The Little White Dress (This Summer’s Style Guide)

You’ve heard of the little black dress, but you may not know the appeal of the little white dress. This summer staple can be dressed up or down, depending on what you wear it with. White dresses come in a variety of lengths and are available in sizes to suit every body type. Keep reading to learn more about our favorite white dresses and how to style them:

Mid-length White Dresses

The midi dress is a summer classic, especially when you choose one in solid white. You can also go for white with a delicate print or thin stripes for a touch of color. Either way, mid-length summer dresses are casual enough for backyard barbecues but can be dressed up for date night. Crinkle-knit midi dresses are a stylish choice for summer, as they have a laid-back beachy look and are made from light, breathable cotton.

Cotton jersey is another option when it comes to choosing a white midi dress. This fabric is also light and breathable, which is a must for hot summer days. The difference is its texture—it’s much smoother and silkier than crinkle cotton or cotton poplin. You can wear a white cotton jersey dress on its own or layer it with other pieces—such as jean jackets and summer sweaters—depending on the occasion.

Long White Dresses

There are also long white dresses for summer. Like midi dresses, they come in different styles and can be dressed up or down for casual and semi-formal events. Impart an on-trend cottagecore vibe into your wardrobe with a sleeveless white smocked cotton poplin dress in a mid-calf length. You can layer lightweight summer sweaters in soft pastels on top for evening wear, or you can opt for a floaty shawl in a lightweight fabric.

Some maxi dresses for women are tiered for a casual yet eye-catching summer look. There are different necklines, including round-neck dresses and wrap styles with universally flattering V-necks. Maxi dresses come in sleeveless and short-sleeve styles to suit your fashion preferences.

White Cover-up Dresses

If you’re headed to the pool or beach, white cover-up dresses are a good option for sun protection and style. Rash-guard cover-ups come in many styles and colors, and they provide UPF 50+ for covered areas. Slip a white cover-up dress over your swimsuit to visit a café or concession stand or simply lounge on your beach towel after swimming. Beach cover-ups are made from light, fast-drying fabrics such as polyester and spandex and come in all sizes. If you want a monochromatic look, opt for a white swimsuit to match your cover-up dress. You can also choose striped, dotted, and floral-motif one-piece swimsuits and tankinis.

Sweaters and Jackets

Both mid-length dresses and maxi dresses for women can be topped with a cardigan sweater for wear on cool evenings or in air-conditioned buildings. Summer cardigans made from Supima cotton are a light, easy-to-layer option and machine washable. White dresses go with virtually any other color, so you can choose a cardigan in almost any color or print.

Speaking of Supima cotton, it happens to be an all-around excellent fabric for dresses, sweaters, and women’s T-shirts. There are Supima cotton bath towels and sheets, too. The appeal is this cotton species’ long-staple fiber, which is colorfast even through repeated washings and twice as durable as regular cotton.

Another option for an evening walk on the beach or date night in an air-conditioned movie theater is the denim jacket. Jean jackets have a retro-inspired appeal that never went out of style and come in various washes and fits. Wear one over a midi or maxi dress for casual flair and a light layer of warmth.

Accessories and Shoes

White dresses are a perfect canvas for accessories and shoes. You can create a myriad of looks with a single dress, and the fashion possibilities are almost unlimited. If you like a boho-inspired look, pair natural-fiber wedge sandals and beaded jewelry—like a trio of beaded necklaces or a stack of bracelets. For an upscale style, wear a white dress with white heeled shoes or ballet flats and finish the look with gold-tone jewelry. Fashion scarves can be worn in lieu of a necklace for Parisian flair, or you can tie one in your hair for a vintage aesthetic.

As with accessories, there are plenty of footwear options to pair with a white summer dress. For beach wear, water shoes or flip-flops are a must-have. As mentioned, women’s sandals are fashionable for lunch, shopping, date night, or any other semi-dressy occasion. If you want a casual look, canvas sneakers or slip-on styles fit the bill. You can wear virtually almost any shoe style with a white summer dress, so play around with different dress, accessory, and footwear combinations to find your favorite looks.