Fashion decrees that everyone should consider owning a little black dress, but there’s an equally viable case to be made for the little white dress. Not that it has to be little (especially if you’re wearing your LWD in the city rather than at the beach), but as long as it’s crisp and bright white, then you’re good to go. There’s just something unapologetically summer-like and optimistic about this shade, be it lacy and whimsical or linen and minimalist. What’s more, the basic warm-weather staple was a pretty big deal on the S/S 23 runways.
“Much like the majority of the new-season collections, here we have another summer staple, but one that designers have reimagined in line with the ‘keep it simple but never boring’ mantra,” says Who What Wear UK’s affiliate editor Emily Dawes. Below, you’ll find an edit of the best white dresses to invest in now that’ll see you through the summer. Before that, however, feast your eyes on the ways influencers wear their little white dresses for all the white-dress outfit inspiration you need.
I just know this white dress will sell out fast.
Reformation dresses always impress me, but the white styles are in a league of their own.
This dress dominated in yellow last summer; now it’s back in fresh white.
Puffy sleeves are always a good idea—particularly on white dresses.
Just wait until you see the back of this dress.
This trend-proof dress also comes in a chic navy colourway.
A white dress you could wear to the office—just add ballet flats.
Incredibly versatile, white dresses can be dressed up or down.
Proof that white dresses are the perfect accompaniment to brighter accessories.
Maxi dresses are a key trend for summer; this Staud option is a dreamlike in its beauty.
Beach or bar, you’ll want to wear this dress for every summer outing.
The trend isn’t limited to midis or maxis—minis also look so striking in white.
The dress shape of the season!
I’m a big fan of minidresses with high necklines.
If you’re into the cottagecore aesthetic as I am, then this Dôen dress will do it for you.
Don’t be afraid to contrast your white dress with black accessories.
Such a cute silhouette.
I honestly thought this was designer.
Wear with tan sliders for day or metallic mules for night.
Metallic accessories will take your little white dress from day to night.
This is at the very top of my summer shopping list.
A white dress with tan cowboy boots? Inspired!
Is there anything fancier than white lace?
A basket bag and minimalist mules are all you need accessory-wise.
I had my eye on this dress all last summer, so I’m over the moon to have found it at this price.
This dress comes in an array of beautiful colours, but the white iteration is the most premium-looking IMO.
You had me at lace-up bodice.
Flounces and puff sleeves only add to the charm of white dresses.
If you like your cutouts on the statement side.
The prettiest detailing.
Zara created a minidress just like this two years ago which sold out at lightning speed. I suspect this will follow suit.
Chances are you’ve seen tons of your favourite influencers in this midi dress, and for good reason. Cool, easy to wear and still so stylish, it’s the perfect throw-on-and-go dress.
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
