We see white Summer dresses every season, but will see even more right now as they enjoy their on-trend fashionable moment. Mini, midi, maxi, sleeved, sleeveless, flared, A-line, tiered, sack, shift, sheath, column, empire, swing, crochet, eyelet, smocked, peasant, T-shirt, frilly, halter neck, balloon, ballet, one-shoulder, embroidered, straight, architectural, shirred, ruched, strappy, and shirtdress. Take your pick. The collection below shows a good assortment.
Fabrics are Summery cottons, linens, eyelets, rayons, viscose, silks, lace, or blends of natural and manmade fibres. Fits range from tailored and fluid, to very fluid and oversized. Looks are generally relaxed, beachy, casual, or smart casual, and you’d wear the dresses with casual footwear. There are dressy options too.
White dresses can be a little transparent, so make sure you’re okay with the sheer. In my experience, the sheerness is tempered when silhouettes are roomy and breezy because there is more fabric to create coverage. You can wear a camisole if you like. Also, if a bright white or soft white is not for you, try an off-white, cream or bone.
White dresses can be impractical, and aren’t for everyone. Some look too frilly, boho and angelic, and others too Western. Some white dresses look too much like nighties, and others have a lab coat vibe. Some people feel washed out in white, and simply prefer dresses in other colours.
I’d love to get a casual white Summer dress, and it’s on my shopping list. They scream relaxing, hot Summer days to me, and look awfully pretty and crisp. I’ve tried on a few that were in fabric I didn’t like, or the necklines were too wide, or the length was too short, or the sleeves were too filly, or the sleeves were overwhelming. I’d prefer a white dress in textured fabric, to help break up the expanse of flat, bright white. I’d probably go for a sleeved and flared tiered dress, or shirt dress, and welcome eyelet and smocking too.
Over to you. What do you think of the white dress trend?
