I tried on 13 Walmart dresses under $50 — if you're in your 40s or 50s, these styles are seriously good
As a mom of two in my late 40s, I'm usually in a hurry and laser-focused on my shopping list. But last week, while I was there replenishing the kids' school snacks supply, the clothing section caught my eye — and I had to make a pit stop to try on some of Walmart's affordable dresses for spring and summer 2025.
I tried on 13 Walmart dresses — all under $40 — that I'm thinking about buying. I was surprised by the quality, comfort and fuss-free nature of these maxis, shirt dresses and more, which makes them a great choice for everything from school drop offs to summer travel. Scroll down to see how these cute dresses look on a real-life 48-year-old mom who's always on the go.
I was first introduced to Mexx in 2003 when I lived in New York City, and have been a fan ever since. This 100 per cent cotton dress even has seam pockets. The fact that Walmart now carries one of my favourite brands is another reason to shop there — not that I really needed one.
$35 at Walmart
I love the black/tan colour combo of this draped calf-length dress. The gathered waistband helps give it shape, while the V-neck front and elastic sleeves provide a more tailored look. It's also available in a green and black colourway, but I wasn't as impressed with how it looked on.
$29 at Walmart
I like the tie belt that comes with this knee-length navy cotton poplin dress, but I might switch it out for a woven brown belt for a dressier look. It does wrinkle easily, so keep a steamer on hand when you're planning to wear it. I tried on a medium, as that was the smallest size they had in stock at that location, and it fit my smaller frame quite well.
$37 at Walmart
I'm totally devoted to this Devoted dress! It's super cute, hugs in all the right places and even has pockets. If I had to take one dress with me for a weekend away, this navy number would most definitely be it.
$19 $35 at Walmart
The quality of this Mexx eyelet dress exceeded my expectations. I loved the look of the smocked bodice and puffed sleeves, and of course, the seam pockets perfected the look. I'm sold on the blue — but if that's not your colour, it also comes in red.
$40 at Walmart
The moment I put this dress on, I knew I had to have it. How cute would it look with some cowboy boots? I could also pair it with my favourite sandals for a fresh spring look.
$40 at Walmart
I'm not usually a big fan of stripes, but this T-shirt dress won me over. It's super soft and wrinkle-free, and is an easy on-the-go look I'll be living in once the temperature warms up.
$20 at Walmart
Oh, Mexx, you've done it again. This collared button-down dress is casual comfort at its finest. And, yes, it's another one with pockets! I'm wearing an extra small and it's a bit bagger than I'd like — so I'd pair it with a thick brown belt for a bit of added cinching.
$26 at Walmart
Everything about this cute and comfortable dress says "low maintenance mama." And for $20, I might as well get it in both colourways.
$20 at Walmart
The soft fabric of this 100 per cent cotton denim dress felt great on. It's super cute and falls mid calf, making it flattering regardless of how tall you are.
$29 at Walmart
I adore the lace bodice and adjustable spaghetti straps of this sexy summer dress. This true-to-size flowy dress is fun and flattering.
$35 at Walmart
Do you know what busy moms love? Low-maintenance A-line like this one! The thick straps and the smocked bodice provide a secure fit, while the frock's all-over print will also easily disguise stains from my five-year-old when he inevitably uses the dress to wipe his face on.
$30 at Walmart
This super cute sweatshirt dress will come in handy on chilly summer nights up north at the cottage. And come fall and winter, I can also wear it with tights and chunky boots on ski weekends with the kids. It runs large, and I am wearing an XS, so keep that in mind before you purchase.
$15 $24 at Walmart
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CNN
32 minutes ago
- CNN
I'm eyeing these 32 best back-to-school shoe sales from Hoka, Crocs, Adidas and more
One routine I always looked forward to when returning to elementary school, high school or college was shoe shopping. Normally, I'd only pick out a stylish sneaker and a running shoe to replace the worn-out kicks I'd run down, but with today's back-to-school deals across brands like Hoka, Crocs, Nike and more, you may want to stray and snag multiple pairs. Coming from someone who covers sales and deals for a living, I curated the best back-to-school sales, so you can optimize your haul (and potentially spend leftover cash on clothing too). The German-founded brand synonymous with its three-stripe marked running shoes and sneakers is offering up to 40% off as part of its back-to-school sale. Adidas Women's Gazelle Bold Shoes Give your ensembles a bit more height with these rubber gum sole, platform street sneakers. Starting at $84, they come in vivid color combinations and neutral designs like this tan suede with maroon accents. Adidas Ultraboost 1.0 Shoes Striking a great balance of comfort and versatility, these cushy sneakers work for low-impact activities. They're discounted in men's and women's our review Adidas Women's VL Court 3.0 Shoes Closely resembling the popular Sambas, the VL Court 3.0 shoes tap into the same aesthetics but provide more cushion through the sole. My sister owns this blue pair, and I can't help but steal them from time to time. Adidas Men's Grand Court 2.0 Shoes If you prefer a more streamlined, classic shoe, it doesn't get more so than the Grand Court 2.0. They're emblazoned with the brand's iconic stripes, and they pair well with anything from jeans to shorts. In prep for the busy school season ahead, the major footwear retailer kicked off its Big-Deal Brands, offering up to 25% off New Balance, Crocs, Reebok, Hey Dude and more. Plus, if you're stocking up on multiple pairs, unlock free shipping on orders $75 and up with code FREESHIP. Reebok Women's Club C 85 Sneakers Leaning into retro aesthetics, the popular Club Cs make a great go-to white sneaker. Style them with a pair of baggy jeans to let their low profile peek out underneath. A bonus: They're marked down by $20 at DSW. Crocs Women's Dylan Clogs These platform clogs may be a little out there, but they became fast favorites among our editors. They adopt a faux leather texture that make them look more expensive than their under-$50 sale price. New Balance Men's CT300 v3 Court Sneakers While New Balance is known for their on-trend Dad sneakers, they also offer more streamlined Court sneakers that add a fun touch to 'fits. Take this discounted pair for example. Hey Dude Men's Welsh Grip Boat Shoes We've been seeing Hey Dudes crop up more and more. So if you're heading to a college with warmer temps year-round, these boat shoes suit those subtropical regions well. From Dad sneakers to shoes for girls and boys, New Balance can outfit your entire family for the back-to-school season. A few select styles and colors are on sale, so I've done the vetting for you, allowing you to check off your supply list next. New Balance 1906R Sneakers Available in half sizes for men and women, these sneakers are a crowd pleaser. I appreciate its chrome accents and intertwining lines, which lend it a retro feel. New Balance 2002R Shoes From purple palettes to moss green pairs like this one, the 2002Rs are on sale in a variety of options. They make a good go-to sneaker to throw on as you trek across campus. New Balance 471 Shoes Make your mark on the first day of school with these statement-making shoes. They feature a colorful fuzz with suede overlays that help them standout. New Balance Kid's FuelCell Play Bungee Shoes Tons of kid's styles are 25% off with code NBLEARN. That includes these sneakers with an easy bungee-cord lace and velcro strap. Save up to 50% during Nike's back-to-school sale when you use code SPORT, which stacks an extra 20% off select on-sale styles like Nike Air Force 1s and Nike Dunks. Nike Women's Air Max Excee Shoes Inspired by the bestselling Nike Air Max 90, the Excees reinvents the classic shoe adds an elongate toe and contrasting lines on the upper. For those who may be in between sizes can choose from half sizes. Nike Women's V2K Run Shoes My sister owns these Nike sneakers, so I've gotten to see the silver accent details in person. I love that the added chromed elevates an otherwise plain chunky sneaker. They're ideal for running errands or getting you from class to class. Nike Women's Dunk Low Retro Shoes These eye-catching Dunks will certainly turn heads on campus. The titular street sneakers comes in men's and women's sizes as well as an array of color-blocked options for $100. Nike Men's Air Max 270 Shoes Whether you're hitting the campus gym, nailing the Pacer test or taking part in recreational sports, these shoes with a sock upper are designed to feel lightweight and airy on your feet. A new school year means new deals. You'll find discounts sitewide at Nordstrom Rack, bringing fresh savings on popular name brands. That spans comfy sneakers from Adidas and Vans to running shoes from Hoka and Brooks. Hoka Women's Challenger 7 Running Shoes Hoka running shoes have won over our expert testers time and time again. If you're looking to invest in a pair of athletic shoes, look no further than these Challenger 7s on sale at Nordstrom Rack. Birkenstock Women's Boston Cord Clogs My Boston Clogs have served me well. I slide them on whenever I'm taking out the trash, checking the mail or doing laundry. Nordstrom Rack has this cute red corduroy pair for $100. Vans Men's Asher Sneakers Skaters and students alike can reach for this pair of discounted Vans. They adopt a brown checkered pattern that brings more visual interest than the typical white and black options we see. Brooks Men's Revel 7 Hybrid Running Shoes I'm an owner of two Brooks running shoes, and I much prefer them over other brands out there. Like the pairs I own, these feature a thick, bouncy sole and mesh upper to keep your steps altogether breathable and comfy. Calling all teachers or aspiring professionals: Rothy's Final Few Sale is filled with Mary Janes, loafers, ballet flats and more. Be ready to take on interviews and presentations while looking polished and feeling confident with the brand's comfortable footwear. Rothy's The Double Buckle Mary Janes You can't go wrong with a Mary Jane. These feature a pair of secure buckles and a square toebox, toeing the line of sophisticated and comfortable. Rothy's The Loafer in Ecru These no-frills loafers pair well with just about anything in its on-sale tan color. It's made with a flexible upper that won't hinder your steps throughout the day. Rothy's The Double Bit Drivers Incorporating a horsebit detail, these drivers exude luxurious. Choose from four on-sale options, like refined checkered patterns and versatile plain colors. Rothy's The Point II Flats Bring a bit more fun to 'fits with these signature ballet flats that come in discounted flower patterns and pastel colors. Their pointed toe peeps out from under long hems. One of our favorite outdoor apparel retailers is hosting its slate of footwear deals, timed perfectly for the busy shopping season. On top of hiking boots and trail shoes, running shoes, sandals and more are also marked down at REI. Keen Women's Newport H2 Sandals If you prefer wearing comfortable sandals to and fro, these activewear shoes keep feet on lock and your tread slip-free. Score four different colors for under $100. Teva Men's Universal Trail Sandals A classic men's sandal for any water adventures, these Tevas will come in handy whenever you have downtime and are attending school on the coast. Merrell Women's Speed Eco Hiking Shoes Hit the trails in between study sessions or during long weekends with one of the most stylish hiking shoes I've come across. Even better, they just dropped below $85 at REI. Merrell Men's Moab Edge 3 Hiking Shoes Go sport mode with these adventure-ready hiking shoes from Merrell. They boast a shock-absorbing lug sole and a breathable mesh liner. Tick off your back-to-school footwear checklist while sandals, sneakers, ballet flats and more are discounted at the shoe destination. Zappos is also exclusively knocking down prices on Crocs and Converse. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High-Top Sneakers When I think of the back-to-school shoe, it's Converse. These classic high-tops never go out of style. Available in a variety of on-sale options, you can pick a fun pop of color to liven up your closet. Crocs Classic Clogs Hitting the dorm showers? Rule number one is to bring a good pair of shower shoes. These Crocs hold up to water and rinse easily. Their bouncy EVA construction and heel strap also helps deliver better stability. On Running Women's Cloudeclipse Shoes Those who have goals to up their step or running count may appreciate these On Running shoes. They tout a design made for interval training on hard, pavement surfaces. New Balance Classics 574 Shoes If you like the vintage look, these New Balance 574s for their pointed silhouette, rubber details and mixed textures. It's discounted in over 10 colors so you can really take your pick based on what suits your wardrobe. One of the best times to snag new footwear is during the back-to-school season. Retailers know that parents and kids alike will be flocking to different apparel brands to revamp their wardrobes for the season ahead. In kind, many destinations, specifically large retailers like DSW, Nordstrom Rack and Zappos, reliably knock down prices on a selection of shoes, typically fashionable sneakers and running shoes. You'll find that most of the affordable picks above fall under $100. Our deals team has over a decade of combined commerce journalism experience. Rikka Altland, Jacqueline Saguin and Elena Matarazzo source the deals for the day each morning to curate one-offs and retailer-specific roundups of the best sales to shop. Searching everything from coveted pieces from Lululemon to the best picks from Target's back-to-school sale, the team works across a wide variety of categories to ensure we're finding the best buys for our readers.


Forbes
32 minutes ago
- Forbes
What Happens When Two Social Media Favorite Brands Collab? Pure Magic
Individually, Lindsey Carter and Chelsea Parke are two powerhouses leading their own iconic clothing brands SET Active and Parke, respectively. So what would happen if the two of them were to combine forces for an iconic co-branded collaboration? Ahead of their second co-branded SET x Parke collection, 'Low Tide', which launched today, I reached out to both founders to get their insights on how brands can work together, the lessons learned from the first collaboration launch, and what's next for each of these brands. Foundations In Friendship The idea for a SET x Parke collaboration came about not as two business owners plotting ways to optimize sales, but as two friends turning a clever idea into a reality. 'Lindsey and I connected instantly a few years ago,' Parke founder Chelsea Parke explained; 'we just get each other, and it naturally evolved into our brands collaborating.' 'Coming up with SET x Parke was basically just having a moment with a friend where one of you throws out a wild idea and you get excited thinking about the possibilities,' shared SET Active Founder and CEO Lindsey Carter, 'except we're the kind of people who actually make it happen.' And make it happen, they did! The first SET x Parke collection was a major hit with fans of both brands, selling out within 10 minutes of the drop. The collaboration's success speaks well to their ability to collaborate and trust one another on design decisions that will resonate with both customer bases. 'We talk about everything, from color palettes and silhouettes to the vibe, storytelling, and how we want people to feel in the pieces,' Chelsea described of the design process, noting that both teams were sharing mood boards, samples, graphics, and other materials to make sure all parties aligned. Lindsey elaborated that the partnership works because they let each team do what they do best. 'It's all about amplifying what makes each brand unique while finding that sweet spot where our worlds overlap.' That means taking SET's incredible activewear and Parke's popular mockneck sweatshirts and denim and bringing them all together to make something truly special for their fans. Bigger And Better Since this isn't the first go-around for the collaboration, Lindsey and Chelsea were able to apply a lot of learnings to this second collection. 'We totally underestimated demand,' Lindsey admitted, 'so this time around, we've significantly increased our inventory.' This way, more fans of SET and Parke will be able to get their hands on this coveted collection. Chelsea also shared that they dove deeper into the collection from a design perspective to make 'sure every piece could mix and match across both collections to feel intentional, wearable, and versatile.' As with all of their collections, both founders take the feedback from their highly-engaged community to heart, using customer responses to guide design choices, inventory purchasing, and more. 'We love to surprise our community, but also give them more of what they love,' Lindsey said, describing the end result of this second collection as feeling 'more elevated, more intentional, and honestly, more us.' Connecting With Community One of the biggest reasons why both SET and Parke have cemented themselves as must-have brands is their dedication to fostering their communities. Both SET and Parke utilize social media not only to market their new collections but to interact with fans, bring them along in the design process, and make them feel like they are truly part of the brand themselves. 'We absolutely love sharing the behind-the-scenes of what we're building,' Chelsea shared of Parke's social media strategy. Lindsey echoed the power of that strategy, advising aspiring brand founders to 'share the BTS, the mess-ups, the wins, the figuring-it-out moments [because] that's what people connect with.' Chelsea also encouraged brand founders to 'show up in different ways across different platforms [because] you never know which moment or post will be the one that really resonates.' They both also stressed the value of approachability in their content, with Lindsey describing her approach as like talking to a friend. They've both made the personal an integral part of their business success, allowing their customers to connect with the brand and its creators on a deeper level. Highlights From The Collection This second collaboration is titled 'Low Tide' and looks like a dreamy, misty morning on the shore come to life. With nautical elements and naturalistic blues, pinks, and greens, it's a great collection for that transitional period between summer and fall that we find ourselves in at the moment. With SET's popular leggings and sports bras, Parke's famous mockneck sweatshirts, and new designs that blend the idiosyncrasies of the two brands, there's something for everyone. Of course, I had to ask Chelsea and Lindsey about their personal favorite pieces in the collection, along with how they'd recommend styling them: "The mockneck is always my ride or die; it's the perfect finishing touch to any look. But this drop's stirrup leggings and the rest of the active pieces are truly a dream. I love styling sets with a trench or oversized denim jacket, sneakers or ballet flats, and fun jewelry for an easy everyday uniform that still feels polished." 'I'm obsessed with the Rhubarb Denim SET. I'd style it with a white tank, the matching jacket, and either ballet flats or cute sneakers that have a pop of color.' I think Chelsea really summed up the collection perfectly with the following: 'I'm always in Parke, and when I'm not in Parke, I'm in Set, so this collection really is the perfect blend of my everyday uniform.' You can shop the new SET x Parke collection now.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Duchess Meghan applauds Prince Harry for 'beautiful 24 hours' and birthday dinner
Duchess Meghan is celebrating her happily ever after with Prince Harry. The Duchess of Sussex posted an Instagram photo blowing out the candles on her 44th birthday cake at Funke restaurant in Beverly Hills, California, captioning the post: "blowing out the candles on a beautiful 24 hours, and thanking my husband, friends and family for making it so special." In the note, Meghan also thanked her fans and followers, writing, "to those of you I don't know, but who send love every day − thank you so much. Please know I feel it and appreciate it" along with a red heart emoji. The post came the day after Meghan's birthday on Monday, Aug. 4. turns 44: British royal gets sweet birthday shoutout from As Ever brand Meghan praised Funke for its food, warning fans that she "just (had) to get a little foodie on you….this dinner last night at @funke_la with the culinary mastery of @evanfunke and his team is in the top five meals of my life. Extraordinary 🍝 Thank you for a standout dining experience." Meghan reentered public life this year, launching her "With Love" cooking show on Netflix and a companion lifestyle brand As Ever. Before meeting Harry, Meghan helmed a successful lifestyle blog, The Tig. The post marked her first Instagram photo since she revealed why July 4 is a special date for her family. "Our second date was the 4th of July 2016 and H brought me cupcakes to celebrate. Now, all these years later, our two children are in on the tradition," Meghan said. Earlier this week, the lifestyle entrepreneur received a warm birthday shoutout on Instagram from her lifestyle brand As Ever, which launched in April. The company – known for its homey aesthetic and assortment of fruit spreads, herbal teas and baking mixes – shared a black-and-white photo of the duchess walking in a sun dress and wide-brimmed hat alongside its celebratory message. "Celebrating the woman behind it all," the company wrote in the post's caption. "She pours her heart, vision and magic touch into every detail, and today, we raise a glass to her! Happy birthday to our founder @meghan 🥂" Contributing: Edward Segarra This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Meghan Markle thanks Prince Harry for 'beautiful' birthday