Top Row: Hill House Anjuli Nap Dress | By Anthropologie Marisol Smocked Maxi Dress | J.Crew Collection Tie-Shoulder Smocked Dress (similar solid blue version here) | Lucy Paris Smocked Maxi Dress (also available in blue and a soft pink eyelet)
Bottom Row: Buddy Love Hattie Smocked Maxi Dress | Farm Rio Smocked Cover Up Dress | Marine Layer Cotton Smock Maxi Dress | Elan Smocked Maxi Dress

Personally, I am most intrigued by the Hill House Anjuli Nap Dress and the Farm Rio Smocked Cover Up Dress from Anthropologie. The bodice of the former looks quite flattering. As for the Farm Rio option, I just love the rich, vibrant colors for summer! However, the Lucy Paris Smocked Maxi Dress is ticking all the boxes for why I love the Hill House Ellie mentioned earlier. From the length, ruffle sleeves, and minimalist pattern, it seems like a great summer staple.

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The Best Smocked Dresses Under 0

Do you have a favorite smocked dress style?
Which of the finds that I shared here are your favorites?

Looking to complete your warm weather style?
Click here to check out my favorite wedge sandal to pair with just about any dress!


 *This post was originally published in March 2022. It was most recently updated on May 1, 2023

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