Nothing captures the spirit of summer quite like a white dress. The white dress remains a warm weather classic, loved for its timeless simplicity and effortless aesthetic. Because honestly, is there anything more chic in summer than an LWD - little white dress - styled with tan accessories, raffia bags and gold jewellery?
If you need to add a new white dress to your wardrobe, or to expand your current roster, we've tracked down the best white summer dresses for 2026. And the best part? They're all machine washable because who has time, or money, to be dry cleaning them all summer long?
- The mini dress: M&S Linen Scalloped Mini Dress, £42 / $82.99
- The maxi dress: Gap Linen Maxi Dress, £85 / $118
- The office-appropriate white dress: Karen Millen Pintuck Midi Dress, £111.20 / $195.30
- The holiday dress: Nobody's Child Broderie Anglaise Wrena Midi Dress, £99 / $195
- The beach dress: Accessorize Flute Sleeve White Mini, £50
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.
- New in: The dresses are from the new in sections, making them fresh for the season.
Shop our edit of the best white dresses for summer
1/11
M&S Linen Scalloped Mini Dress
© M&S- Cut to a regular fit, M&S's mini dress will be a must-have trend item for the summer.
- Wash at 40°C delicate.
Editor's Note: This scalloped shift dress is so pretty, but it's also playful thanks to the sweet edging for a feminine flourish. Cut to a regular fit, it falls to a flattering mini length.
2/11
Gap Linen Maxi Dress
© Gap- 55% linen
- Machine washable
Editor's Note: "This stunning dress is screaming holiday vibes! The square neck design is super flattering."
3/11
Karen Millen Pintuck Midi Dress
© Karen Millen- Made from lightweight linen with a flattering pintuck waist
- Can be machine washed on a cool cycle
Editor's note: "This white dress looks so luxe, with its draped detailing and pintuck waist. I love the silhouette, it screams summer in the city."
4/11
Nobody's Child Wrena Dress
© Nobody's Child- Broderie Anglaise detailing
- Machine washable
Editor's note: "This white dress is a perfect blend of comfort and style, with broderie anglaise and fabric-covered buttons. The best bit? It features a swishy tiered skirt."
5/11
Accessorize Flute Sleeve Mini Dress
© Accessorize- 96% cotton
- Machine washable
Editor's Note: "Perfect as a beach cover up, this Accessorize mini dress has long sleeves and a gently tiered skirt for the ultimate in breezy minis."
6/11
Mango White Asymmetrical Scarf Detail Dress
© Mango- Perfect for a night out with heels. 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 one-shouldered dress from Mango. It's chic and stylish, and it also has an on-trend scarf detail."
7/11
French Connection Kayle Mix Tiered Ric Rac White Midi Dress
© FC- Ric rac detailing
- Machine wash cold
Editor's note: "French Connection's white dress is a great summer piece for casual or smart casual events. Add strappy sandals, a raffia bag and you'll be rocking a seriously stylish look."
8/11
Aspiga Thea Cotton Blend Lace Dress
© Aspiga- 95% cotton
- Wash at 30°C delicate.
Editors Note: "This lace blend midi is the one for all occasions - garden parties, school fetes and BBQs."
9/11
Zara Pleated Lace Dress
© Zara- Made from a viscose blend yarn
- Use hand wash function on washing machine
Editor's note: "This Zara dress is one of the most in demand white dresses, as shoppers snap up slinky, lace detailed white dresses. This is an affordable way to tap into the trend."
10/11
Chinti & Parker Linen Blend Scallop Edge Tunic Dress
© John Lewis- Linen blend tunic dress
- Machine washable on hand wash cycle
Editor's note: "Chinti & Parker has created this refined take on a utility dress. Designed with scalloped edges and a collared neckline, it's crafted from soft linen and easy to throw on."
11/11
Phase Eight Pia Tailored Dress
© Phase Eight- Flattering belt detail
Delicate machine wash
Editor's Note: "This is giving Princess Kate, with its pleated skirt and tailored top. So chic!"
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.
