As anyone who knows me in real life will attest, in summer I’m always always to be found wearing a white dress. It’s my favourite thing to wear from the moment the weather warms up in spring until the very end of summer (see here, here, here and here for a few of last year’s examples).
Aside from it’s practicality – white absorbs sunlight less than any other colour, so is the coolest option to wear in the warmer months – I love the easy simplicity of wearing a white dress. You just throw it on and you’re completely dressed without worrying about a coordinating piece, it doesn’t go out of style and always looks chic, it suits every skin tone and looks good with every single colour so you can accessorise it however you like, and it works for any occasion – aside, of course, from the one cardinal exception: wedding guest dressing (unless there is an all-white dress code, you should never, ever wear a white dress to a wedding that is not your own). Add some sandals, a blush leather or raffia bag, and minimal jewellery and you have my effortless summer uniform.
Because it’s my favourite thing to wear, white dresses are also one of my wardrobe weaknesses. You know those things you repeat buy, or have to force yourself to resist because you already have multiple versions in your wardrobe? That’s me and white dresses, and it takes all my restraint to ensure I don’t buy more than one or two each year, lest my collection become out of control.
But although it’s something I buy every year, I’m very fussy with what makes it to my wardrobe. It has to be good quality and look like it will hold up to years of wear and machine washing (so nothing too flimsy or delicate), ideally be in a natural fabric like cotton or linen so it’s breathable and more sustainable (polyester can look cheap and because it’s made from plastic, it’s definitely not what you want to be wearing on a hot day), have a chic silhouette and feel effortless to wear (for me that means something feminine in a longer length over anything too tight or short), and perhaps a few beautiful details (maybe a ruffle sleeve, a cinched waist, or a broderie anglaise fabric) to keep it interesting.
And because I can’t buy them all myself, I’ve rounded up the 50 best styles of the season; from little white dresses to floaty maxis, and in all shapes, sizes and budgets:
UNDER £50
UNDER £100
UNDER £200
UNDER £400
Wearing: French Connection dress (almost sold out but similar style here) // Boden shoes (also in navy + inexpensive style here) c/- // Clare V. bag (also in natural + black) // ASOS earrings (similar styles here + here) // Celine sunglasses (inexpensive style here) // Astley Clarke necklace c/- // Mac ‘Creme Cup’ lipstick.
Are you a white dress devotee as well? I’d love to know what your favourite summer staples are!
Love, Briony xx
Photos by Joe Galvin
I love a white dress too and your options inspire me so much! I ordered an off-white number from HM a couple weeks ago but the fabric wasn’t right. It was very stiff with not a lot of movement. It’s a small detail but can make such a big difference.
Love the sandals too! I tend to choose block heels because of the dutch streets not being the best for thinner type heels.
Thank you for the inspo!
xxx, Marcia.
I completely agree! I’m trying to buy a lot less in general, and as a result it’s made me very fussy about fabrics, comfort, wearability and all those things I consider when wearing something. If it doesn’t make the cut, I return it!
Briony xx