Yes, You Need a White Dress—These Are the Ones That Actually Matter
There's a scene from the movie Under the Tuscan Sun that captures the essence of a white dress perfectly. It's the moment actress Diane Lane takes a leap of faith and visits her lover in Positano, wearing a beautiful white shirtdress with a dreamy A-line skirt. The summer sun, the Amalfi Coast, the romantic thrill—it's what the best white dresses are made for.
While we might not all make it to Italy right away, there's still a perfect white dress waiting for you and whatever summer adventure you have in store. Paired with a sunhat, some raffia sandals, and a berry lipstick, this wardrobe hero becomes a symbolic summer staple—a harbinger of sun-soaked escapades, if you will. But even if you're just heading to your desk or looking for something casual to slip into, the best white dresses deliver the kind of effortless elegance we all love and seek. It's probably why they were a recurring theme on the spring/summer 2025 runway shows for brands like Jacquemus, Miu Miu, and Alaïa.
Ready to update your warm-weather rotation with some new options? With various occasions, hemlines, and personal tastes in mind, here are the only white dresses you need—whether you're spending a day by the beach, at the office, or at a summer soirée.
Since it is summer we're speaking of, it only makes sense to start the roundup with the best linen options. The breezy fabric keeps air circulation going, which means you won't trap any unwanted heat underneath the dress. It's also one of the more durable fabrics with a high-quality feel. Since the natural fiber can sometimes be a bit scratchy, you'll notice that many brands add a cotton lining underneath, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of a white linen dress without compromising on the feel.
Maxi dresses are the most underrated of white dresses—perhaps because the idea of a floor-length white dress typically brings to mind a wedding gown. Still, there are plenty of opportunities to wear a long white dress that don't involve an aisle. Any of the options below prove that a maxi white dress can be worn casually to a garden party or styled elegantly for an evening soirée. The Stella McCartney piece, for example, can even be worn to the office.
There are practically no occasions where a midi dress doesn't feel appropriate. The slightly shortened hemline and A-line silhouette were initially popularized by Christian Dior in his 1947 'New Look' collection, solidifying the midi dress as an icon through the '50s. The style still receives great enthusiasm, as people continue to adore the chic and somewhat preppy aesthetic.
For a little leg moment, a minidress is the way to go. The short skirt is inherently flirtier than the previous options listed, but it's also an easy way to escape the heat in style. While minidresses tend to lean more casual, brands like Simkhai and Significant Other offer dressier takes on the silhouette. Weekends and brunch dates wouldn't be the same without the little white dress, so make sure you have a couple of these in your closet.
The concept of a shirtdress is pretty simple—the top half resembles a button-down shirt, while the bottom half extends out in a skirt. It's equal parts buttoned-up and free-spirited, making it a favorite among office-goers. The crisp, tailored style is also popular in courtside fashion, which is why you'll spot plenty of spectators at the US Open and Wimbledon sporting the look, too.
Whether you're going out to meet friends or to walk your dog around the park, the best casual white dresses are easy to throw on and require zero brain power to pull together. They're meant to feel comfortable without looking sloppy. And while you can wear them out and about, they also make ideal at-home outfits for days when you want to feel productive and get out of your loungewear.
Consider the drop-waist dress the 'It girl' of dresses in 2025. The style goes hand in hand with the return of low-rise pants, as it highlights the elongated torso. It's hard not to love this season's standout style—especially when brands like Reformation and Banana Republic make such cute versions of the silhouette. The latter even combines it with a bubble skirt, hitting two trends in one go.
Summer is filled with special occasions, rooftop parties, and galas. For any type of celebration, consider the following gowns. We've selected dresses with plunging necklines—like this option from Norma Kamali—and dainty lace numbers such as the one featured from Acne Studios. Each white dress is bound to leave an impression and make you feel like the main event of the night.
Every product featured on ELLE.com is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such.
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