Fashion
17 Little White Dresses In Every Style And Size For You To Wear All Summer Long
Everyone, everywhere, at some point and time in their life has experienced the wonders of a little black dress, but not everyone is aware of its little white dress counterpart. It’s impossible to go wrong with such a classic item in such a classic color.
Let’s all be real here: Wearing black in the summer is not ideal. But wearing a little, flowing, and sophisticated dress is. So, let’s do some fashion math here. Start with an LBD, take out the color, add in the opposite of black, factor the result, and voila: A little white dress (LWD), also known as the answer to all your summer wardrobe troubles.
I’m not one for math (or numbers of any sort), but this kind of fashion and style equation I can solve. A LBD is a no-brainer in most situations, and I’ll even admit that I reach for mine whenever I’m at a loss for what to wear. But the thing about a little white dress is that it’s just as easy to wear, just as simple to style, and even better for those classic summer events — like going on vacation, chilling on the beach or by the pool, or even for a night out with friends. And thanks to inventive designers and brands, white is no longer reserved for just a bride; there are plenty of LWDs to choose from for any style and in any size.
So, here are 17 amazing LWDs to start wearing this summer, in both straight and plus sizes, from bohemian styles to preppy chic. And if you have a LWD in your closet already, here are 17 reasons to stop neglecting it now.
Embroidered
A LWD doesn’t have to be pure white throughout, and this Bohemian swing dress proves as much. With colorful embroidery around the collar, this dress is practical and pretty for summer.
ASOS Swing Dress in Neppi and Coloured Embroidery, $55, us.asos.com
Mesh
Fear not, this mesh dress has an opaque slip underneath. So don’t worry about special undergarments for this white dress, because it’s already fully equipped to keep you covered.
ASOS CURVE Lace Shift Dress With Kimono Sleeves, $51, us.asos.com
Strappy Neck
Cutouts might be last season, but they’re still undeniably pretty. With thin straps and cutouts right around the neck, this white dress is sure to be a show-stopper.
Silence + Noise Square-Neck Strappy Skater Dress, $69, urbanoutfitters.com
Chiffon
Light and airy, chiffon is the ideal textile for summer. And this dress also has a cinch at the waist to show off your curves. A+.
Belted Chiffon Shirt Dress, $25, forever21.com
Cutout Crochet
Since crochet is a breathable fabric, this dress won’t make you warm or sweaty even during the hottest day of the summer.
FP One Lucas Dress, $148, freepeople.com
Lace
It’s hard to go wrong with white lace in the summer. This tank top dress has an empire waist juxtaposed with the lace skirt, so it’s fitted and beautiful.
Lace Sun Dress, $65, torrid.com
Off The Shoulder
Lace sleeves, off the shoulder top, and a fitted skirt? This LWD knows what it’s doing.
Lace Bardot Dress, $90, us.topshop.com
Halter Detail
You’re bound to go dancing at least once this summer, and a dress like this with a full skirt and a detailed bodice is guaranteed to make your dancing partner swoon.
Ladylike A Dream Dress, $100, modcloth.com
Fringed
Fringe is huge, and there’s no better way to embrace the trend than with a LWD, a classic wardrobe essential.
UNIF Stevie Dress, $98, nastygal.com
Paneled
If you’re a big fan of both LBDs and LWDs, this just might be the perfect dress for you. A white dress with contrasting black panels, this dress exemplifies the best of both worlds.
Plus Sophia Contrast Panel Dress, $35, boohoo.com
Double Layered
Minimalistic, modern, and chic. Not normally what you think of when you think of a LWD, but this version is so gorgeous it had to be included.
Long Double Layer Dress, $50, zara.com
Keyhole
A high neckline might initially seem like a bad idea for the summer, but the playful keyhole and voluminous skirt on this dress make it gorgeous.
Plus Size Kay Keyhole Dress, $47, fashiontofigure.com
Drop Waist
How scandalous! You’re showing your ankles! Channel the flapper era in this sheer, drop-waist dress.
Sheer Drop-Waist Dress, $118, bcbgeneration.com
Skater
And again, a LWD doesn’t necessarily have to be completely white. This skater dress in an adorable, mod polka dot pattern is sophisticated and has a lot of personality.
AX Paris Polka Dot Print Skater Dress, $90, simplybe.com
Linen
With pretty embroidery on the bodice and a midi length, this dress stays on trend and embellished for the warmer weather.
Empire-waist Embroidered Linen Dress, $139, jjill.com
Shirt Dress
The A-line fit and the smart collar on this dress are two perfect components for a more formal event, or even for the office. Spice it up with a pair of heels and pretty jewelry to transition to night.
Studio Collared Shirt Dress, $111, eloquii.com
Low Cut
Ooo la la! This low cut and lace dress definitely proves that black isn’t necessarily the sexiest color around.
Lace Skirt Plunge Waist Bodycon Dress, $90, missguidedus.com
