Sophie Winkleman proves that a white shirt dress is the chic, heatwave-ready style every woman needs in their summer wardrobe
Her breezy cotton midi will make dressing in this heatwave more enjoyable
Of all the staples that make up a summer capsule wardrobe, a crisp white midi dress is perhaps the most iconic. Both elegant and versatile, it’s a piece that can be dressed up or down and worn in a multitude of ways and for a variety of occasions – and if you haven’t got your hands on one yet, Sophie Winkleman’s sophisticated white dress makes for a great investment.
Attending the Serpentine Summer Party earlier this week, she wore a piece from one of our favourite British clothing brands, styling up ME+EM’s midi shirt dress for the event. Cut to a shirt-style silhouette, it features buttoned flap pockets, which add a sophisticated, utilitarian edge, and a gorgeous frilled hem for a feminine finish.
When it came to accessorising her dress, Sophie opted for a pair of the nearly sold-out t-bar cork platform heels from ME+EM, and you could just spot her Chanel CC earrings. While the rest of her outfit was mostly neutral, she did bring in a pop of pink to nod to the blush, one of the biggest spring/summer fashion colour trends for 2026 thanks to her sold-out Aspinal Of London woven-leather bag, which gave a summery finishing touch.
With short, voluminous sleeves, a neat collared neckline and a tie at the waist to highlight curves, Sophie's ME+EM dress is a real hero when it comes to what to wear in the heat. Flattering and yet comfortable to wear in the heat thanks to its cotton fabric, you're sure to be turning to this piece time and time again over summer.
While Sophie's ME+EM heels are sold out, there are a variety of cork heel sandals to choose from online. This pair make a great alternative, as they boast a similar platform and tan leather design. The ankle strap is a welcome addition to the shoe, adding support and comfort.
These Swarovski earrings are nearly half price in the Amazon Prime Day sale. Their circular design and luxe-looking Swarovski crystals make them a great alternative to Sophie's designer Chanel earrings. They are subtle and understated thanks to the small size, yet the shine packs a real punch.
Like Sophie's ME+EM dress, this one from Hobbs London boasts puff sleeves, a tie waist, and is also made from 100% cotton. It isn't a shirt dress, and instead features a V-shaped neckline and no collar, however it feels just as elegant and sophisticated thanks to its crisp and clean design.
These sandals, with their cork wedge heel and versatile tan straps, are a great choice of summer shoe, and reviews call them 'very comfortable', and shoppers say that they 'can walk all day with them' and not get 'tired feet.'
While Sophie's choice of pink handbag injected some playful colour into her outfit, she opted for a sleek and classic silhouette to keep it feeling sophisticated. This Next bag is a great blend of the two, with its timeless shape and gold-toned hardware feeling so luxe, coupled with the trending shade.
Heatwave dressing can be a challenge, but white midi dresses like Sophie’s are some of the best summer dresses you can have on hand to help make it a breeze. They make knowing what to wear in the heat beyond easy, as they need very little styling to look perfectly put-together, and, in slipping one on, you get a complete, polished outfit in just one simple step.
Sophie’s dress is a particularly good choice for the warm weather and, as well as delivering a summer-ready feel with its crisp white hue and elegant silhouette, it’s also made of 100% cotton, meaning it is breathable and lightweight to wear in hot weather.
While Sophie dressed up her white midi dress for her day out, with a pair of heels and an elegant handbag, styles like hers are also ideal for more casual daytime wear, too. Whether for work, the weekend or a holiday, pairing a white midi dress with some of your most comfortable sandals and a handy beach bag or oversized tote makes for a chic and effortless look. Equally, you can dress it up for evening attire, adding gold accessories and a pair of court pumps for a more sophisticated take.
