The sunshine is out in full force, so it's time to embrace the white dress. After all, the LWD - the little while dress - is about as stereotypical a summer dress as they come. Nothing looks better teamed with tan accessories, raffia bags and gold jewellery.
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If you're looking for a wonderful white summer dress, don't worry, we've got you. We've perused the virtual aisles for the best white summer dresses for 2024...
A case for the white summer dress
"The white summer dress transcends trends and stands the test of time," says Personal Stylist Helen Richardson. "Its timeless appeal lies in its simplicity and versatility. Like a blank canvas, the white summer dress invites endless possibilities for personal expression. Its purity and crispness expresses a sense of freshness and vitality, perfectly mirroring the carefree spirit of summer. From garden parties to beachside soirées, the white summer dress effortlessly adapts to any occasion, making it a staple in every fashion enthusiast's wardrobe. With each passing season, its charm only grows stronger, reminding us that classic beauty never goes out of style."
Celebrities wearing white summer dresses
© Getty ImagesHailey Bieber can do no wrong when it comes to fashion - and she looked incredible when she posed on Instagram wearing the Mirror Palais ruffle dress, Meghan Markle is a fan of the all-white look and was once photographed wearing a Hannah Lavery ethically-made shirt dress while on a royal tour with Prince Harry in Africa. Next up, well, it's Emily Ratajkowski looking like she's ready for the beach, and an iconic white dress from Sarah Jessica Parker dressed up as Carrie Bradshaw on the streets of New York filming the Sex and The City movie.
How we chose the best white summer dresses
- Machine washable: It's important that a white dress is washable, no one wants to be visiting the dry cleaner every week.
- Inclusive sizing: We wanted the dresses to be available in all sizes.
- Versatility: Some people want a white summer dress for the daytime, others want one for the evening. We tried to give lots of options in this edit.
1/10
New Look Off White Square Neck Shirred Midi Dress
© New Look- Cut to a regular fit, shoppers recommend sizing down
- Wash at 40°C delicate.
Editors Note: The shirred body, the puff sleeves, the delicate frill... this easy-chuck-on dress is ticking a lot of boxes for team HELLO!
2/10
Mango Textured White Mini Dress
© Mango- Perfect for a night out with heels or flats in the daytime. It's giving designer vibes, that's for sure.
- Can be washed at 30 degrees.
Editor's Note: "Wow! I'm smitten with this white mini from Mango. It's chic and stylish, and it also has structure to it. Good if you're not the whimsical type."
3/10
M&S Pure Cotton Midi Cami Shift Dress
- Cut to a regular fit, M&S's high-waisted dress will be a must-have trend item for the summer.
- Wash at 40°C delicate.
4/10
Karen Millen Cotton Topstitch Strappy Maxi Dress
© Karen Millen- Maxi style dress with a flattering fit-and-flare silhouette
- Machine washable
Editor's Note: You might think of Karen Millen as a destination for occasionwear, but you can also find gorgeous casual dresses online as well. I'm voting for this strappy maxi dress for balmy evenings.
5/10
Vogue Williams White Waffle Midaxi Dress
- A square neckline adds a touch of sophistication, and who doesn't love an A-line silhouette?
- Can be machine washed on a cool cycle
Editor's note: "This white midaxi dress looks so luxe, with its puff sleeves and flared skirt. I love the silhouette, it screams summer in Santorini."
6/10
Esmee Oversized Beach Dress
- Made from lightweight cotton, this is the perfect airy beach dress
- Machine washable
Editor's note: "ASOS' beach dress has a plunge neck and long sleeves, and thanks to the airy cotton composition makes it an ideal beach dress. Throw on over your swimsuit or bikini for sightseeing, lunch or snoozing under a parasol."
7/10
Cos White Linen Maxi Dress
- How chic is Cos' linen dress, with floaty skirt and race style top?
- Machine washable on a cold cycle
Editor's note: "Cos has created this chic, 100% linen white dress with a flowy, flared skirt and v-neck back. It even has pockets!"
8/10
River Island White Denim Mini Dress
- White denim mini dress, in a shirt style with collar and button up
- Machine wash at 40°C
Editor's note: "River Island's white denim mini dress is a great throw on piece for summer. Add chunky sandals, a raffia bag and you'll be rocking a minimalist, laidback look."
9/10
Scamp & Dude White One Shoulder Broderie Anglaise Dress
- Made using 100% responsibly sourced cotton
- Wash at 30C
Editor's Note: "This stunning dress is screaming holiday vibes! The one shoulder is super flattering and the broderie anglaise touch is super luxurious."
10/10
Reformation Magnolia Linen Dress
© Reformation- A beautiful fitted dress from celebrity favourite, Reformation.
Wash cold and dry flat.
Editor's Note: "This is giving... vacationing in Cannes, darling! If you don't buy this dress, I will."
Meet the expert
With a lifelong 'passion for fashion' and helping others, Helen has been styling friends since childhood. Family and friends urged her to leave her corporate career and start her own business to finally release the creative and compassionate version of herself. Her USP? "I understand the styling challenges that ‘real women’ face daily... using my skills and knowledge I have transformed the appearance of many ladies giving them the belief they can ‘Dress With Confidence’ everyday!" Find out more about Helen and follow her on Instagram.
