Best White Dresses For Summer
The Ultimate White Dress Guide — Every Style, Every Budget
Product Credit: Joie dress, Mulberry shoes, ZAC Zac Posen bag, Wildfox sunglasses
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Like backyard BBQs and iced lattes, we count a perfect white dress among our Spring and Summer essentials. It's the go-to staple that's as fit for a cocktail party as it is for a weekend at the beach. Whether you are replacing an old favorite or need inspiration for a totally new twist, consider this your one-stop shop to finding your perfect white dress — for any body type or budget. From an office-appropriate shift to a special-occasion gown, it's all here. Read through to find them all, or choose your style from the list below.
Shift
Why we love it: The easy silhouette is a mainstay and conjures up images of minimalist beauties like Gwyneth Paltrow. It's an easy piece to dress up or down with the right accessories, and its breezy shape is the perfect option to slip into on hot Summer days.
Best for: Athletic builds. The looser silhouette skims the body but doesn't hug curves or define a waist. If you want to play up your stems or showcase toned biceps, this dress is ideal.
Capulet Shift Dress ($110)
Evening
Why we love it: Especially for Summer, evening dresses in white feel fresh and ultra elegant. Just look to Margot Robbie in a totally chic, totally sexy custom Calvin Klein gown. Just be sure to steer clear of any overtly lacy detailing to keep the look from feeling too bridal — and please don't wear this one to your best friend's wedding.
Best for: All body types. Just look to a dressed-up silhouette that suits you best. Athletic build like Margot? Opt for a dress that skims your curves and shows a little skin. If you're looking to conceal a little more, look for styles that float away from the body or draw attention to your favorite areas via a lower neckline or open back.
Misha Collection Misu Dress ($250)
Body-Con
Why we love it: The body-hugging fit of these dresses is all-out sexy. They're made for flaunting your figure, and depending on the fabric (we recommend something more substantial — the thinner the material, the more you'll reveal) and cut, these frocks can work for pretty much any occasion.
Best for: Highlighting and creating curves. The snug fit doesn't leave much room to hide, but it also provides the perfect opportunity for playing up curves. Whether you're out to show off the ones you've got or hoping to create the illusion of curves, these styles are just the thing.
Maxi
Why we love it: Maxi dresses have become our go-to, thanks to their easy and universally flattering silhouettes. With the right fit and embellishments, they can transition seamlessly from day to night, event to event. We also love that their longer length means we can get away with wearing them to work.
Best for: All body types. Maxi dresses work on everyone — it's all about finding the right fit for your body. If you want to stay covered up on top, look for long-sleeved styles. For showing off curves, opt for a fitted style, and if you're looking to flatter an hourglass shape, find a dress that cinches the waist and floats away from the body.
The Row Morin Maxi Dress ($990)
H&M Chiffon Maxi Dress ($60)
Mara Hoffman Star Maxi ($465)
Fit-and-Flare
Why we love it: These dresses are all about femininity. We love that the shape is sweet and girlie and that the figure-flattering silhouette is making a major comeback.
Best for: Hourglass shapes and either highlighting or creating curves. The waist-defining silhouette is ideal for ladies looking to play up their curves. Of course, the fit-and-flare style is also a safe bet if you're looking to create such an illusion.
Shirtdress
Why we love it: We're drawn to the menswear riff and the casual feel of these Summer-staple dresses. They work just as easily for the office as they do for our off-duty or event-ready wear. All it takes are the right accessories.
Best for: All body types. With all the new iterations on this classic, shirtdresses can flatter just about any body as long as you look for the right shape. If you're curvier, opt for an A-line style. Those with boyish shapes should look to more fitted versions — and of course, have fun with the sheer or lacy fabrics they come in.
Lace and Eyelets
Why we love it: Nothing feels quite so summery as an LWD in lace or eyelet. The style has unmatched femininity and sweetness — though a halter neckline or higher hemline can make them feel simultaneously (and effortlessly!) sexy.
Best for: Any body — find the details you love on a silhouette that fits your body best. The same rules for fit apply: if you're curvier, look to waist-defining styles to draw interest to your smallest point; if you want to show off your legs, opt for a mini hemline; and if you're out to create curves, look for hip-highlighting peplums.
DVF 'Edlyn' Eyelet Dress ($398)
LOFT Pueblo Dress ($98)
Zara Embroidered Dress ($100)
Strapless
Why we love it: Strapless styles are just the thing to counter the humidity and heat. We love that we can wear them just about anywhere — and they give us a reason to show off our favorite statement necklaces.
Best for: Most body types. These styles play up your upper body, so they're especially great for showcasing toned shoulders and biceps. They can also balance out what you may not love about your lower body by drawing the eyes up.
