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How To Effortlessly Work Summer’s Monochrome Minimalist Trend Into Your Look

The all-white summer styles to shop now from Macy's.

by Erin Cunningham

June 10, 2021

Spoiler alert: If you’re still abiding by the age-old rule that you can’t wear white after Labor Day (really, what does that even mean?!), well, it’s time to think again. Head-to-toe white is on our summer style radar, and we’re very much considering ways we can wear the trend now — and for months to come. A neutral palette dominated by shades of white, cream, and beige feels effortless and sleek, and also very now.

This spring, we embraced the rise of the new take on minimalist dressing: a more relaxed version of the timeless style that put shapes and textures at the forefront. Now, we’re taking things one step further, clearing our fashion palette with top-to-bottom bright whites and lighter-than-air materials. But remember: all-white doesn’t equal boring, especially when Macy's has endless options for staying on-trend while still expressing your personal style.

As we all reconsider our approach to getting dressed for the upcoming season, we’re ready to cut out the items we don’t love and double-down on the ones that we do. Here are 10 Macy’s picks, from neutral hues to bold new silhouettes, to add to your own rotation.

Ari Smocked Crochet-Trim Dress

Thanks to the blouson sleeves and crochet detailing at the chest, this isn’t your average mini dress. The loose-fitting shape means it can be worn with sandals, sneakers, or heels, so it will last you all summer long. At nighttime, add an oversized denim jacket, and don’t be afraid to pile on the accessories (a mini baguette bag or layers of dainty necklaces are a good starting point).

Malibu Shoulder Bag

Circus by Sam Edelman

This summer, it’s time to replace your everyday carryall with something a little brighter. This white shoulder bag features a subtle sheen and vintage-inspired shape that fits just the essentials. For a night out, style it with a white mini dress and square-toe mules. For a weekend afternoon, let it dress up an oversized T-shirt and bike shorts.

Dart Slouchy Jeans

Breathing new life into your summer wardrobe becomes much easier with on-trend styles like these. Super-soft cotton, a high waist, and slouchy fit make these bottoms the epitome of relaxed-cool. Up top, stick with something simple like a white ribbed tank (tucked in, of course). Down below, go edgy with a pair of PVC wedges, or laid-back with a crisp pair of sneakers — the options are endless.

Dallas Slide Sandals

This is the type of heeled sandal you can wear every single day. In a bright white, these slide sandals, with ruched leather uppers and a mid heel, will elevate any casual look (think: white jeans and a loose-fitting blouse, or even a floral maxi dress). They also come in a cool Black Patent for the times you want a contrasting — but still minimalist — finishing touch.

$189

Dad Shorts Sleeve Shirt

Now introducing: the Sunday shirt. Whether you’re errand-running, beach-bound, or off to brunch, this relaxed dad top is all-purpose. Oversized in shape and relaxed in fit, it has that effortless summer appeal. And while it looks great worn buttoned-up with boyfriend jeans, it looks even better worn open, exposing a swimsuit or matching ribbed workout set underneath.

Sunglasses Style 0GC001371

When we said we’d be wearing white from head-to-toe, we literally meant from head-to-toe — sunglasses included. The distinctive swirl print of these shades feels like a lighter version of tortoise shell, ideal for your newly-adopted summer palette. Lean into the cat-eye shape with something that screams ’60s mod, like a square-neck dress or tube top.

Cotton Shoulder-Pad Top

French Connection

Before you say shoulder pads belong back in the ’80s, hear us out. On this cotton knit tank, they actually feel contemporary. Tucked into high-waisted bottoms — pants, shorts, and a mini skirt all work — the exaggerated sleeves transform a classic white top into an eye-catching statement.

Denim Bermuda Shorts

Bermudas are back. Consider them a more polished alternative to bike shorts by opting for a tighter stretch fabric version, too. They also act as a strong foundation for building any style of outfit: Go sporty with a windbreaker, preppy with an oversized collared shirt, or edgy with a knit tank and lots of chunky gold jewelry.

Blazer Low LE Casual Sneakers from Finish Line

An old-school style icon, reimagined. These classic sneakers, with their lower shape and lightweight build, will take you from day to night. Wear with a workout set and blazer for a dose of athluxury, or with low-rise pants and a baby tee for a full ’90s moment.

Baby Doll-Neck Sweater

A classic cable-knit sweater is a year-round staple. In a creamy ecru, this long-sleeve crewneck option is light enough to wear on those chilly summer nights with white or khaki shorts, but warm enough to take you into cooler fall days with a pair of loose-fitting jeans. Play off the contrasting finish at the wrist with the detachable indigo collar — it adds a subtle pop of color and takes the sweater from traditional preppy to cottagecore cool.