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
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 stylesâand the vacation favoriteâbeach 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
We know, a sweater dress in the summer. But hear us out, Lenzing⢠Ecoveroâ˘, an eco-responsible viscose, is a breathable and lightweight fabric with excellent moisture regulation making it a great choice for warmer weather.Â
Plus the chic mock neck and midi dress length will give you the right amount of cozy office style and a commute that wonât overheat you.
Material: 50% Lenzing⢠Ecovero⢠(viscose), 27% polyester, 23% nylon
Sizes: XXS-XXL
Best White Cocktail Dress
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.Â
The ultra-flattering ruched waist in the white stretch material makes this asymmetrical dress ideal for many different heights and body types. We promise itâll quickly become your new favorite cocktail dress all year long.
According to reviewers âitâs unlined but doable if you choose the correct undergarments,â 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
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
Linen is easily one of the best fabrics when itâs hot and humid. It provides top-notch ventilation and moisture management making this white linen dress breathable, comfortable, and chic.Â
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
For those seeking a modern twist, choose a white dress with trendy cut-out details. Cult Gaiaâs 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 youâre shopping for cut outs, look for ones that accentuate your favorite features to feel the most confident in this trend.
Best White Beach Dress
Hill House Homeâs Nap Dresses are also perfect for easy summer dressing!Â
The effortless cotton Swiss Dot, smocking details, and fashionable puff sleeves make it a versatile white dress, whether youâre throwing over a swimsuit or wearing it to a romantic dinner.
The shorter skirt length is perfect for petite shoppers: âI am 5â2âł and the length is perfect. I can dress⌠down with sneakers or up with espadrilles.â
And itâs machine washable, so if youâre a carry-on-only girl, itâs a must-pack for your next vacation.
Material: 100% cotton
Sizes: XXS-2XL
Best White Shirt Dress
A breezy, billowy yet classically tailored shirt dress is perfect if youâre 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.Â
And reviewers also love the dressâ versatility, wearing it for Easter, work dinners, and shopping: âThis cotton dress has great style. It has a fuller fit but itâs 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
Calling all mods! Lisa Marie Fernandezâs dress calls back to the â60s in all the best ways: the A-line silhouette, oversized buttons, and scalloped edge.Â
The white textured cotton piquĂŠ gives the design an eye-catching detail that adds a resort-vibe elegance. Lean fully into the â60s 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.Â
Best White Maxi Dress
Corsets are having a moment right now, from the underwear-as-outerwear trend and the â90s revival.
For those looking to dip their toes into the style, Staudâs maxi dress has a bustier-style top with formed cups and a smocked bodice that delivers on fashion and comfort.Â
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 donât love the tiny straps, try adding a T-shirt underneath.
Best White Mini Dress
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.Â
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 thereâs less on show.
Best White Eyelet Dress
Spring has sprung with this dainty eyelet number from J.Crew. And donât 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
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.Â
Whether youâre 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
Thereâs 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 youâre looking for everyday wear, opt for a slip dress underneath. You can also add a white t-shirt for a more layered style.Â
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
Dress the Population knows what theyâre doing, designing fashionable and high-quality evening wear for modern women.Â
The design details, like the slit in the back, let this dress hug you in all the right places.Â
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 youâre 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 isnât just reserved for beach or summer picnics, theyâre 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 BFFâs 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 đ
If youâre 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?
Thatâs the best thing about white dresses, anything goes! If youâre 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?
Theyâre 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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