Last year, I discovered the Selkie brand and fell in love with their romantic, feminine designs.
The only problem?
That $300+ price tag! 😱
After a deep dive down the dress rabbit hole,
I uncovered some hidden gems – brands that give you the Selkie look for less:
Let’s go:
Rachel Pally
Rachel Pally’s wrap dresses have the same floaty, ethereal vibe as Selkie. I’m obsessed with the floral prints and lightweight fabrics.
The Symphony Dress is a great Selkie alternative with its off-the-shoulder neckline, billowy sleeves, and flowing maxi skirt.
It comes in a bunch of pretty prints like Lavender Bloom and Red Bali for $242. The Azure Coast Caftan has that breezy vacation feel in spades. I love wearing it on the beach over a swimsuit or for summer BBQs.
The V-neckline and smocked bust work for all body types. At $167, it’s a steal! Rachel Pally also has stunning kimonos that pair perfectly with dresses and swimsuits.
The Terra Vista Kimono comes in a few prints and has flowy batwing sleeves with a breezy open front.
It’s the perfect beach cover up for $158! Prices for most Rachel Pally dresses and kimonos range from $150 – $250.
Reformation
If you’re looking for some stylish and eco-friendly options, Reformation is your go-to brand.
They’ve got a fantastic range of clothing items, from dresses to denim, that not only make you look good but also feel good about your choices.
One of their standout pieces is the “Gavin Dress” – it’s perfect for those summer days when you want to stay cool and chic.
And if you’re into vintage vibes, you’ll love the “Cynthia High Straight Jean,” a classic denim piece with a modern twist.
But what makes Reformation a great alternative to Selkie, you ask?
Well, it’s all about sustainability.
Reformation is committed to reducing its environmental footprint.
They use eco-friendly fabrics like Tencel and deadstock materials, which means they’re not creating new fabric but repurposing existing ones.
Let’s not forget the “Alma Top.” It’s a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down, making it perfect for any occasion.
And if you’re looking for a cozy sweater, the “Ansel Sweater” is a must-have for those chilly days.
Now, back to the sustainability factor.
Reformation takes their commitment seriously.
They have a RefScale, which shows you the environmental impact of each product, including its carbon footprint and water usage.
It’s a level of transparency that’s hard to come by in the fashion industry.
Oh, and if you’re in need of a stylish jumpsuit, check out the “Milan Jumpsuit.” It’s comfortable, chic, and screams confidence.
Pair it with some Reformation shoes, and you’re ready to conquer the world!
Anthropologie
While not a brand itself, Anthropologie carries tons of poufy frocks. Filter for maxi/midi dresses and you’ll uncover options reminiscent of Selkie.
I love their in-house Maeve brand, like the Embroidered Ruffled Maxi Dress.
It has a romantic feel with eyelet details, ruffled cap sleeves, and a relaxed skirt. The Yola Dress is perfect for summer in its green botanical print and smocked bodice with fluttery sleeves.
I’m also obsessed with their accessories like the Teuta Matoshi Crystal Embellished Headband.
It adds that whimsical Selkie touch to any outfit! Most Anthropologie dresses fall in the $100 – $250 range. Browse their massive dress selection online or in stores for endless whimsical options.
Lulus
Lulus is all about providing fashion-forward women like you with a wide range of clothing options that are not only on-trend but also affordable. Whether you’re on the hunt for casual wear, cocktail dresses, or even swimwear, Lulus has got you covered.
One of the standout features of Lulus is their diverse selection of clothing models. Take, for instance, the “Eternal Love Black Plunge Maxi Dress” – perfect for a glamorous evening event, or the “All About Love High-Waisted Skinny Jeans” for a chic everyday look.
Looking for something cozy and stylish for winter? Lulus has the “Warmest Wishes Charcoal Grey Cropped Cardigan Sweater” that’s not only warm but also super cute! Or if you’re in the mood for summer vibes, check out the “Sunkissed Blooms Yellow Floral Print Ruffled Mini Dress.””
But it’s not just about the variety; Lulus prides itself on offering quality fashion pieces that won’t break the bank. They understand the importance of affordability without compromising style, making it a great alternative to pricier brands like Selkie.
Let’s not forget about their commitment to sustainability. Lulus is actively working to reduce their environmental footprint, offering eco-friendly clothing options like the “Love the Earth Beige Vegan Leather Mini Skirt.” Fashion with a conscience – what more could you ask for?
What sets Lulus apart is also their inclusive sizing. They offer many clothing models in a wide range of sizes, ensuring that every woman can find something that fits her perfectly and makes her feel confident.
Free People
Boho lovers, listen up! Free People has peasant tops, floaty skirts, and whimsical dresses galore.
The Almost Famous Dress features a square neckline with smocked bodice and puff sleeves, almost a Selkie twin! I also adore the floral prints of the Midsummer Dream Mini with its babydoll silhouette.
The Candesha June Dress is another fave with its off shoulder smocked neckline and big ruffled sleeves. Accessorize any Free People dress with their Concho Hoops for that extra dash of whimsy.
While prices range from $100 – $250, Free People’s sales are amazing.
Urban Outfitters
If you’re on the hunt for trendy, eclectic, and unique fashion, Urban Outfitters should be your next shopping destination. With a wide range of clothing options, this brand has become a beloved choice for fashion-forward individuals looking to stand out from the crowd.
When it comes to jeans, Urban Outfitters has you covered with their iconic BDG High-Waisted Mom Jeans, perfect for a vintage-inspired look. These jeans fit like a dream and are a fantastic alternative to Selkie’s denim collection.
If you’re into loungewear and want something cozy but stylish, check out Urban Outfitters’ Out From Under Cozy Ribbed Leggings. They offer comfort and a snug fit that’s hard to beat, making them a great alternative to Selkie’s cozy options.
Urban Outfitters also excels in the t-shirt department with their UO Essential Oversized Tee. It’s a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down, rivaling Selkie’s chic t-shirt selections.
For those who adore dresses, Urban Outfitters has a stunning array of options. The UO Embroidered Mesh Mini Dress is perfect for a night out and competes effortlessly with Selkie’s dresses in terms of style and quality.
And if you’re a fan of statement outerwear, look no further than Urban Outfitters’ Urban Renewal Vintage Overdyed Camo Jacket. It’s a fashionable alternative to Selkie’s bold outerwear pieces.
What sets Urban Outfitters apart is its commitment to diversity and inclusivity in fashion. They offer a wide range of sizes and styles to cater to everyone, ensuring that fashion is for all.
Furthermore, Urban Outfitters often collaborates with up-and-coming designers and brands, providing you with an ever-evolving selection of cutting-edge fashion that keeps your wardrobe fresh and exciting.
ASOS
This UK-based online shop has its own in-house brands plus a mix of other labels. Great for trendy, romantic styles on a budget.
The Asos Design square neck ruffle mini dress screams Selkie vibes with its babydoll shape. I’m also loving the pretty floral prints on their cami maxi dresses, like the ASOS DESIGN Broderie Tie Back Maxi Dress.
For the ultimate pouf, go for their tulle skirts and lace tops too! Most ASOS dresses and separates cost between $50 – $150.
Show Me Your Mumu
Mumu’s boho-chic dresses feature prairie-style detailing like smocking and ruffled sleeves. The Halter Belle Mini Dress has the square neck smocked bodice, but with a short flirty skirt.
For max Selkie romance, go for the Ruffled Flora Dress or the Ophelia Midi in dreamy lace and floaty fabrics.
I especially love their lace tops, like the Amari Eyelash Lace Peasant Top. It looks amazing paired with jeans or a skirt! Lots of florals and lace too! Prices range from $100 – $200 for most styles.
For Love & Lemons
If you love lace, For Love & Lemons needs to be on your radar! Their dresses have impeccable attention to delicate details.
The Lavender Dreams Mini is a vision with lace trim, fluttery cap sleeves, and smocked panel. I also adore their maxi dresses like the floral Antonia Dress with its dramatic balloon sleeves.
Their knit dresses like the Aura Sweater Dress have that whimsical Selkie feel too. Pieces range from $200 – $400 per dress.
Revolve
Revolve is an online retailer stocking tons of brands. Browse their dresses for off-the-shoulder, puff sleeve, and maxi styles reminiscent of Selkie.
Some fun finds are the Lovers + Friends Meadow Dress in white eyelet lace and the Cami NYC Sushi Print Puff Sleeve Dress.
I also love their separates, like the For Love & Lemons Aura Top. Pair it with a flowy skirt for ethereal vibes. Expect to pay on the higher end – most Revolve dresses range from $200 – $500.
Nasty Gal
Nasty Gal kills the vintage romance vibe with their in-house collection of whimsical frocks. The Floral Square Neck Puff Sleeve Dress screams Selkie with its smocked top and voluminous sleeves.
I also love their babydoll styles like the Broderie Mini Dress for sweet tiers of eyelet lace. Nasty Gal’s accessories totally complete the look too – I’m obsessed with their floppy hats and flower hair clips! Most dresses and accessories cost between $40 – $100.
Milkmaid London
Milkmaid London perfectly captures the Selkie aesthetic with their collection of puff sleeve dresses and tops.
The Courtney Dress in pink features romantic puff sleeves, a square neck, and tiered midi skirt. The Joanna Jumpsuit is also amazing – I love the off-the-shoulder silhouette with dramatic sleeves. Their lace inserts and embroidery details are true works of art. Prices range from $120 – $250 for most dreamy frocks.
Rixo
This UK brand does retro-inspired dresses with quirky prints. Lots of voluminous sleeves, smocking, and florals in the $250 – $400 range.
The Marianna Dress has that whimsy in spades with its blue floral print, cap sleeves, and ruffled tiers. I’m also loving their puff sleeve tops to mix and match, like the Mimi Puff Sleeve Top. Throw it on with cutoffs or a skirt for an ethereal vibe. Rixo nails the delicate details!
LoveShackFancy
Preppy boho vibes? LoveShackFancy is your new fave! Their floral maxi dresses go for $395 – $595. The Nieves Dress stands out with its elegant off-shoulder neckline, defined waist, and dreamy skirt.
I also love their puff sleeve blouses to pair with jeans or skirts. The Hope Blouse is perfect with its romantic neck tie and eyelet fabric. All of their pieces capture the essence of romance.
Sol Angeles
Breezy linen and gauzy prints make Sol Angeles a perfect Selkie dupe. I especially love their midi styles for $150 – $230, like the Emma Dress with pretty embroidered flowers.
Their square neck, short puff sleeve tops are also great layered over dresses and jeans. The Alegria Top in peach is one of my faves! Sol Angeles does carefree style so well.
Nordstrom
Nordstrom has an amazing dress selection online (and in stores). Browse their stock for off-the-shoulder, smocked, embroidered styles akin to Selkie.
Some fun finds are the Topshop Puff Sleeve Linen Dress and the Open Edit Puff Sleeve Babydoll Mini Dress.
I’m also loving their patterned blouses like the Treasure & Bond Puff Sleeve top for a more casual vibe. Brands and prices vary at Nordstrom, but most dresses run between $100 – $300.
Rouje
This French brand is what dreams are made of! They describe their style as ‘boho-chic’ which I think perfectly captures that romantic, feminine aesthetic of Selkie dresses.
Lots of their dresses, like the Sensuale or Gabin, have smocked bodices, puff sleeves, and tiered midi skirts just like Selkie.
And the patterns and colors are so whimsical – think painterly florals, vibrant stripes, and ethereal solids. The price point is a bit higher than some other brands here, but Rouje uses such gorgeous high-quality fabrics, I think it’s worth it for special occasion pieces. Très chic!
Mango
For my Euro babes, Spanish fast fashion brand Mango is like Zara’s more romantic sister.
They have tons of whimsical blouses, wrap dresses, and printed midi skirts perfect for channeling your inner woodland sprite. Lots of smocked tops, square necklines, and tiered details that mirror the Selkie look.
And I’m obsessed with their selection of long flowy cardigans which are so perfect over all those ditsy floral dresses. The prices are super affordable too making Mango a great option if you’re on a tight budget but still want that ethereal look.
Topshop
Across the pond, Topshop is another great British brand for unfussy feminine pieces. They have an amazing selection of puff sleeve tops and smocked dresses at a range of price points.
I especially love their floral tea dresses and embroidered peasant blouses that capture the Selkie vibe so well.
Lots of their pieces are made from gauzy cotton and viscose perfect for staying cool on hot summer days. And they also have a ton of great accessories from dainty hair clips to romantic jewelry to complete your modern fairy look.
Realisation Par
Aussie brand Realisation Par makes the prettiest printed midi dresses and skirts that remind me soooo much of Selkie! Lots of their dresses, like the beloved Caroline or Ellsworth styles, have smocked bodices with exposed backs and puffy sleeves that deliver major romantic cottagecore vibes.
They use the dreamiest silks and satins that just float and billow beautifully. The floral patterns and colors are works of art.
Yes, the price point is higher but I think they are worth it for wedding guest dresses or honeymoon packing! Completely ethereal and magical.
Romy and the Bunnies
If the Selkie price tag makes you wanna cry, check out this LA based brand Romy and the Bunnies for similar vibes on a budget.
Their dresses all have smocked tops, puff sleeves, tiered skirts, darling florals – basically everything we love from Selkie at a fraction of the cost.
Lots of their pieces are under $100! Fabrics are lightweight and flowy rayon and viscose that won’t break the bank. Plus some of their dresses even have pockets – angels singing! Perfect to wear for a picnic in the park or date night this summer.
Lisa Says Gah
Quirky e-tailer Lisa Says Gah (the name kills me!!) has become massively popular for their playful dresses and matching sets.
Lots of wrap styles, milkmaid necklines, smocked details that channel the whimsy of Selkie. They use tons of breezy natural fibers like linen, cotton voile, and rayon that keep you cool in the heat. Plus so many fun prints like hearts, strawberries, and funky stripes that add a dose of youthful charm.
Price point is similar to Reformation I would say – not cheap but not crazy expensive either. I have my eye on a few of their puff sleeve midi dress that would be perfect for summer weddings and parties!
Torrid
Torrid makes incredibly gorgeous plus-size dresses perfect for curvy Selkie lovers. Their pieces range from sizes 10-30.
I’m obsessed with Torrid’s babydoll dresses like the Floral Lace Yoke Babydoll Dress. It has a smocked yoke with pretty floral lace fabric that flows into a swingy skirt. The Crochet Trim Babydoll Dress is also amazing with its off the shoulder neckline and tiers of crochet lace ruffles.
Torrid’s wrap dresses are so flattering too, like the Floral Print Faux Wrap Dress in dreamy watercolor blooms.
For all out romance, go for their maxi dresses like the Floral Print Tiered Maxi Dress. It has a smocked bodice and sleeves with sweeping skirt in the prettiest floral print. Most Torrid dresses run between $50-$100.
City Chic
This Aussie brand offers trendy yet affordable plus size clothing. Browse their dress selection for babydoll, wrap, and maxi styles with that whimsical Selkie vibe.
The Floral Square Neck Babydoll Dress has major Selkie energy with its smocked off shoulder neckline and short ruffled skirt.
I also love their printed wrap dresses like the Dark Floral Print Wrap Dress. It cinches the waist so nicely! For vacay romance, go for their relaxed maxi dresses like the Tropical Print Keyhole Maxi Dress in a bold palm print.
City Chic’s accessories are also amazing – I’m obsessed with their floppy sun hats! Most pieces are between $50-$150.
Eloquii
Eloquii designs trendy plus size clothing perfect for girls who love Selkie. They nail feminine details like puff sleeves, flutter sleeves, smocked yokes, and flowy skirts. The Puff Sleeve Floral Midi Dress screams romantic Selkie vibes.
I also adore their babydoll styles like the Floral Babydoll Mini Dress with its square neckline and ruffled hem. For plus size jumpsuits, go for the Off The Shoulder Ruffle Jumpsuit. It has major seventies boho energy! Most of their dresses and jumpsuits cost between $100-$200.
Kiyonna
Kiyonna makes figure flattering plus size dresses with that ethereal Selkie vibe. I love their wrap dress selection, like the Floral Print Faux Wrap Dress with its romantic spaghetti straps and ruffled skirt.
Their maxi dresses are heavenly too, like the Embroidered Mesh Inset Chiffon Maxi Dress. It features a sequin embroidered yoke with billowy sheer skirt. Kiyonna’s lace dresses and tops allow you to recreate that delicate Selkie look. Prices range from $100-$200.
Simply Be
This UK-based brand offers super affordable plus size clothing up to size 34. Browse their dresses for off shoulder, puff sleeve, smocked, and peasant styles channeling Selkie. The Floral Print Woven Cold Shoulder Swing Dress captures that free-spirited feel.
I also love their boho peasant tops like the Broderie Anglaise 3/4 Sleeve Peasant Top paired with a flowy skirt. Simply Be’s accessories complete the look – don’t forget the floppy hat! Most pieces cost between $20-$60.
Swak Designs
Swak Designs creates custom, made-to-order dresses perfect for plus size babes! They make a stunning Selkie alternative with options like the Marie Wrap Dress.
Choose your own fabric from lace to silky satin, along with customizable features like sleeve length, hemline, and more.
I also love their off the shoulder maxi dresses like the Martha Dress – the sweeping skirt is heavenly. While certainly an investment, Swak Designs dresses start around $200 and you get that one-of-a-kind piece!
