White summer dress quick picks
Lightweight linen white summer dress: Quince 100% European Linen Scoopneck Midi Dress
Crisp cotton white summer dress: The Drop Ilana Poplin Maxi Dress
Sweat-wicking athleisure white summer dress: Old Navy PowerSoft Half-Zip Athletic Dress
“There’s something?iconic?about a breezy white dress in summer … it just feels right,” says?Allison Berlin, stylist and founder of?Style Made Simple. And we wholeheartedly agree: The appeal of a white dress for your summer wardrobe is seemingly endless. Whether an airy midi dress for the beach, romantic minidress for date night or a crisp shirtdress for the office, these styles all look clean and fresh when in white.
Now that we’re halfway through the season, it’s high time to add a white dress into your rotation. And don’t worry: The “don’t wear white after Labor Day” policy was a rule made to be broken.
How to choose a white summer dress
“The versatility of a white dress makes it a timeless piece that can be styled for various occasions,” says Stitch Fix stylist Ashley Brevig. For summer, you’ll want to factor in the weather and opt for a lightweight material. Berlin and Cindy Conroy, celebrity stylist and TV personality, call out linen and cotton, which are best for staying cool in the summer.
To that point, Brevig shares that 60% of Stitch Fix stylists?say women are prioritizing linen for their vacation wardrobes, and it “makes white dresses even more appealing due to the fabric’s breathability and natural texture.”
As for trending styles, Emmy-winning TV host and style expert?Lilliana Vazquez notes that whimsical milkmaid dresses and corset bodices are having a moment. “They both?combine vintage charm with modern sophistication,” she says. We’re also seeing a lot of preppy styles like collared shirtdresses and roomy, relaxed silhouettes to carry on a fresh take on the nap dress trend.
Of course, white is statement-worthy in itself. “One of the biggest trends is the return of foundational colors like black and white,” Conroy says. “It was echoed by so many designers on the runways. So, if you’ve been dreaming of white dresses, this is your sign to go for it.”
Best white summer dresses
"This white dress features a fitted bodice and a full skirt, creating a classic and feminine silhouette that's perfect for any occasion," Vazquez says. The milkmaid-inspired look comes in 100% linen, which is lightweight and perfect for summer.
For a sporty look, this sleeveless exercise dress is a top choice. It's made with a sweat-wicking fabric that's perfect for staying cool, whether you're hitting the tennis court or just jaunting around town.
Conroy loves the romantic details on this linen midi dress, which she describes as "very approachable but elevated." Perfect for a summer date, it features bows on the straps and a figure-skimming silhouette. It'll look just as cute with sneakers as it does with a pair of espadrilles.
"This dress combines timeless elegance with a contemporary cut, featuring a flattering silhouette and a chic neckline for a polished look," Vazquez says.
For a similar style but in a much shorter cut, she also loves this minidress from Helsa.
An elegant option for a summer soirée, this dress highlights an understated elegance, Conroy says. The halter neckline has a chain detail that gives it an edge and makes it easy to coordinate with metallic jewelry. "Plus, it’s serving a back moment, so it’s hitting all of the numbers, truly allowing you to shine," she adds.
You can't go wrong with a relaxed midi dress, especially when it's outfitted with pockets. Berlin especially likes this summer dress from Amazon since it's made with a crisp and cool cotton poplin.
"The lace, scalloped neckline and sleeves sends my heart aflutter," Conroy says of this sweet minidress. "It plays up the femininity of the linen. It’s delicate, playful and fresh."
Brevig says this collared dress serves a pop of prep. "This style is perfect to take from work to happy hour with its chic style," she says. Pair it with ballet flats to double down on the preppy look, or go with some comfortable sandals to get you through the day.
"This quintessential shirtdress works hard because it seamlessly goes from day to evening and is the classic summer staple," Berlin says. You can easily achieve a resort-ready look by pairing it with a raffia handbag and strappy sandals.
Perfectly minimal, this linen dress is easygoing and effortless to style. It has a fitted bust and relaxed skirt (with pockets!), along with adjustable straps and a smocked back for a comfortable fit.
"I love this dress on a hot day because it is chic and made of linen to keep you cool," Berlin says. "The straps convert to a cross back style, and this clean look goes with just about everything."
A style that we can picture wearing year-round, this white dress has a flattering cut and modest look that can easily take you from work to play. Add a blazer on top for a professional look or pile on some statement accessories for cocktail hour.
"This off-white dress combines practicality and style with its relaxed fit, tie waist and multiple pockets," Brevig says. "The lightweight fabric and button-front closure make it a versatile piece for casual outings and pairs perfectly with sandals or sneakers."
There are plenty of summer dresses in this style, but Brevig especially loves this one. "The smocked bodice and ruffled sleeves add a feminine touch, while the drawstring waist and cotton fabric keep things relaxed and easy for everyday wear," she says. "The ... length is perfect for highlighting your favorite shoes too!"
Sweet and romantic, this is the definition of a Little White Dress. The style is bursting with charm, thanks to a 100% cotton Broderie Anglaise fabrication, empire waist and grosgrain bow.
A dress that's just right for your day-to-day, this casual pick is made with a thicker linen for a touch of structure. The puff sleeves and oversized cut add volume without veering overly feminine.
"I love this dress for its versatility — it works as a femme prairie dress, on a beach day or for a day out with friends or family," Berlin says. The off-the-shoulder cut is a particularly chic style for summer.
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A breezy silhouette and cotton poplin make this minidress an ideal pick for summer. Don't forget to accessorize with a statement necklace or earrings to show off the V-neckline.
