The best white Summer dresses and the best black summer dresses

Helen Mirren White Dress

(Image credit: Action Press/REX/Shutterstock)

By Woman and Home 2017-05-12T10:00:00Z

Do you dig out your favourite white frock as soon as temperatures hit double figures? Or is it a case of all black everything, whatever the weather? We investigate the case for white summer dresses vs. black summer dresses and show you where to buy your new season summer dress, whichever camp you fall into...

White Summer Dresses

White is synonymous with summer style. It keeps you cool, lights up your complexion and never fails to make you feel like a whimsical, whatever your age. A white lace midi dress will work with everything from flat sandals to strappy heels. Still not convinced? Toughen it up with a black blazer and court shoes, a la Julia Roberts.

Best White Summer Dresses

Ivory jersey maxi dress, £99, Mint Velvet:Buy now at mintvelvet.co.uk for £99

Embroidered dress, £40, Tu:Buy now at tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk for £40

Georgette maxi dress, £65, Simply Be:Buy now at simplybe.co.uk for £65

Hesse embroidered maxi dress, £180, French Connection:Buy now at frenchconnection.com for £180

Scalloped lace tunic dress, £299, Ted Baker:Buy now at johnlewis.com for £299

Pure cotton cutwork long sleeve shirt dress, £35, Marks & Spencer:Buy now at marksandspencer.com for £35

There really is a white summer dress to suit everyone on the high street this season. Heading off on hols? A jersey maxi will take you from beach to bar with ease, whilst an embroidered cotton frock makes a great warm weather cover-up. Stuck in the office? A cutwork shirt dress will make you feel summery, not stuffy, whilst you plan the perfect outfit for your next summer function (hint: it's probably a white lace midi or dreamy georgette maxi dress).

Black Summer Dresses

On the other hand, a black summer dress is a great investment, since you won't have to pack it away come September. As we all know, the slimming properties of the LBD are second to none too; it's also a lot easier to keep clean. And who are we to argue with Victoria Beckham and Jennifer Aniston, both life long fans of the black dress?

Best Black Summer Dresses

Rose embroidered maxi dress, £29, Simply Be:Buy now at simplybe.co.uk for £29

Adele drape bardot jersey maxi dress, £135, French Connection:Buy now at frenchconnection.com for £135

Gathered maxi dress, £22, Tu:Buy now at tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk for £22

A black maxi dress is the ultimate wear everywhere holiday wonder: simply throw it on over your swimsuit or dress it up with statement jewellery and a snazzy belt for an evening out.