Now that spring has officially arrived and Easter is right around the corner, I have dresses on my mind. Okay, let’s be honest, dresses are always on my mind (I live in Florida, after all). However, each year as Easter, spring, and summer approach, I always find myself browsing new dresses, white dresses in particular. I love putting together white dress outfit ideas for different occasions this time of the year. Today I’m excited to share some new white dress styles that have recently caught my eye! I’m also going to spotlight how to accessorize these dresses for everything from Easter and summer cocktail parties to vacations and Sundays at church. As always, the white dress styles I’ll be highlighting today are available in extended sizes so that we can all look and feel our best!
When to Wear a White Dress
Personally, I think every woman needs a white dress or two on hand that she can reach for when the opportunity arises. We all know the old “rule” of retiring white after Labor Day until Memorial Day rolls around. However, I am a big proponent of wearing a white dress whenever you would like. To an extent, of course, I wouldn’t show up at a wedding wearing white!
There are so many fun occasions for which a white dress is fitting. Here are a few of my favorite times to bring out this classic color.
- Vacation: A white dress can make an excellent beach or poolside coverup (here are some of my favorite size-inclusive swimsuits and coverups). I also love throwing on a casual white dress for days spent exploring a new town or for an informal meal while on vacation.
- Summer Cocktail Party: If there’s ever a season to wear white, it’s summer! A short white dress makes for a wonderful summer cocktail party outfit.
- Bridal Events: This one is a no-brainer! If you’re a bride, take advantage of this opportunity to wear different white dress styles to all of your events from the engagement party to the rehearsal dinner.
- Church: I think a classic white dress is always a great option for church attire. This includes special church events such as Easter and baptisms.
- Workwear: An appropriate white dress outfit is a great option for workwear.
- Casual Summer Gatherings: Backyard barbeques, date nights, music festivals…there are tons of occasions to wear casual white dress styles in the summertime!
Tips for Creating the Perfect White Dress Outfit
Before jumping in and sharing my current favorite white dress styles, I thought it might be helpful to touch on a few different tips. I hope you find these to be beneficial the next time you’re putting together a white dress outfit!
- Wear undergarments as needed. We all know that sometimes a white dress can cross the line of appropriateness when it comes to being sheer. I always like to play it safe and wear undergarments to keep everything nice and covered. The right undergarments can also ensure that the white dress lies properly against your body for the best fit.
- Take your skin tone into consideration. A white dress doesn’t have to be bright white. Pay attention to which shade of white looks best with your skin tone – white, ivory, beige, etc.
- Purchase white dress styles made with high-quality materials. I think this is extra important if the white dress is a tighter-fitting style, you will want that fabric to fit smoothly and comfortably. For white dresses that are a looser, more casual fit, sometimes you can get away with a less expensive fabric.
- Plan out how you want to accessorize your white dress. The right accessories can take a simple white dress and make it fabulous! Keep reading…I’m going to share some of my favorite white dress accessories in this post.
- Know the dress code. This tip pertains to all events, not just ones to which you’re wearing a white dress. Always check in on the dress code and make sure your white dress style lines up accordingly.
White Dress Styles for Vacation
I love a light and breezy white dress for a tropical vacation. It’s the perfect piece to pack for a day of shopping or a casual lunch. This eyelet midi dress and this white caftan dress are definitely pack-worthy! Certain white dress styles, such as this white caftan and this white linen shirt dress can also double as a coverup to wear poolside or for dinner at the beach. Complete your vacation outfit with a sunhat, colorful tote bag, fun earrings, and of course, a cute pair of sunnies!
vacation styles
White Dress Styles for a Bride
Bridal events are such a special time in one’s life – therefore, they deserve the most special outfits! With all of the fun events (engagement party, bridal showers, bachelorette party, and rehearsal dinner), you will probably never browse more white dress styles than you do during the time leading up to your wedding. If you’re looking to splurge for these special occasions, this white organza gown is a stunner. This white halter bow dress and this white lace shift dress are also splurges, but oh-so-beautiful! This white one-shoulder linen dress and this white lace maxi dress are much more affordable and equally as cute. And if you’re wondering how to accessorize a white bridal dress, this white bow clutch and these coordinating white bow heels will work for every occasion!
bridal styles
White Dress Styles for a Summer Cocktail Party
Who doesn’t love a fun cocktail party? Personally, I’ll take any excuse to get dressed up! Since wearing white dresses to a wedding is a no-no, I always love wearing them to a summer cocktail party instead. Whether it’s for a work event, a fundraiser, or just a fun dinner to celebrate a friend, white dress styles that are around knee length are appropriate for most cocktail parties. The good news is I found so many cute options that are super affordable! This chiffon ruffle dress, this off-the-shoulder mini dress, and this eyelet embroidery dress are all under $73. This white one-shoulder tiered dress and this bow-back mini dress are both classic white dress styles, but also super fun. Don’t forget to accessorize your white dress outfit with statement pieces like these gold floral earrings, these leather buckle heels, and this seashell-shaped purse (on sale for under $30!)
cocktail styles
White Dress Styles for Church and Work
A chic white dress makes for great work and church attire in the summertime. This affordable bouclé dress and this white tweed dress are both classics that could be worn for years to come. This ivory stretch linen dress paired with these slide sandals and this cream oversized necklace (one of my favorite accessories) would make the perfect outfit for the office! Another way to look elegant at church or work? Add this beautiful white scallop topper over a simple dress – the perfect final touch!
church and work styles
White Dress Styles for Every Occasion
Whether you’re a bride looking for the perfect white dress for your special day or just a girl on the hunt for a vacation dress, I hope you’ve found this round-up to be helpful. All of these white dress styles are available in extended sizes and at multiple price points in hopes that you can find exactly what you’re looking for! If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below or send me a DM. And for additional summertime outfit inspiration, be sure to check out my round-up of size-inclusive swimsuits and coverups and my favorite size-inclusive brands.
