How To Style A White Dress According to Rihanna, Zendaya, & More

Like the black dress, a simple white frock has an inescapably timeless quality to it. The minimalist design serves as a sort of blank canvas in terms of styling — there’s so much you can do with it.

Unlike black dresses, though, which tend to be worn year-round, you don’t often see white dresses on your feed until the warm weather hits. They’re typically considered a spring/summertime closet staple. White dresses are synonymous with garden parties, beach trips, rooftop gatherings, and have recently hit their peak with the rise of the breezy, “coastal grandma” aesthetic.

With that in mind, I’ve highlighted 15 chic ways to wear a white dress for anyone who needs a little help elevating the popular style. Taking inspiration from some of the best-dressed celebrities, keep reading to see how Rihanna, Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, and more chose to wear white dresses. And forewarning, if you even think the phrase “no white after Labor Day,” I’m going to scream. Rihanna wore all-white in October and her word (read: wardrobe) is gospel.

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With Black Accessories

Here, we see Zoe Kravitz rocking a white dress with black sandals and a coordinating bag for a chic contrast. Dark sunglasses add a bit of edge, too.

With A White Blazer

There is quite literally nothing chicer than an all-white moment. This snap of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is the perfect example.

With White Sunnies

Paris Hilton also went for an all-white look here and killed it, If I do say so myself.

With Sneakers

A clean white dress with crispy white sneakers? A classic look. Case in point: this Emily Ratajkowski street style moment.

With Strappy Sandals

Rihanna wasn’t playing games when she stepped out in this all-white look. She accessorized with a structured bag, statement jewelry, and thong sandals. Simply fab.

With Combat Boots

As Tessa Thompson demonstrates, chunky black leather combat boots instantly edge up even the most feminine white dress.

With Oversized Hoops

Here, Kendall Jenner not only teamed her little white dress with sleek white booties, but also added oversized silver hoops. The result? An absolute moment.

With Platforms

How does J-Lo make walking in ultra-chunky platforms look so effortless? For a more dressed-up occasion, adding platform sandals is a great way to elevate a white dress.

With Black Leather Pants

Yup, you read that right. Want to make a timeless dress feel avant-garde? Try pairing a white shirt dress over leather pants, like Zendaya.

With A Teddy Coat

On a cooler day, you might try draping a cozy teddy coat over a white dress, as Gigi Hadid can be seen doing here.

With A Creamy Bag

Yes, you can wear white and off-white together. Why? Because Gabrielle Union says so. Creating an effortlessly cool look, the actress paired a white shirt dress with a taupe bag and slip-on sandals.

With A Cardigan

You really can’t go wrong by slipping a cardigan over a white dress. I personally love the beachy style Kate Hudson wore here.

With Gold Jewelry

A smattering of gold jewelry is another great way to complement a white dress. I’d argue that Hailey Bieber is proof of that.

With Neon Details

Bella Hadid knew exactly what she was doing when she paired this white mini dress with bright green sandals. A moment, for sure —and any bold pop of color will do.

With Brown Booties

Channel Taylor Swift in a romantic white dress with brown booties. The pairing gives an instant Nashville vibe.