White Dresses for Summer: The Styles I Reach for Most

I always get excited for white dresses once summer rolls around. I wear dresses more than shorts in summer, and white always feels especially easy this time of year. That said, not every white dress ends up getting worn. Some are too sheer, some only work for special occasions, and some feel harder to style than they should.

Over the years, I’ve realized I reach for the same types of white dresses over and over again. The ones that feel comfortable in the heat, work with flat sandals, and can be styled multiple ways.

These are the white dress styles I’d actually wear this summer. The ones that feel easy and worth rewearing.

What Makes a White Dress Worth Buying

When I buy a white dress, I usually start by asking whether I want something I can wear regularly or if I’m shopping for a specific event. From there, I look for breathable fabrics, details that make it feel special, and versatility. Eyelet, embroidery, interesting hems, or subtle texture often make a simple white dress feel more memorable.

I also think about shoes. Ideally I want a dress that works with both flats and heels because at 5’2″, that flexibility makes a big difference.

White Dresses for Everyday Summer Plans

For everyday summer outfits, I want a simple dress that’s easy to wear. One that I can run my errands in, or grab lunch with a friend. I wear dresses more than shorts in summer, and shorter cotton styles are usually what I reach for most during the day. They feel easy but still look finished with minimal styling. Dresses usually give you a little more coverage then shorts do, and also look more polished overall. I’ve been wearing this cotton dress so much since it’s so easy to throw on with flat sandals.

White Eyelet Dresses (And Why I Love Them for Summer)

Eyelet is a fabric I naturally gravitate towards once spring hits. There’s something so special about it and it’s feminine without being too much. Eyelet gives your outfit details like a pattern would, but with an overall monochrome look.

If you usually wear simple outfits but want something that still feels special, this is probably the white dress category I’d start with.

White Dresses For Summer Events

For special occasions, I tend to prefer longer dresses because I feel more comfortable in them and they naturally feel a little more elevated.

I don’t usually buy dresses that feel extremely formal because I like getting repeat wear from them, but I do enjoy fabrics or details that make an outfit feel a little more special for events. That might be embroidery, texture, a longer silhouette, or occasionally a smoother fabric depending on the occasion.

For casual summer events, I still keep accessories comfortable and fairly simple. Changing the shoes or bag is usually enough.

How I Style White Dresses

One of the reasons I wear white dresses so much in summer is because they change completely with accessories and shoes.

How I Style White Linen Dresses For Day and Night

Linen dresses can be more formal or casual depending on how you style them. For a casual afternoon outfit, wear your white maxi dress with flat sandals, a straw tote bag, and a straw hat. For night-time, switch to a heel or metallic sandal, and pair your dress with shell earrings and a wicker clutch. This is one of the reasons I wear dresses so much in summer. A few accessory changes can make the same dress feel completely different.

What Accessories Work With White Dresses

The easiest way to style white dresses is through accessories. Most of the time I reach for cognac or tan because they warm up the white, and make the outfit feel more relaxed. Raffia is another favorite because it adds texture without competing with the dress.

If I wear color, I usually repeat it somewhere else in the outfit so it feels intentional rather than random. It can be a necklace, bracelet, or bag.

White Dress FAQs

What shoes go with a white midi dress?

White is surprisingly easy to style, but I tend to repeat the same combinations because they feel softer and more wearable. For dressier occasions, I usually reach for white shoes or metallic sandals in gold or silver. For casual days I love cognac or tan, nude, white, or raffia for a neutral texture. If going with color, I like to keep the color minimal by going with a strappy style like these sandals.

How do you style a white mini dress?

For white mini dresses, I like to keep things more relaxed and casual. Flat sandals, a bracelet to add detail, and sunglasses for during the day. Mini’s can often read too dressy for daytime if you style them with heels. If I do want a heel, I’ll often choose a wedge over a skinny heel to keep that casual feeling going.

Can you wear white dresses casually?

Absolutely. In fact, that’s my favorite way to wear them. I almost always choose dresses over shorts in summer so wearing them casually is never even a thought. That’s the great thing about white dresses, you can style them in so many different ways by changing your accessories.

Can you wear a white dress to a summer wedding?

I would be very cautious of doing this. Traditionally it’s the bride’s moment to wear a white dress. I would avoid it unless you have a design in the dress that makes it seem more like a patterned dress than a white dress.

Final Thoughts

White dresses are one of the pieces I come back to every summer because they make getting dressed feel easier.

Over time, I’ve realized the styles I wear most aren’t necessarily the most dramatic ones. They’re the ones that feel comfortable in the heat, work with flat shoes, and can be styled a few different ways depending on the day.

If you’re adding one this season, I’d think less about finding the perfect white dress and more about finding one that fits how you actually dress in summer.

You may also enjoy my Spring Dresses For Every Occasion and my guide to shoes that actually work with summer dresses.