Like backyard BBQs and iced lattes, we count a perfect white dress among our Spring and Summer essentials [1]. It's the go-to staple that's as fit for a cocktail party as it is for a weekend at the beach. Whether you are replacing an old favorite or need inspiration for a totally new twist, consider this your one-stop shop to finding your perfect white dress — for any body type or budget. From an office-appropriate [2] shift to a special-occasion gown, it's all here. Read through to find them all, or choose your style from the list below.
- Shift dresses [3]
- Evening dresses [4]
- Body-con dresses [5]
- Maxi dresses [6]
- Fit-and-flare dresses [7]
- Shirtdresses [8]
- Lace and eyelet dresses [9]
- Strapless dresses [10]
Shift
Why we love it: The easy silhouette is a mainstay and conjures up images of minimalist beauties like Gwyneth Paltrow [11]. It's an easy piece to dress up or down with the right accessories, and its breezy shape is the perfect option to slip into on hot Summer days.
Best for: Athletic builds. The looser silhouette skims the body but doesn't hug curves or define a waist. If you want to play up your stems or showcase toned biceps, this dress is ideal.
rag & bone 'Clementine' Shift Dress [12] ($425)
Tibi Structured Crepe Off-the-Shoulder Shift Dress [13] ($395)
Equipment 'Aubrey' Eyelet Lace Shift Dress [14] ($268)
KENDALL + KYLIE 'Safari' Lace-Up Shift Minidress [15] ($168)
Victoria Victoria Beckham Knotted cotton-piqué mini dress [16] ($880)
Capulet Shift Dress [17] ($110)
ASOS Collection Shift Dress in Jumbo Rib with 3/4 Sleeves [18] ($22)
Vero Moda Bardot Ruffle Shift Dress [19] ($62)
JOA Sleeveless Shift Dress [20] ($70)
Evening
Why we love it: Especially for Summer, evening dresses in white feel fresh and ultra elegant. Just look to Margot Robbie in a totally chic, totally sexy custom Calvin Klein gown. Just be sure to steer clear of any overtly lacy detailing to keep the look from feeling too bridal — and please don't wear this one to your best friend's wedding.
Best for: All body types. Just look to a dressed-up silhouette that suits you best. Athletic build like Margot? Opt for a dress that skims your curves and shows a little skin. If you're looking to conceal a little more, look for styles that float away from the body or draw attention to your favorite areas via a lower neckline or open back.
Leith Stretch Crepe Tank Dress [21] ($68)
Elliatt 'Crested' Strapless Lace Popover Dress [22] ($118)
Alice + Olivia Juelia cutout embroidered tulle dress [23] ($485)
Jill Jill Stuart Strapless Dress [24] ($398)
Halston Heritage Modern Gown with Hardware [25] ($445)
Misha Collection Misu Dress [26] ($250)
Self Portrait Collared Chiffon & Lace Midi Dress [27] ($510)
Black Halo Kacie 2 Piece Maxi Dress [28] ($375)
Body-Con
Why we love it: The body-hugging fit of these dresses is all-out sexy. They're made for flaunting your figure, and depending on the fabric (we recommend something more substantial — the thinner the material, the more you'll reveal) and cut, these frocks can work for pretty much any occasion.
Best for: Highlighting and creating curves. The snug fit doesn't leave much room to hide, but it also provides the perfect opportunity for playing up curves. Whether you're out to show off the ones you've got or hoping to create the illusion of curves, these styles are just the thing.
Mily Zipper Detail Sheath Dress [29] ($375)
Alice + Olivia Riki Leather Body-Con Dress [30] ($598)
Missguided Pocket Detail Body-Con Dress [31] ($58)
Zimmermann Crepe Harness Mini Dress [32] ($525)
Elizabeth and James Sapphire Dress [33] ($385)
Feel the Piece Razor Open Back Dress [34] ($132)
Maxi
Why we love it: Maxi dresses have become our go-to, thanks to their easy and universally flattering silhouettes. With the right fit and embellishments, they can transition seamlessly from day to night, event to event. We also love that their longer length means we can get away with wearing them to work.
Best for: All body types. Maxi dresses work on everyone — it's all about finding the right fit for your body. If you want to stay covered up on top, look for long-sleeved styles. For showing off curves, opt for a fitted style, and if you're looking to flatter an hourglass shape, find a dress that cinches the waist and floats away from the body.
Rachel Zoe Silk and Cotton Blend Maxi Dress [35] ($595)
Theory Cotton Voile Beach Maxi Dress [36] ($375)
The Row Morin Maxi Dress [37] ($990)
Graffer and Fluf Side Slit Maxi Dress [38] ($242)
H&M Chiffon Maxi Dress [39] ($60)
Lila Eugenie Macrame Lace Cotton-Silk Maxi Dress [40] ($300)
French Connection Posy Lace Strappy Dress [41] ($198)
Mara Hoffman Star Maxi [42] ($465)
Fit-and-Flare
Why we love it: These dresses are all about femininity. We love that the shape is sweet and girlie and that the figure-flattering silhouette is making a major comeback.
Best for: Hourglass shapes and either highlighting or creating curves. The waist-defining silhouette is ideal for ladies looking to play up their curves. Of course, the fit-and-flare style is also a safe bet if you're looking to create such an illusion.
Opening Ceremony Fit & Flare Dress [43] ($269)
Alice + Olivia 'Carisi' Off the Shoulder Fit & Flare Dress [44] ($275)
MAJE Striped mesh and jersey mini dress [45] ($410)
Rebecca Taylor Sleeveless cotton-blend jacquard dress [46] ($375)
Vince Sleeveless V-Neck Fit & Flare Dress [47] ($365)
Gap Linen Fit and Flare Dress [48] ($70)
J.Crew Collection Poplin Pinafore Dress [49] ($198)
Navy London Midi Dress with Tulle Skirt [50] ($128)
Kate Spade New York ribbon organza fit-and-flare dress [51] ($448)
Topshop Button-Down Sundress [52] ($68)
Shirtdress
Why we love it: We're drawn to the menswear riff and the casual feel of these Summer-staple dresses. They work just as easily for the office as they do for our off-duty or event-ready wear. All it takes are the right accessories.
Best for: All body types. With all the new iterations on this classic, shirtdresses can flatter just about any body as long as you look for the right shape. If you're curvier, opt for an A-line style. Those with boyish shapes should look to more fitted versions — and of course, have fun with the sheer or lacy fabrics they come in.
MINKPINK 'Little Lolita' Sleeveless Shirtdress [53] ($99)
Nasty Gal Wash Over Me Shirt Dress [54] ($68)
Michael Michael Kors Pleated stretch-cotton poplin shirt dress [55] ($165)
Lisa Marie Fernandez Cotton and linen-blend striped gauze shirt dress [56] ($575)
Equipment Claudia belted cotton shirt dress [57] ($200)
Chinti and Parker Pintuck Shirtdress [58] ($275)
Missguided crepe wrap shirt dress white [59] ($51)
David Lerner Henley Shirtdress with Lace [60] ($275)
Vince Cotton Poplin Off-The-Shoulder Shirt Dress [61] ($295)
3.1 Phillip Lim White Knot Sleeve Shirt Dress [62] ($575)
Lace and Eyelets
Why we love it: Nothing feels quite so summery as an LWD in lace or eyelet. The style has unmatched femininity and sweetness — though a halter neckline or higher hemline can make them feel simultaneously (and effortlessly!) sexy.
Best for: Any body — find the details you love on a silhouette that fits your body best. The same rules for fit apply: if you're curvier, look to waist-defining styles to draw interest to your smallest point; if you want to show off your legs, opt for a mini hemline; and if you're out to create curves, look for hip-highlighting peplums.
For Love & Lemons Gianna Lace Midi Dress [63] ($260)
Lover Arizona Lace Fitted Dress [64] ($850)
Self-Portrait Ivy Lace-Trim Open-Back Midi Dress [65] ($625)
TULAROSA Annabel Ruffle Dress [66] ($176)
DVF 'Edlyn' Eyelet Dress [67] ($398)
Jack by BB DAKOTA Lenora Eyelet Dress [68] ($74)
Endless Rose 3D Lace Dress [69] ($98)
Moon River Lace Overlay Midi Dress [70] ($79)
endless rose Swiss Lace Dress [71] ($75)
LOFT Pueblo Dress [72] ($98)
Zara Embroidered Dress [73] ($100)
Strapless
Why we love it: Strapless styles are just the thing to counter the humidity and heat. We love that we can wear them just about anywhere — and they give us a reason to show off our favorite statement necklaces.
Best for: Most body types. These styles play up your upper body, so they're especially great for showcasing toned shoulders and biceps. They can also balance out what you may not love about your lower body by drawing the eyes up.
Tibi Manuella Strapless Dress [74] ($625)
Mustard Seed Strapless Ruffle Dress [75] ($64)
Adelyn Rae Strapless Peplum Sheath Dress [76] ($92)
BCBGMAXAZRIA 'Leeah' Strapless Lace Popover Dress [77] ($298)
Free People Catalina Bodycon Dress [78] ($300)
BB Dakota Eleanor Strapless Lace Midi Dress [79] ($114)