Pete Spots for a Barbecue-Ready Look
Buying a barbecue dress can be harder than it looks because the outfit has to balance style, comfort, and a little smoke resistance. You want something cute enough for compliments but casual enough for chasing runaway corn on the cob. The right dress should also handle heat without turning you into a human hot dog. Finding that sweet spot can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack—or a steak in a salad bar. Fortunately, St. Petersburg has plenty of places where you can dress to impress without getting your wardrobe in a pickle.
The prices below are estimated average prices for casual dresses that would work well at a barbecue, cookout, picnic, or patio gathering. Prices can change with sales, seasons, and availability, so check each store’s website before you fire up the shopping trip.
## 1. Dillard’s
Located at Tyrone Square, [Dillard’s](https://www.dillards.com/) offers a wide range of sundresses, midi dresses, and easy-breezy styles. Expect an average price of about **$95 per dress**, making this a good place to find a polished look that really brings home the bacon. Look for cotton blends, washable fabrics, and relaxed silhouettes that leave room for seconds.
## 2. JCPenney
[JCPenney](https://www.jcpenney.com/) at Tyrone Square is a solid choice for affordable casual dresses from brands such as Worthington and St. John’s Bay. The average price is around **$50**, so your budget won’t get roasted. Their selection often includes floral prints, fit-and-flare shapes, and casual maxi dresses suited to a backyard gathering.
## 3. Old Navy
For cheerful colors, simple silhouettes, and frequent promotions, check out [Old Navy](https://oldnavy.gap.com/). Dresses generally average about **$40**, which is a pretty great deal—no need to grill your wallet. Their cotton-blend sundresses and jersey styles are especially useful when you want something comfortable enough for lawn games and dessert runs.
## 4. Target
[Target](https://www.target.com/) has several St. Petersburg locations and usually carries affordable seasonal dresses from brands such as A New Day and Wild Fable. Plan on an average price of about **$30**, meaning you can keep your shopping spree from becoming a financial flameout. Look for breathable fabrics, playful prints, and machine-washable options.
## 5. Ross Dress for Less
[Ross Dress for Less](https://www.rossstores.com/) is ideal for bargain hunters who enjoy a little fashion treasure hunt. Casual dresses typically average around **$25**, so you can snag a smoky-good deal without burning through your budget. Inventory changes quickly, but that also means each visit can reveal a fresh batch of summer dresses and lightweight styles.
## 6. T.J. Maxx
At [T.J. Maxx](https://www.tjmaxx.com/), shoppers can often find name-brand dresses at discounted prices. The average barbecue-ready dress costs about **$35**, which is a steal that deserves a standing ovation—or at least a round of applause before the applause turns into sauce. Search the women’s dress section for linen blends, sleeveless midi dresses, and casual wrap styles.
## 7. Marshalls
[Marshalls](https://www.marshalls.com/) is another good option for discounted dresses, including brands that might cost considerably more elsewhere. The average price is approximately **$35**, so the savings are anything but half-baked. Because stock varies by location, visit early in the season if you want the best selection of lightweight dresses and warm-weather prints.
## 8. Burlington
[Burlington](https://www.burlington.com/) offers budget-friendly women’s clothing and often carries dresses in the **$20–;$45** range, with an estimated average of **$30**. That price is sizzling without being too spicy for your bank account. Its selection can include casual maxis, sundresses, and easy pull-on styles that work well for an outdoor barbecue.
## 9. Chico’s
For a more refined barbecue look, browse [Chico’s](https://www.chicos.com/), which has St. Petersburg-area locations and specializes in comfortable, polished clothing. Dresses average about **$85**, so this is where your wardrobe can truly bring the house down. Look for wrinkle-resistant fabrics, flattering prints, and silhouettes that transition smoothly from the grill to dinner afterward.
## 10. Misred Outfitters
St. Petersburg boutique [Misred Outfitters](https://misredoutfitters.com/) is worth visiting if you want a distinctive look from a local retailer. Its dresses generally average around **$75**, giving you a stylish way to turn up the heat without looking like you wandered straight out of the barbecue pit. Expect trend-forward cuts, colorful patterns, and accessories that can add a little extra sizzle.
Before heading out, check each store’s website for current hours, local availability, and promotions. With the right breathable fabric and a comfortable cut, you’ll be ready to relish the afternoon without letting the heat—or the barbecue sauce—steal the show.