OK, in 100% honesty, the idea for this article isn’t original — but what “how to wear” article is?
Recently, an email for styling summer whites landed in my inbox.
While I browsed through the outfits, I couldn’t help but think, “How do I wear my white dresses in the summer?”
You see, I got this dress last fall from Wardrobe.NYC (it’s a size small, fwiw). Almost every time I wear it, a stranger stops me or literally chases me down to ask me where it’s from.
In all honesty, it’s not because of how I style it — that dress can stand on its own.
However, it dawned on me that white dresses in the summer have been my go-to for a while…
That sounds stupid — I mean, a white dress for summer is as groundbreaking as florals for spring.
… but maybe you’re looking for inspiration on how to style a white dress now that we’re in the doggiest dog days of summer.
So, here are 5 ways that I’m wearing mine:
1- Lunch
For high-temperature days, one rule should always be followed:
Keep it simple.
No necklaces, nothing fussy.
Just a little stack of bracelets that you can easily slide off if you get too hot.
Fresh accessories, like a light-coloured bag and sandals, will ensure you stay and look cool.
2- Running Errands
Maybe a necklace and stack of bracelets don’t work IRL for running errands in a hot city.
… but, you get the idea.
With a white dress, you can have more fun with accessories, like a bright red suede bag.
The bag’s oversized, slouchy shape lends itself well to the dress, because they’re both a little billowing — and that non-contrast contrast is kinda fun.
3- Drinks
This is what I’d wear to grab a drink (or two) in my white dress.
The dress’s silhouette complements a pair of knee-high boots so well.
For a white dress, I prefer a lighter coloured boot so that it isn’t as stark of a contrast as a black one.
A light-coloured boot also makes your outfit feel more summery — but maybe that’s obvious to say, and I’m just trying to sound smart.
4- Dinner
Picture this: It’s July 2007, fry an egg on the sidewalk kinda hot out, and your party was just seated outside at Da Silvano’s. Silvano just persuaded you to try his special, pasta al limone, and it’s deliciously refreshing. This is what you wore while the waiters flirt with you…
This A-line dress works really well with knee-high shoes — sandals included.
While I previously wrote that black boots could be too dramatic against a white dress (all rules are always meant to be broken though), since these sandals are a gladiator style, it works because you can still see your leg through the holes.
I dig a black patent leather bag for this outfit, since it’s meant to be worn at nighttime, and nothing says nighttime more to me than a glossy patent leather bag.
… even if it only gets dark at 8:30pm.
5- Work
Pull. It. Together.
A cropped sleeve blazer will always be my favourite blazer style and the easiest way to make an outfit look more professional.
This one is from Kate Moss’ first Topshop line from 2007.
When I had a “real” job, I wore a lot of blazers, and this one has an extra cool edge with its cropped sleeves and bumblebee stripes.
Pair it with a relaxed bag and polish it off your outfit with patent shoes.
A white dress in the summer is a blank canvas.
A white dress in the summer lets you literally stay cool.
In the summer, the power of a white dress is unparalleled.
… and almost two decades later, that’s why a white dress has always been my first pick in the summer.
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