One of my favorite, most quintessential pieces for summer is a gorgeous white summer dress. Whether it’s a casual dress, special occasion dress, maxi dress or white sundress—this crisp clean color stands out and is a classic every single year.
This year, I snagged a new maxi dress that I absolutely love. It’s made in the softest gauze material and fits like a dream. What I love about it is that I can easily wear it to a casual lunch or coffee with friends by pairing it with sandals or espadrilles, or dress it up with some heels or wedges for a night out.
Either way, a white dress is a must-have in every casual wardrobe because it’s timeless and versatile and so easy to throw on in a pinch and works for so many situations from daily wear to more formal occasions.
Styles of White Dresses
There are several different white dress styles, so when picking one, make sure it works with your own personal style and is something that you can wear in multiple situations. Sleeveless, strapless or a dress with sleeves—and lengths—there’s several options! Personally, I love to be able to style any piece in my closet multiple ways, so I always make sure I really love the cute on me and can see myself wearing it a number of different ways.
Short White Dresses
When I say short, I don’t mean crazy short, just above the knee. Short white dresses are a must-have for summer. They’re fresh, flirty and so fun for a bunch of different occasions. Whether you’re attending a summer celebration, headed to the beach or just strolling through the city streets, a white mini dress or shift dress is a versatile and stylish option.
The lightweight and breathable fabric of a flowy dress makes them ideal for hot weather, while white helps keep you cooler than a black dress would. It’s simple, classic and sophisticated.
When styling shorter dress styles, I like to make sure I balance out the proportions with footwear and accessories. For shorter dresses, I typically opt for flats or low heels, but a higher heel works too. I’d avoid really high heels with much shorter styles.
Midi White Dresses
A midi dress is one of my favorite lengths for any color of dress—it’s more modest, but so feminine, breezy and beautiful.
A white midi dress is perfect for summer because it’s light and airy and made with flowy fabrics. Pair it with sandals and a straw hat for a perfect summer look.
Long or Maxi White Dresses
Lastly, but not least, one of my favorites—a white maxi dress. The one I’m wearing here has a bit of a boho, coastal vibe to it that I love. It feels so effortless and has quickly become a favorite since it arrived.
Long dresses are flowy and breathable so you can keep cool in the heat. I like syling mine with strappy sandals and a wide-brim hat for a laid-back look for a backyard party, or dress it up with wedges and statement earrings for a summer soirée.
How to Wear White Summer Dresses
Everyday Casual Outfits
A white casual dress is perfect dress for summertime for so many occasions, many of them casual gatherings. You can throw one on for pickups at camp, meeting a friend for coffee, a lunch or a laid back summer backyard bbq. A simple summer dress is the perfect way to stay cool and look stylish any day of the week.
Work Outfits
Styling a white dress for work can be effortlessly chic and professional. To achieve a polished look for the office, try layering a blazer or denim jacket over your casual work dress. A structured blazer adds a touch of sophistication and can instantly elevate your outfit for the office.
Opt for a slightly oversized blazer in a neutral color like blue or a creamy tan linen for a lightweight summer look that’s feels elegant and refined and a little preppy.
Alternatively, a denim jacket can bring a more relaxed and casual vibe to your white dress, perfect for a creative or casual work environment. Pair your layered look with sandals or sneakers and minimal jewelry for a stylish and work-appropriate outfit that is both versatile and fashionable.
Night Out
Whether you’re wearing a chic cocktail dress or a girly dress with a puff sleeve, a white backless dress can be the perfect piece for a night out. Any of the above styles would work for totally different vibes!
What Accessories Wear with White Dresses
One thing I absolutely love about a crisp white dress, or even a beige dress, is that it’s a blank canvas when it comes to accessories—you can stick with neutrals for an elevated, elegant look or go wild with colors to give it a fun, beachy or coastal vibe, or do a little of both!
These tips below also work well for other summer colors like solid green dresses, pink dresses or blue dresses.
Footwear
Personally, I’m in a phase of life where I love a good flat or a low heel. As a mom, comfort is often key and super high heels are just not where my head is at. I rounded up some favorite sandals, espadrilles, sneakers and flats that will fit so many different styles.
Jewelry
For a white dress, consider pairing it with dainty gold jewelry for a classic and elegant look. Alternatively, opt for statement jewels to add a touch of glamour, or colorful pieces to bring a fun and playful vibe to your outfit. While I’m normally stick with neutrals and wear gold jewelry, I’ve been grabbing some more colorful pieces this summer and loving how they had a cheerful and playful look to my outfit.
Handbags
For a perfect summer look with a summer dress, pair it with a straw or rattan bag for a beachy vibe, or opt for a small leather crossbody bag for a chic and casual ensemble. The natural textures of these handbags complement the simplicity and elegance of a white summer dress.
Sunglasses
Lastly, adding a pair of sunglasses can complete the look. Opt for a classic neutral pair in a unique shape or try a fun colored pair for something totally different and fun!
BTW, the 5 best white sneakers to wear with dresses, and chic white pants outfit to try this season.
