Unique White Dresses
I don’t know what it is but every spring and summer I get really excited for new, fresh styles and even more specifically…little white dresses (LWD)! I personally like a little white dress even more than a little black dress. But finding the perfect LWD can be difficult. Whether it’s intricate lace or modern touches, I always try to find white dresses that have an interesting detail or something special about them. These are the unique little white dresses I’ve found and will be wearing all spring and summer.
You’ll find even more beautiful white dresses for your next Spring or Summer getaway here.
#1 | Sezane Magda Dress
This Sezane maxi dress is the newest in my LWD collection and I can’t stop wearing it! It has great coverage with the longer sleeves and hemline. It has a billowier fit but still skims the body and gives a defined shape. The fit is tailored in both the shoulders and the waist and I love the ruffle collar and embroidery on the front and sleeves. It feels very feminine and SO summery. It has a button front so you can control how much leg and decolletage you do or don’t want to show. I’m wearing it here fully buttoned on the bottom and just a few unbuttoned on top. The skirt is also lined so you don’t have to worry about the see-through factor on the lower half. I’m wearing it with Stuart Weitzman wedges that have a 4.5″ heel and 1.5″ platform (so it’s more like 3″) and it doesn’t touch the ground (I’m 5’4″ for reference). I love this dress for a graduation or summer party AND it can double as a swimsuit coverup on your next vacation!
Note: The packaging on my Sezane shipment was honestly some of the best I’ve seen from a retailer. So nicely done! You can find more of my new favorites from Sezane here.
#2 | Waimari Midi Dress
This white Waimari midi dress is SO gorgeous and perfect for spring/summer. It’s one of those white dresses you can dress up or down depending on the occasion. It has beautiful eyelet detailed fabric, a scalloped lace hem, and a flattering v-neckline. The thick smocked waist panel is also super flattering and slimming. And the longer length is perfect for women over 40 who may not love or feel confident about their legs. I often get requests for tops and dresses with sleeves and this dress has roomy puff sleeves that will keep you covered without adding heat because…the entire dress is 100% cotton which means it’s lightweight and breathable. I styled it with a pair of See by Chloe espadrilles wedges. I have a few other pairs of See by Chloe espadrilles in different colors and styles…they’re all super comfortable (for heels), easy to walk in because of the platform, and have an easy buckle for quickly getting them on/off. I’d wear this look to dinner on a beach vacation, a baby shower, or graduation…the possibilities are endless! You can even dress it down by wearing it with some cute flat sandals.
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#3 | Waimari Mini Dress
Another great option for any spring or summer occasion is a little white mini dress! This mini dress is also by Waimari and has a lot of the same details as the midi dress…gorgeous eyelet fabric, scalloped lace hem, and a flattering v-neckline. The length of this dress is obviously shorter than the midi, but it’s not too short! The v-neckline is also a little bit lower so that’s just something to consider. It has a looser, roomy fit because it doesn’t have the smocked waist…it’s actually a kimono-style dress so it opens and buttons up in the front. I love that you can throw this on over a swimsuit for lunch with some sandals while you’re on vacation or wear it with wedges for dinner. I’ll probably even wear it with sneakers this summer!
#4 | Jonathan Simkhai Shirtdress
I love everything about this dress…the fabric is lightweight and breathable, the neckline is flattering, the sleeves are dramatic (but you can push them up or roll them if you want), and the gold chain detail is SO cool! The cutout is pretty small and the tiny bit of skin you’re showing is contrasted by the all-over coverage of the longer hemline and sleeves. Plus, the placement of the cutout is higher up, which is a slimmer part of most women’s bodies. I’m wearing the dress with a pair of See by Chloe platform heels that are on-trend and way more comfortable to walk in than you think! 😉 This exact dress is limited in sizing, but this Simkhai dress and this one are very similar.
If you’re interested, you can see it in motion here on IG.
#5 | Elliatt Backless Dress
Anyone remember this Elliatt dress from my trip to the Middle East last summer?! It has a sexy open back, beautiful eyelet sleeves, and a modest hemline. The long sleeves and hemline make up for the skin you’re showing on the open back by following my one-skin rule (meaning you only show one area of skin at a time). I’m not wearing a bra underneath but if you feel like you need more support for the girls, a backless bra or nipple covers (with lift!) can give you the boost you need. This exact dress is unfortunately sold out, but since crochet and embroidery are still VERY popular and on-trend this season, I wanted to share some similar options (linked below). I styled this dress with some cool slide sandals (these are similar) but it would also look amazing with flat sandals, wedges, or heels.
If you’d like to see this beautiful dress in motion, make sure you check out this reel on Instagram!
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#6 | Acler Belted Dress
I picked this dress up while on our epic cross-country road trip 2 summers ago. It’s seriously a show-stopper. I love every single detail on this dress! It has gorgeous eyelet puffed shoulders. The belted waist is super flattering and I love the luxe gold hardware. It has a trench-style look with the buttons and collar. But the flounce skirt is incredibly feminine. I styled it with a pair of wedges and my Bottega Veneta bag. If you missed my review of this bag, you can check that out here. This exact dress is sold out but I linked a few more white dresses by Acler…this brand makes some really cool pieces with gorgeous details!
#7 | White Acler Mini Dress
This dress is by the same brand, Acler. They make gorgeous dresses. When you find a designer that works for you, there’s nothing wrong with buying multiples. (I also featured this white Acler dress in this video.) The dress is cotton so it’s lightweight and breathable. It has beautiful, intricate gold buttons all down the front. It also has puff sleeves, which I happen to love but know they aren’t everyone’s favorite. It’s a standout piece I try to wear any chance I get. It’s currently sold out but I linked more Acler dresses below…
Shop more Acler dresses here.
#8 | Amanda Uprichard Midi Dress
I love a gorgeous midi dress for spring/summer…it’s elegant but effortless! All you have to do is throw on some sandals and you’re ready! This Amanda Uprichard dress has a pretty ruffled trim, 3/4 sleeves, and a v-neck. If the v-neck feels too low for you, you can wear a pretty white lace cami for more modesty! I’m wearing the dress with some super cute Express heeled sandals that have a trendy braided strap, the white Bottega Veneta cassette bag, and some layered gold necklaces (shorter and longer)! The beauty of the midi dress is you get more coverage while remaining cool. I’ve had this dress for almost 4 seasons now and it’s still one of my absolute favorites.
#9 | Eyelet Mini Dress
This white eyelet dress is perfect for spring and summer because it’s also a coverup! You can wear it open or over a swimsuit. Or buttoned up and belted with sandals for a pretty spring look! When you belt it, it might be a bit short depending on your height…if so, you could wear a pair of streamlined denim shorts underneath just in case! I found it available in a white/gold here but sizing is limited so I linked a few similar dresses as well.
#10 | Alexis Mini Dress
This Alexis dress has interesting little details that are so pretty…the lace hem, tassel on the tie-cinched waist, voluminous balloon sleeve, and ruching around the shoulders! The cinched waist and flared skirt are super flattering. And it’s 100% poplin cotton, which feels quite silky and cool on the skin. It also doesn’t wrinkle quite as easily. I just love the coverage from the 3/4 sleeves! It’s currently sold out but this dress by Alexis is made of the same lightweight fabric. I actually own it in the pink midi dress version and love the belted waist details. Here are some similar options you can shop…
#11 | For Love & Lemons Mini Dress
This sexy white dress is by For Love & Lemons. It has a shorter hemline and cutout back! I love how the lines on the front are strategic and super flattering, creating a defined waist. It’s a slightly flared skirt to provide forgiveness around the hips, butt, and thighs (great silhouette on many body types). You can see the sexy cutout details on the sides that lead to a completely open back. Because of the back, you will have to wear pasties, a Nubra, or no bra, depending on what you’re comfortable with. I love how feminine yet sexy this dress is. It’s perfect for cocktail events, showers, date nights, etc.
#12 | 9seed Maxi Dress
I wanted to share an option that was more casual and a longer length! I think maxi dresses are so elegant and chic. Depending on the style, you can usually dress them up or down. This coverup dress is so perfect for vacation, but can also be dressed up! It looks great with sandals or heels. It’s cotton and crinkled gauze so you’ll stay cool and comfortable. The length of this is also great for travel since it won’t drag on the ground. It’s an oldie but a goodie!
#13 | L’Academie Mini Dress
Remember this dress from a few summers ago in this post? It’s the perfect, easy mini for summer! This is something you can wear to the beach, pool, or lake. It’s on the shorter side so you can also wear it to dinner if you’re feeling brave and love your legs! It shows off your legs but has those fun puff sleeves to cover your arms. I also love the sexy drawstring neckline! Sizing is limited but if you are looking for something similar, this Banana Republic mini dress is beautiful! I own it in black…but have my eye on the white too!
Which dress is your favorite? Please share in the comments below!
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I’m turning 71, . and getting married in June–the best is yet to come! Had the big wedding exactly 50 years ago (1969). Many BABY BOOMERS remarry. My mom wore pale blue for her 2nd wedding. I’m thinking of wearing pale blue too because it’s my best color, But I have not shopped for a dress yet. ALready have great nude HIGH HEELS. What do you advise for special occasions? I’m BLOND like you…from Grandma Bunny in Phoenix–one of your biggest fans!
Congratulations!!!!!! This is SO exciting! Check the usual suspects, Saks, Neimans, Nordstrom, Bergdorf. Search “Blue” gowns. Do you want to wear a gown, knee or midi length? If you send me a bit more information, I can help. Erin xo
LOved your video on how to style a curvy body type! I have a pear shaped body type—32–28–35.5 and would love some suggestions. I have been following you for about a year, I have learned a great deal from you! You are right, fashion and caring about your appearance are an important part of self care. I’m 67 and am much happier. my 35 year old daughter says to me “Mom you’re so stylish now” I’ve been having a lot of fun trying new things, per your suggestions. Thank you for everything you are a great teacher! Carole Bohlen
Aw, thanks so much, Carole! Your note really made my day!! Erin xo
Just ordered the strappy flower herls from Ann Taylor. Love the 3” heel. So cute. Thx for modeling them!! Nan