Growing up, I was obsessed with Betsey’s over-the-top prom dresses – I’m talking tulle for days, rainbow sequins galore, and enough ruffles to start my own tutu factory.
But not having a trust fund left me lusting after those fierce frocks from afar.
It wasn’t until I discovered brands with the same flirty-yet-edgy vibes for a fraction of the price that my teen fashion dreams came true!
Now I can’t get enough of these budget-friendly labels that let me channel my inner Betsey babe.
So lace up your platforms and get ready to find your new fave fashion fix!
Irregular Choice
Quirky footwear is a Betsey signature, and Irregular Choice totally brings the whimsy with its wild shoe styles.
We’re talking glitter bomb heels like the Cupcake Queen platform sandals covered in rainbow sequins, polka dot flats with 3D bows like the Strawberry Fields style, and cat face mules reminiscent of Betsey’s iconic Alice In Wonderland collection.
They also have insane heels featuring things like unicorns, pirates, and astrological signs for those who really want to make a statement.
I’m obsessed with the Disco Social ankle boots that look like a disco ball exploded on them – so fun for dancing the night away! Perfect for spicing up any #OOTD without draining your wallet.
UNIF
Betsey babies know that half the fun is mixing prints and textures for an eclectic edge. UNIF totally nails that aesthetic.
I’m talking plaid skirts with daring front slits, satin cami tops with badass studs, faux leather joggers with bold side stripes – they’ve got it all.
Some of my fave pieces are the Clandestine dress with a cool snakeskin print and the Hellbound mini skirt with chain details that remind me of Betsey’s rock n’ roll inspired looks.
I also love that UNIF sizes are super inclusive, going up to 3XL, so more babes can get in on their cool grungy glam style. I dare you not to feel like a total rockstar in their threads.
Dolls Kill
If Betsey Johnson had a punk rock little sister, she’d definitely be Dolls Kill.
This online boutique has sky-high platform shoes like the 6-inch Stress Less platform sandals, cropped tops with attitude like the Stud Muffin corset, and more metallic varsity jackets than an 80s heavy metal video.
I’m obsessed with their Tartan Dreams mini skirt that comes in a zillion different plaid colors. It’s the perfect alternative to Betsey’s iconic plaid designs.
Dolls Kill also kills it with their selection of fishnets, chokers, and band tees so you can create a head-to-toe punk princess look. Perfect for my fellow alt girls!
Lulu’s
My bestie’s prom dress came from Lulu’s, and she looked just as fab as Blake Lively in a Betsey original. Lulu’s has a crazy amount of flirty party dresses perfect for prom, weddings, or even homecoming.
I’m talking strapless fit-and-flares with tool skirts, strappy skater dresses covered in sparkles, and bold printed maxis with plunge necklines if you really want to make a statement.
Everything is super on-trend but with a timeless style that won’t go out of fashion.
And there are so many colors and prints to choose from – florals, solids, sequins, you name it. Their selection of dressy separates like embellished tops and satin skirts is also primo for any formal event. Pro tip: check out their discount section for extra savings!
Nasty Gal
Nasty Gal’s edgy-glam aesthetic is spot-on for gals craving that Betsey vibe.
With lots of cool faux leather pieces like moto jackets, miniskirts, and edgy corset tops, bold neon prints, and sultry silhouettes like mesh bodysuits and mini wrap dresses, this is the ultimate badass brand for hustlers, boss babes, and girls with killer style and ambition.
I especially love their faux leather trousers – they make me feel like a total rockstar whenever I wear them! Nasty Gal also kills it with their shoes – we’re talking strappy lucite heels, graffiti-print boots, and platforms for days.
So many ways to spice up your LBD and take it from day-to-night. Let’s get crunk!
Sugar Thrillz
If you heart Betsey’s flirty retro vibes, you need to get your candy-colored hands on Sugar Thrillz. Their selection of fit-and-flare dresses and shimmery coordinates are totally dreamy.
I’m talking skater dresses with sweetheart necklines, circle skirts with tulle underlays that remind me of the frocks I lusted after for prom, and flashy metallic tops that pair perfectly with their hyper feminine silhouettes.
They’ve got all your pinup style needs covered, whether you’re looking for a polka dot swing dress, a ruched bodysuit with a bow, or a crochet cropped cami. Plus it’s all super budget-friendly so you can rock that pinup style on the regular without spending a fortune!
Daisy Street
This UK brand brings major Betsey energy with their always-on-trend dresses and separates.
Daisy Street does an awesome job capturing that playful, youthful style – lots of ruffles, florals, polka dots, puff sleeves, basically everything your inner flower child craves.
I especially love their milkmaid-style smocked and ruffled tops.
Pair them with a mini skirt and some booties and you’ve got the perfect flirty weekend look. They also have tons of versatile basics like graphic tees, denim jackets, and bike shorts that you can use to create so many outfits. It makes channeling that fun, girly style super affordable!
Astr the Label
Astr nails that flirty femininity that Betsey is known for, and their styles are always super on-point for a night out.
Silky cami tops with sultry cowl necklines, printed mini skirts with ruffle hems that are perfect for dancing the night away, and don’t even get me started on their selection of going-out dresses.
We’re talking one shoulder midis with dramatic cutouts, slinky slip dresses with lace-up details, and plenty of hyper-femme silhouettes with flutter sleeves and open backs.
I basically want to wear Astr head-to-toe on my next GNO. And did I mention the prices won’t break the bank? Major score.
Show Me Your Mumu
Mumu’s dress selection is primo for capturing that Betsey charm.
Their inventory is bursting with flirty frocks I want to twirl around in – maxi dresses with vibrant floral prints, fit-and-flares with flutter sleeves and corset-style tops, strapless skater dresses with sweetheart necklines.
They also have tons of dreamy white boho maxis and rompers that are perfect for a beach vacay, summer wedding, or just lounging poolside with a marg in hand. And their comfortable, flowy silhouettes are super flattering on all body types. Anthropologie vibes for way less!
Chi Chi London
This brand brings major drama for your next formal event or girl’s night out.
We’re talking: bold tropical prints that transport me to some exotic vacation every time I put them on, sequins galore with dresses shimmering from head to toe, and silhouettes with serious va-va-voom.
Plunging necklines, strapless minis, tempting cutouts – if you wanna show some skin, Chi Chi London has got you covered.
Pieces like their Scandalous Mini Dress covered in rainbow sequins and their plunging Goddess Maxi scream “Look at me!” which is perfect when you’re feeling yourself. Basically everything I wanted my prom dress to be back in the day – sexy but still playful and fun. Shake what your mama gave ya!
Princess Polly
Princess Polly is my go-to for achieving that playful yet edgy Betsey style on a budget. With so many mix-and-match crop tops, miniskirts, and versatile midi dresses, it’s easy to recreate her iconic looks.
Some of my current faves are their slinky slip dresses, tropical print blouses that transport me straight to a Caribbean vacay, and graphic tees featuring sassy sayings and retro logos that I love to style with denim cutoffs or a mini skirt for that flirty, casual vibe.
I also love Princess Polly’s selection of edgy corset and bustier tops that allow me to show a little skin while still keeping it klassy. They have so many pieces you can wear dressed up or down. So sassy and versatile!
Chicwish
Chicwish fully embraces that ultra feminine and flirty style that Betsey Johnson is known for.
Ruffled off-the-shoulder tops in the sweetest prints, fit-and-flare skater dresses that flare out when you twirl, and floral printed jumpsuits with fluttery leg openings and plunging necklines.
All so girly and fun! I especially love their wrap dresses and tops – the silky fabrics drape beautifully and the wrap silhouette is so flattering.
Chicwish also has unique details like lace-up fronts and bows on lots of their pieces which give their styles that playful, youthful vibe. So many gorgeous prints and colors to choose from too. Joyful fashion at affordable prices – yes please!
Samantha Pleet
If you’re craving Betsey’s artsy, eccentric vibe, Samantha Pleet is definitely one to know.
Her pieces feature really cool details like hand-painted prints featuring things like zodiac symbols and exotic florals, lush embroidered textures on blouses and dresses, and pops of rainbow sequins and beading for subtle sparkle.
Lots of her tops and dresses also have smocked peasant-style sleeves, ruffled collars, and flutter hems that embrace that boho exuberance Betsey loves. And the colors! Rich jewel tones, dreamy watercolor pastels, bold neons – all so vibrant and mood-boosting! It’ll add a totally unique twist to your wardrobe.
Rachel Antonoff
This NYC-based designer perfectly captures that quirky-cool retro vibe that Betsey Johnson is known for.
Her collections are bursting with vibrant 60s and 70s inspired prints, feminine vintage silhouettes, and fun little details like embroidered strawberries and cherries, dainty bows and ribbons, and rickrack trim.
Dresses with full pin-tucked skirts, peasant blouses with paisley prints and smocked bibs, high-waisted shorts with scalloped hems – so many playful, nostalgic pieces that always make me smile!
Antonoff also adds whimsical touches like puff sleeves, polka dot overlays, and contrast piping on seams that kick the cuteness factor up to 100. Major candy-colored mod squad vibes!
Free People
You can always count on Free People for flirty, feminine styles with a bit of boho edge that channel Betsey’s hippie-chic aesthetic.
Breezy peasant blouses with smocked necklines and bell sleeves, maxi dresses and skater skirts with funky prints and lace trim, crochet crop tops to show some skin. And their shorts selection is killer – cutoffs, embroidered denim, flouncy terry cloth styles.
Throw on some layered necklaces, pile on the bracelets, and add a floppy hat for that free-spirited flower child vibe. I also love their intimates and loungewear like bralettes and vintage-looking undies. So many comfy-chic ways embrace your inner boho babe!
Hell Bunny
Hell Bunny is like Hot Topic and Betsey Johnson had a rock n’ roll love child. Known for their retro pinup and 1950s styles, this brand is primo for baes who want edgy with a feminine twist.
We’re talking wiggle dresses with sweetheart necklines, circle skirts with just the right amount of swing, and adorable cropped cardigans to layer over those sweet silhouettes.
Hell Bunny also nails party-ready looks – lots of fit-and-flare frocks and skater dresses dripping in rhinestones and sequins.
I’m obsessed with their Viva Las Vegas dress – it’s a strapless metallic mini covered in a firework sequin print. So Vegas, baby! And their novelty prints like strawberries, cherries, and tropical flowers give me total Betsey vibes. Affordable, quality pieces that let your inner pinup girl shine.
Tokyo Fashion
If you love Betsey’s bold prints and colors, you need Tokyo Fashion in your closet like now.
This LA-based brand embraces vivid hues, punchy patterns, and pop culture prints that are totally eye-catching.
We’re talking colorful kimonos with graphic floral prints, neons for days, and dresses splashed with comic book and anime characters.
It’s J-fashion with a streetwear twist! Tokyo Fashion also has fun Y2K-inspired pieces like cargo pants, corset tops, and chainmail that let you recreate iconic 2000s looks. And their selection of harajuku-style wigs and cosplay accessories is perfect for dressing up. Channel your inner J-pop star in the edgiest way!
Heart of Haute
Glam glitz alert! Heart of Haute serves up sparkle and shine for babes craving that Betsey high-octane look.
We’re talking minidresses dripping in rainbow sequins, slinky cowl neck tops with Art Deco-inspired beading, metallic skater skirts that shimmer as you shake it. Even their jeans get the royal treatment with jeweled pockets and rhinestone accents.
I also love their unique IG-worthy pieces like the Unicorn Vibes overall dress and Holographic Bomber jacket. So if you wanna stand out and shine bright, add Heart of Haute to your wardrobe repertoire. Their dazzling designs deliver maximum style impact without maxing out your credit card.
Stop Staring
For retro vibes that are always in style, Stop Staring is a must-have. This brand perfectly captures the femininity and polish of 1950s fashion.
Beautifully tailored wiggle dresses, classy circle skirts with petticoats for perfect swing, and darling capri pants for sunny days.
I especially love their selection of form-fitting pencil dresses – the wiggle silhouette is so flattering! The fabrics Stop Staring uses have a luxurious drape and their tailoring is impeccable with fine details like covered buttons and perfect darting.
Everything comes in yummy solids and retro prints too. So whether you’re a vintage vixen or just love timeless style, Stop Staring has you covered like a well-fitted bra.
Emma Street
Emma Street nails that quirky girly look that Betsey is synonymous with. Ruffle trim for days, novelty prints galore, and feminine silhouettes give their pieces a playful charm.
They do mod sixties style so well – fit-and-flare dresses in bold geometric prints, go-go boots with knockout heels, cropped tops and bike shorts for lounging poolside.
Emma Street also delivers flouncy boho looks featuring crochet, lace, eyelet details that have total flower child appeal. And their novelty bags and jewelry featuring things like pineapples, ladybugs, and unicorns will make you smile ear to ear. So fun and affordable!
