There’s a reason the plain white tee is the ultimate wardrobe essential—it’s versatile, chic without trying too hard, and completely timeless. For summer, the little white dress proves to be all of those things and more. A fashion blank canvas, if you will.
Vogue’s Favorite White Dresses for Summer
With Memorial Day weekend right around the corner, warm-weather-friendly styles like Matteau’s shirred mini or Posse’s strappy shift look just as chic with minimalist loafers for city dwelling as they do layered over an elegant black one-piece for sandy beach days. White dress outfits are also a go-to for summer soirées, whether it’s a backyard barbecue or an all-white party. Our pick? Bernadette’s halter-neck maxi dress paired with woven mules from Le Monde Beryl and Juju Vera’s pendant necklace for the ultimate finishing flourish.
Everyone’s favorite fashion girl, Zoë Kravitz, has already put her stamp of approval on the staple, stepping out in a breezy prairie dress in New York City just last month. Styling-wise, she paired the dainty frock with her go-to roster of clean staples: a roomy trench coat, The Row’s raffia handbag, and a pair of simple black ballet flats.
Follow Kravitz’s lead and shop the best white dresses for women, below. There’s Staud’s pretty poplin style that looks effortless with sleek strappy sandals and a floppy sun hat, or Merlette’s artful wrap dress that strikes a subtle statement on date nights and post-work cocktail hours alike. Whichever one you choose, the white dress remains our go-to summer staple—and here, are 10 chic ways to wear it.
The Summer-in-the-City Style
Ground your summer-in-the-city look this season with Dôen’s breezy prairie dress. Then, take a styling cue from It girl Zoë Kravitz and wear yours with a roomy black trench coat, simple ballet flats, and The Row’s woven raffia tote. For a casual finishing touch, add a navy cap and sleek black sunnies from Celine.
The Pretty Poplin
No summer capsule wardrobe is complete without a white poplin dress—this sweet strappy style from Staud, to be exact. Bring texture to the look with Hunting Season’s lattice basket bag, Free People’s floppy raffia sun hat, and a pair of sleek black sandals from A.Emery. Complete the outfit with our favorite scarf-styling trick: Tie Cos’s polka-dot silk scarf around your waist or elegantly at the nape of your neck. By Pariah’s topaz cord necklace adds a warm touch of color to the mix.
The Artful Wrap
Night out at the museum? Turn to Merlette’s artful wrap dress. Style it with Jil Sander’s cherry-red heeled sandals for a striking pop of color and The Row’s timeless black leather shoulder bag. Finish the look with a sculptural jewel or two—think Juju Vera’s tassel necklace, Toteme’s drop earrings, and a pair of round-frame silver sunnies from Saint Laurent.
The Strappy Shift
For the balmy summer days ahead, look to Posse’s airy cotton shift dress, styled with Donni’s navy blouson, Miu Miu’s vibrant yellow thong sandals, and Liffner’s striped raffia tote. Keep the cool-girl energy going with a pair of sporty shades from The Row and Completedworks’s jade-green beaded necklace.
The Shirtdress
Master summer workwear with Joseph’s equally smart and stylish shirtdress. Accentuate the silhouette with A.Emery’s woven belt at the waist, and for some welcome coverage, layer on Another Tomorrow’s classic khaki trench. Kallmeyer’s roomy canvas tote makes for a chic work bag, while Khaite’s snakeskin-effect low-heel pumps add total polish. The final touch? Lié Studio x Lesse’s leather pendant necklace.
The Crinkly Chiffon
A two-in-one, Róhe’s linen-and-chiffon dress is endlessly versatile. Here, style it with Maryam Nassir Zadeh’s metallic ballet pumps, The Elder Statesman’s chartreuse cashmere crewneck tied at the waist, and Staud’s beaded handbag. Add even more texture with Hunting Season’s pendant necklace and Cos’s chocolate-brown raffia hat.
The Halterneck Maxi
Summer soirée season is in full swing. Arrive prepared for backyard barbecues or all-white parties in Bernadette’s elegant halterneck maxi. Match its effortless elegance with Rùadh’s suede jacket (you never know when a late-spring chill might hit), Le Monde Béryl’s woven burgundy mules, and Bottega Veneta’s newest chain-link Madison shopper. Juju Vera’s beloved shell necklace and a pair of Loewe tortoiseshell sunnies tie the entire look together beautifully.
The Mini Dress
A leggy mini dress deserves its moment here, too. Make Matteau’s shirred strappy number your go-to this summer, styled with a pair of Ancient Greek Sandals lace-up flats, Auralee’s poppy-red button-up layered on top, and Sensi Studio’s roomy raffia tote. The best part? This look works just as well on city streets as it does at the beach. Just remember to pack your little black bikini and SPF.
The Tiered T-Shirt Dress
Head downtown in your coolest look yet: Cos’s tiered T-shirt dress layered underneath Nour Hammour’s funnel-neck leather jacket. Adidas x Wales Bonner trainers give the look a sporty twist, as do Valesque’s canvas tote and Miu Miu’s goggle sunnies. For a final dose of summertime spirit, accessorize with Banana Republic’s beaded blue necklace.
