5+ White Dress Outfit Ideas for the Summer
It's not Summer until you've sported a white dress! Summer has become synonymous with being the season for dresses, and that is especially true for white dresses. As the weather gets warmer, lighter and brighter colors take center stage. This change is not just driven by trends, but it also has a scientific reason behind it. In fact, white reflects the sunrays rather than absorbing them like black does. This means that white clothing is the better option for keeping cool in hot weather. So it makes sense that white dresses be considered by a lot of us a Summer wardrobe staple.
White dresses come in many different styles and materials, and can be worn for casual feats as well as formal occasions. From eyelet cotton to linen, and maxi dresses to midi dresses and even mini dresses, you're sure to find a white dress that suits your sartorial preferences and checks your style needs. Here are some Summer outfits featuring white dresses to inspire you to build this staple into your seasonal wardrobe.
1. A White Eyelet Maxi Dress
Maxi dresses exude both a classy and trendy vibe, making them a versatile choice along the entire fashion spectrum. This white maxi eyelet dress is breathable and comes with a flirty off-shoulder neckline and tiered skirt. I like to wear eyelet for casual outdoor events as a picnic dress outfit, or a day-at-the-beach dress outfit, or even a comfortable lunch-on-the-patio dress outfit. For this look, I styled the dress with a wide natural raffia belt, raffia flat slides, and a large straw tote. This is a casual yet sophisticated dress outfit that is appropriate for a variety of settings.
2. A White Linen Halter Dress
I love linen anything, from pants to shirts to blazers and dresses. Linen is a light and comfortable fabric that is practical for the hot season. It is also a sustainable fabric, more so than cotton, making it a great choice for an environment-friendly lifestyle. This white midi linen dress is the way to go for a chic and effortless Summer outfit. I love that it comes with an assorted sash belt for a polished touch. I also love the halter design which creates a flattering silhouette by accentuating the shoulders and drawing attention to the neckline and collarbones.
I styled this Mango dress with a large black leather tote and my new Steve Madden studded pointed flats for a relaxed yet edgy weekend look. This halter dress can also be paired with sneakers for a sporty chic outfit perfect for a shopping spree at your favorite outdoor mall, or for visiting your local farmers' market.
3. A White Sleeveless Maxi Dress
The good thing about white dresses is that they can make an impact without being complicated. To rock this seasonal staple while still achieving minimalist style, you can opt for a sleeveless maxi dress with clean lines. This one features a sharp square neck that elegantly balances the flowy cut. Pairing it with white pointed-toe heels creates an effortless monochromatic look that is fitting for both casual and formal events.
Shop a similar maxi square neck white dress here.
4. A White Puff Sleeve Maxi Dress
Puff sleeves are always a good idea when it comes to dresses! They are feminine, distinctive and ooze a confident vibe. This white maxi dress is a Summer doozy with statement puff sleeves and a trendy cut-out detail. Pairing it with brown flat sandals makes for an effortless and chic casual outfit that is perfect for Sunday brunch and wine tasting parties. For an elevated look, you could swap the flat sandals with strappy heeled sandals for a wedding-guest-ready dress outfit.
Shop a similar puff-sleeve dress here.
5. A White Slip Dress
Slip dresses were more of a trendy item a few years ago but have evolved to become a year-round closet staple. Slip dresses are usually made of a silk-like fabric which gives them a dressier vibe than cotton or linen dresses. The great thing about slip dresses is that they offer plenty of versatility. You could wear them on their own, or layer them with a blazer, a cardi or a jacket.
This monochrome slip dress outfit with cap-toe shoes and a pearl choker is one that is appropriate for formal events such as a wedding reception, or date night, or even a girl's night out adventure. For more of a casual vibe, you could swap the dressy shoes for flat sandals, and throw on a denim jacket.
Shop similar white dress, shop another similar white dress here.
6. A White Ruffled Lace Dress
Brides are not the only ones who can indulge in intricate white dresses! Even if you're not headed to the altar during the Summer, you can certainly venture into couture territory with a white dress that's full of sartorial peculiarities.
Broderie anglaise lace patterns, puff sleeves, ruffles, button-down closure, and sash belt all come together on this white dress to give it distinctive style. I wore this custom-ordered piece with black heels as a dressy daytime outfit for a cocktail party. It fitted the mood while creating alluring contrast with the crowd's attires. The benefit of such a dress is that it has enough personality to not require heavy accessorizing. A maximalist style like this one also gives off vintage classic vibes, and is more versatile than we think.
