How to style a white dress
Keep it easy by day, with flat sandals, a denim jacket and a straw bag. Dress it up at night with gold jewellery, heels and a satin finish. Check it isn't see-through in daylight, and never wear it to a wedding unless the couple asks.
A white dress is the easiest summer outfit there is. It also shows everything, so a little planning goes a long way.
By day
Go relaxed. Flat sandals or clean trainers, a denim jacket or an oversized shirt over the top, and a straw or canvas bag. Cotton, linen and broderie all work. Linen creases, and that's part of the look.
By night
Swap the fabric and the accessories. A white satin or crepe dress with heels and gold jewellery looks dressed up without trying. Keep the bag small.
The practical bits
- Check it in daylight. Hold it up to a window. If you can see your hand, you need a lining or a slip.
- Underwear close to your skin tone. White underwear shows through white fabric. Nude doesn't.
- Pack a stain pen. Coffee, rosé and sunscreen are the usual suspects.
- Skip it at weddings unless the invitation says otherwise. See wedding guest for what to wear instead.
Shop more on summer dresses and white mini dresses.
A white linen dress
Breathes in the heat and looks fresh in photos.
- Dress
Loose white linen midi or maxi - Shoes
Flat sandals - Layer
A wide brimmed hat
A white midi
Smart enough for a nice cafe, easy enough for errands after.
- Dress
White midi in cotton or broderie - Shoes
Trainers or flat sandals - Layer
A denim jacket
A white satin dress
Satin catches the light, so it reads dressed up without sequins.
- Dress
White or cream satin slip or mini - Shoes
Strappy heels - Layer
Gold jewellery, no jacket if you can manage it
Common questions
Can you wear a white dress to a wedding?
No, unless the couple asks you to. White and anything that looks white in photos, like ivory or pale cream, is for the bride.
How do I stop a white dress being see-through?
Hold it up to daylight before you buy and look for a lining. Wear nude underwear close to your skin tone, not white.