The Budget Bambino

What: This lovely skirt makes dressing up feel more like playing dress-up.

What we say: JCrew CrewCuts’ Girls’ Silk Posy Pouf Skirt is positively pretty with its shimmering, yarn-dyed silk, tulle underskirt, and fun flower appliqués. But the price--$129.99 (on sale from $228!)—kinda ruins it for us. Here are some more wallet-friendly alternatives for gorgeous dressy skirts that provide the same fun and flounce. (Perfect for birthday parties or even the holidays as an alternative to the standard dress.)

GapKids has a cute taffeta party skirt ($29.50) that comes in both Russian red or true black. Like the CrewCuts skirt, this one features a tulle underskirt, however, this one peaks out about two inches, creating a layered look.

This animal print tiered skirt from The Children’s Place ($8.99) is more on the wild side. Made of cotton corduroy, this one is a pull-on style has a fully elasticized waist for easy dressing, and is topped off by a cute (non-functional) bow at the waist.

For a more casual skirt look, we like L.L. Bean’s Polka Dot Winterscape Skirt ($26.50). Its rich chocolate brown color is perfectly accented with pale blue dots and tiered ribbon trim.