Structured or loose, simple or detailed, there's a white summer dress to suit every occasion this season and our edit shows you the very best...
March 2015
Looking for an easy summer look to see you through the season? Our collection of white summer dresses ticks all the boxes. Bright, light and stylish, these dresses are perfect for any summer occasion, from garden parties and family barbeques to summer weddings and a day in the office.
Whether you choose a sleek shift dress with minimal accessories or a loose broderie anglaise style for your beach holidays abroad, white summer dresses are the easiest wardrobe piece to slip on and feel fresh and confident this year.
Whatever your personal style or body shape, there’s a perfect summer dress for you. Don’t love your legs? No problem – just opt for a longer white dress that exudes sophistication. Want to conceal your arms? We’ve got dresses with long sleeves and ¾ length sleeves that will conceal and flatter. If you’re looking for something pretty to wear to a festive summer event, try a lacy number or an embroidered white dress. Or if you need a dress that’s more elegant, opt for a fitted dress with a scalloped hemline for a look that’s both summery and chic.
White suits practically all skintones, and the best part is that it will make your summer tan (whether it’s natural or not) look even more bronzed and gorgeous. These dresses are so versatile, that they can be paired with any accessory or shoe, depending on the occasion – simply add a flip flop and a straw hat for the beach or a pair of colourful heels and a clutch bag for your summer fête. Easy!
Our fashion editor has scoured the high street to find 20 styles to satisfy every taste and occasion - whether you favour a structured silhouette or a breezy boho fit, so don't pack your summer suitcase without one!
Keep reading to discover our roundup of the most stylish white summer dresses for your perfect summer style...
LK Bennett Detroit fitted dress, £225
The Duchess of Cambridge has worked LK Bennett's Detroit dress in a bold cobalt blue but we've fallen head over heels for the white version. As we've come to expect, it's the store's exquisite tailoring here which will give you confidence. Pin tucks, an inserted panel and stand-up collar all add up to an utterly elegant look.
Next lace dress, £70
Looking for a last-minute frock for a special party this summer? Next is renowned for its next day delivery service and you couldn't get more chic than its white lace dress. A classic shift cut, the overlay detail and scallop hemline provide those stylish details which add punch to your look.
M&S Autograph panelled shift dress, £69
Utterly timeless, the classic white shift will see you through office meetings and summer events - the key is in the styling. Keep things clean for workwear and wear Autograph's panelled shift dress with a chic pair of block heel sandals (fresh pedicure essential!) and gleam with gold accessories and a statement clutch bag after hours.
Zara combined poplin dress with cut work detail, £22.99
Cut-out details will instantly give your white dress a trend-led feel and Zara's simple shirt dress is given a modern twist with cut work lining the hem. With a slightly shorter hemline, opt for a pair of sandal flats in a shimmering metallic or classic tan.
Winser drape two way dress, was £200, now £100
Not all of us want to reveal our upper arms in summer, so look to Winser for a more covered summer look. The draping will flatter your neckline and the defined waist and drop skirt will glide over your curves.
Hobbs Invitation Knighton dress, was £199, now £99
For a worry-free white summer frock to take you from occasion to occasion, Hobbs will always deliver. The Knighton dress in a luxe-looking jacquard features delicate capped sleeves to conceal upper arm concerns and a voluminous A-line skirt shape to suit every figure. A high-low hemline is the subtle fashion-forward touch Hobbs is known for. Slip on your favourite neutral courts and a statement gold necklace, should you wish.
Darling white Justina colour block maxi dress, £65
Not looking for all-over white? Then choose a dress with contrasting colours in block detail. Darling's Justina maxi dress features wide stripes of sunny yellow and sky blue, making it the perfect holiday choice.
Mango embroidered long dress, £59
We all dream of that long summer heat that means we live in pretty summer dresses for months at a time. If you have an extended beach break on the horizon then look to Mango where you'll find this beautifully embroidered maxi dress.
Reiss Florence textured knitted dress, was £159, now £80
Try fashion's favourite sports luxe trend with Reiss's tennis-inspired Florence knitted dress. The jersey fabric is easy to wear while the design details - mesh panels and a subtle diamond print skirt will earn you instant style points.
Uterque long ruffle dress, £125
Who says you can't wear white to a special summer event? Buck the occasionwear trend for black and choose this stunning white ruffle dress instead. Uterque is a sister brand to Zara and delivers sophisticated, grown-up pieces with a trend-led twist.
Pleat pocket midi dress by The White Pepper at Topshop, £65
Talk about a classic piece to have in your wardrobe for years to come. The White Pepper midi dress is available from Topshop and features flattering pin tucks, darts and the perfect neckline. So, slip on your favourite wedge sandals, a wide-brimmed straw hat and take a stroll Riviera style!
Cos longer layered white dress, £69
Want to steer clear of girly summer dresses? At Cos you'll find a sea of structured pieces which fit seamlessly with your lifestyle and look. The longer layered white dress instantly caught our eye for its wearable column shape and interesting tiered detail.
Paul and Joe Violine short sleeved dress, £205
It's all in the detail with Paul & Joe's Violine dress. Pretty embroidered panel detail means a simple pair of tan sandal flats and your favourite sun hat is all you need with this high summer look.
Paisie crochet lace panel dress, was £75, now £52
On warm summer days do you find yourself hunting in the wardrobe for that 'just-thrown-on' dress to welcome your guests? Join the club! Paisie's crochet lace panel dress looks effortless and looks just as good with porcelain skin as it does with a golden tan.
Damsel in a dress Amalfi dress, was £149, now £104
A clean cut shift dress gets a modern spin with pretty stone embellishment along the neckline in sunny coral shades. The Amalfi dress would fit right in on the Amalfi coast - should you be heading that way this summer!
Mint Velvet broderie anglaise sundress, was £99, now £49
Pretty detail and scalloped edging make Mint Velvet's broderie anglaise dress a classic. For cooler days, team with a cropped denim jacket and your favourite tan flats.
Massimo Dutti long silk dress with lace, was £125, now £69.95
The delicate silk of Massimo Dutti's long silk dress lends it an ethereal edge that makes a perfect summer barbecue outfit or classic holiday style.
Dorothy Perkins white sheer panel pencil dress, was £25, now £15
Sometimes a classic shift is a life saver on those days when you need something smart and simple to slip on. Introduce trend-led details to your next purchase like the sheer panels of Dorothy Perkins' white pencil dress.
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