Switch your tried and true little black dress for a modern little white dress.

White dresses for Summer

When it comes to summer fashion, nothing exudes fresh elegance quite like a white dress. Versatile, timeless, and endlessly chic, a white summer dress is a wardrobe staple that easily captures the essence of the season.

From casual outings to formal soirĂŠes, we have curated a list of 26 stunning white dresses that cater to every occasion. Prepare to embrace the summer heat in style and radiate an air of effortless sophistication.

This summer, instead of reaching for your staple floral dress during the day or LBD in the evening, brighten up your summer wardrobe with some white dresses.

RELATED: 14 Best White Beach Dresses with Styling Tips

Photo by Elise Wilcox

The Options

The best white summer dresses come in a variety of styles and materials: your tried and true midis and maxis, cool linens, retro minis, fun cut out styles—and the vacation favorite—beach dresses.

The Right White Color?

White not your color? Try experimenting with different shades of white, like ivory, off-white, eggshell, cream, snow, porcelain… the list goes on.

If you have a warm and rich skin tone or complexion, start with warmer shades like off-white. And for lighter skin tones or blue undertones, lean into pure whites like snowy or cool ice whites.

RELATED: 24 Best White Midi Dresses with Styling Tip

Shop the best white dresses in every length and style whether it be for day or evening, the beach or the office.

Our Top Picks

Best White Work Dress

1.

Banana Republic Giulia Midi Sweater Dress

Shop Now at Banana Republic

We know, a sweater dress in the summer. But hear us out, Lenzing™ Ecovero™, an eco-responsible viscose, is a breathable and lightweight fabric with excellent moisture regulation making it a great choice for warmer weather. 

Plus the chic mock neck and midi dress length will give you the right amount of cozy office style and a commute that won’t overheat you.

Material: 50% Lenzing™ Ecovero™ (viscose), 27% polyester, 23% nylon

Sizes: XXS-XXL

Best White Cocktail Dress

2.

One Shoulder Ruched Bodycon Dresses Perfect Round Toe Pump 70

Shop Now at Amazon

A white cocktail dress under $50 with over 2,500 five-star reviews is hard to beat! A one-shoulder silhouette lets you show off your tan without feeling too exposed. 

The ultra-flattering ruched waist in the white stretch material makes this asymmetrical dress ideal for many different heights and body types. We promise it’ll quickly become your new favorite cocktail dress all year long.

According to reviewers “it’s unlined but doable if you choose the correct undergarments,” some opting to wear Spanx underneath to create an hourglass shape.

Material: 60% viscose, 30% nylon, 10% spandex

Sizes: S-XL

Best White Midi Dress

3.

La Ligne Sofia Dress

Shop Now at M.Gemi

With so many styles out there it can be hard to pick just one, but La Ligne has solved that problem with its Sofia Dress.

Featuring a tiered midi skirt with pockets and a structured front bodice with smocking in the back to ensure the perfect fit, this is already the white dress of our dreams.

But the icing on the cake? Those gorgeous puff sleeves are removable.

Material: 50% linen, 50% viscose; lining 1: 100% cotton; lining 2: 100% polyester

Sizes: XS-XL

Helpful Tip! Pair this midi with or without sleeves with sneakers or slides and a loose breezy summer ponytail for a laid-back style or opt for heels and statement earrings for a chic dinner look.

Best White Wrap Dress

4.

& Other Stories Linen Wrap Midi Dress

Shop Now at & Other Stories

Linen is easily one of the best fabrics when it’s hot and humid. It provides top-notch ventilation and moisture management making this white linen dress breathable, comfortable, and chic. 

Flattering and versatile, the wrap dress is a must-have for every summer wardrobe. Opt for a white wrap dress in a lightweight fabric, such as cotton or linen, to keep cool on hot days.

This dress can effortlessly take you from a beachside picnic to a sunset cocktail party.

Material: linen

Sizes: 0-12

The Contemporary Cut Out

5.

Cult Gaia Cameron Knit Midi Dress

Shop Now at Revolve

For those seeking a modern twist, choose a white dress with trendy cut-out details. Cult Gaia’s popular dress gives a sexy yet refined look with cut-out sides, a high neck, and knotted front.

The rib knit jersey fabric delivers an eye-catching texture in a figure-flattering and simultaneously laid-back way.

Material: 100% viscose

Sizes: XS-L

Helpful Tip! If you’re shopping for cut outs, look for ones that accentuate your favorite features to feel the most confident in this trend.

Best White Beach Dress

6.

Hill House Home The Athena Nap Dress

Shop Now at M.Gemi

Hill House Home’s Nap Dresses are also perfect for easy summer dressing! 

The effortless cotton Swiss Dot, smocking details, and fashionable puff sleeves make it a versatile white dress, whether you’re throwing over a swimsuit or wearing it to a romantic dinner.

The shorter skirt length is perfect for petite shoppers: “I am 5’2″ and the length is perfect. I can dress… down with sneakers or up with espadrilles.”

And it’s machine washable, so if you’re a carry-on-only girl, it’s a must-pack for your next vacation.

Material: 100% cotton

Sizes: XXS-2XL

Best White Shirt Dress

7.

Banana Republic Rhyah Poplin Mini Dress

Shop Now at Banana Republic

A breezy, billowy yet classically tailored shirt dress is perfect if you’re looking for the white dress that can do it all, from work to picnics and everything in between. It all comes down to the styling. 

And reviewers also love the dress’ versatility, wearing it for Easter, work dinners, and shopping: “This cotton dress has great style. It has a fuller fit but it’s great for summertime activities… all of them!

Material: cotton

Sizes: XS-XL

Helpful Tip! Head to the park with Fido in white sneakers and an oversized sun hat. Or try a pair of strappy sandals for the perfect laid-back happy hour look.

Best Retro White Dress

8.

Lisa Marie Fernandez Scallop Trim Cotton PiquĂŠ Minidress

Shop Now at Nordstrom

Calling all mods! Lisa Marie Fernandez’s dress calls back to the ’60s in all the best ways: the A-line silhouette, oversized buttons, and scalloped edge. 

The white textured cotton piqué gives the design an eye-catching detail that adds a resort-vibe elegance. Lean fully into the ’60s style and pair it with Mary Janes with a small kitten heel.

Material: 100% cotton

Sizes: 1-4

Helpful Tip! Choosing a classic silhouette is the best way to experiment with short hemlines. 

Best White Maxi Dress

9.

Staud Landry Dress

Shop Now at Saks Fifth Avenue

Corsets are having a moment right now, from the underwear-as-outerwear trend and the ’90s revival.

For those looking to dip their toes into the style, Staud’s maxi dress has a bustier-style top with formed cups and a smocked bodice that delivers on fashion and comfort. 

The long maxi skirt, sweetheart neckline, and tie straps are the perfect compliment to the bodice, making this white maxi dress a fun and flirty option for your next stroll on the beach.

Material: 98% cotton, 2% spandex

Sizes: XS-XL

Helpful Tip! If you don’t love the tiny straps, try adding a T-shirt underneath.

Best White Mini Dress

10.

Reformation Jessi Linen Dress

Shop Now at Reformation

We love a dress that you can throw on and go in the mornings, especially one that makes you feel instantly pulled together and this relaxed dress is no exception. 

For an edgier take, pair it with platform Dr. Marten sandals, or for a more casual cool look, opt for your best pair of white platform sneakers.

Material:100% linen

Sizes: 0-12

Helpful Tip! Opt for a pair of cotton leggings or low-denier tights for a fun way to add a pop of color and feel like there’s less on show.

Best White Eyelet Dress

11.

J.Crew Ruffleneck Mini Dress in Eyelet

Shop Now at J.Crew

Spring has sprung with this dainty eyelet number from J.Crew. And don’t worry about overheating, this all cotton white dress will do its best to keep you cool.

After all, no collection of white dresses is complete without an eyelet dress.

Material:100% Cotton

Sizes: XXS-3X

Helpful Tip! Long sleeves are a great way to rock a shorter length without forgoing coverage.

Best Bridal White Dress

12.

Reformation Enza Dress

Shop Now at Reformation

Reformation has made a name for itself amongst wedding guests with its flattering and sustainable dresses. So consider this sweet white dress for a bride-to-be. 

Whether you’re looking for a fun engagement party or reception dress, this mini dress is perfectly romantic.

The adjustable ribbon shoulder ties paired with the ruched bubble skirt make this a great option for a bride.

Material: 96% organically grown cotton, 4% spandex

Sizes: 0-12

Best Crochet White Dress

13.

Wilfred Ephron Dress

Shop Now at Aritzia

There’s something alluring about the bohemian vintage look of a crochet dress. The neutral shade makes it feel more refined and less daunting than a little black crochet dress which elevates your everyday look.

If you’re looking for everyday wear, opt for a slip dress underneath. You can also add a white t-shirt for a more layered style. 

Material: 100% cotton

Sizes: XXS-XL

Helpful Tip! As a heads up, reviews say the dress runs large, so we recommend sizing down.

Best White Sheath Dress

14.

Dress The Population Nicole Sweetheart Neck Cocktail Dress

Shop Now at Nordstrom

Dress the Population knows what they’re doing, designing fashionable and high-quality evening wear for modern women. 

The design details, like the slit in the back, let this dress hug you in all the right places. 

Reviewers have worn this classic piece to cocktail hours and birthday parties, and even to their own wedding ceremonies!

Material: 97% polyester, 3% spandex

Sizes: XXS-XXL

How to Style A White Dress?

A white dress is a blank canvas that lets your personal style shine. Whether you prefer bright pops of color, neutral accessories, glam metallics, or a classic red lip, the possibilities are endless.

If you prefer to layer and accessorize, stick with a tailored white sheath dress  (unless you’re a maximalist!).

If you want to let the sweet and romantic vibes be the center of your outfit, opt for a dress with a stand-out detail: like a crochet or eyelet dress, or even one with full sleeves and a billowing maxi skirt.

White Flowy Dress

White Mini Dress

Style Tip: when and where to wear a white dress

White isn’t just reserved for beach or summer picnics, they’re available in endless silhouettes for every occasion.

White cotton shirt dresses are perfect for a day at work to dinner and drinks al fresco. Go bold with a white cut out dress for a night out or try a retro dress for your BFF’s birthday brunch.

What to Look for

Material: Opt for breezy cotton and linen white dresses for summertime. Or for a sleek (and breathable) office dress, look for viscose.

Fit: Lots of white summer dresses are flowy, meaning they have a looser fit. But if you prefer something more fitted, there are still plenty of options, from entirely body-conscious silhouettes with cut outs to fitted bodices. 

Size: Stick with your usual size, unless the reviews say otherwise! You could potentially size up if you wanted to fully embrace the romantic flowing look.

Pro Tip 😎

If you’re worried about stains, apply makeup after putting on your white dress and carry a stain remover pen in your purse to treat any spots ASAP.

While white dresses are obviously great for the summertime, they also make fantastic transitional looks by adding a chunky sweater and combat boots. Add a white dress to your wardrobe for an all-season staple.

FAQ

What color shoes to wear with a white dress?

That’s the best thing about white dresses, anything goes! If you’re looking for a monochrome look (hello summertime White Parties!), opt for white heels. Or if you want to add some color, wear your go-to summer shoes, be it platform sneakers or strappy sandals.

Is a white dress good for a night party?

A white dress is the perfect unexpected color for a nighttime bash. A white sheath or cocktail dress will give you the same fun going out look as a darker color dress. 

When should I wear a white dress?

They’re appropriate for year-round wear. While styling them in spring and summer feels like second nature, add a pair of tights, statement boots, and a statement jacket in the fall and winter.

RELATED

14 Best White Beach Dresses with Styling Tips

Best White Maxi Dresses with Styling Tips

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