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White dresses are the epitome of classic summer dressing. Theyāre the kind of item that you throw on and your look is immediately sorted. So easy. So chic. A white summer dress will always look good, because of its sheer effortlessness. Plus, it's a breeze to accessorise with too ā everything goes with white, right?
So, which style do you go for when searching for this stylish MVP, eh? Do not fear, we are here to help. If you are after romantic, 1950ās movie star vibes, a broderie anglaise cotton dress is the one for you. It's a timeless style that'll be your best summer city break companion. Maybe youāre after a slinky slip dress or a tiered midi, with fitted bodice, both easy styles to dress up or down, depending on the occasion. And speaking of occasionwear, the little white mini shift dress is an excellent option for balmy evening drinks, during these glorious summer months. Forget the LBD, itās all about the LWD, now.
Paired with sandals for the evening or fashion trainers for the day, the white dress is the gift that keeps giving. Whichever summer scenario you are outfit planning for, you canāt go wrong, and weāre on hand to help with 21 of the best styles out there ā from floaty maxis to hot mini dresses, check out our Editorās top picksā¦
It's a hot summer upgrade on the LBD shift dress. We love this white mini from Storiesā¤ļø.
The prairie style dress is still very much a summer vibe and the corset style bodice on Reformation's linen number hits the nail on the head. We especially love that wide, square neckline.
Effortless and cool - both in temperature and the style stakes - you can't go wrong with a cotton button down dress for summer. Pair with this seasons new it shoe, the clog or a pair of platform sandals.
Switch up your silhouette with this A-line midi, complete with large ruffle v-neck top. It will look so good on days spent frolicking in the park on long summer weekends.
Sleeper Atlanta off-the-shoulder shirred linen midi dress
Sleeper's dresses have created cult fandom amongst fashion fans. The Atlanta is a best seller because we all LOVE a balloon sleeve with extra volume.
Puff sleeves, clinched in waist, sweeheart neckline, and that pretty textured floral pattern. This dress is the whole summer package.
How cute is the corset style bodice on this RI midi? A fave dress of the edit.
A simple white t-shirt is the most beloved summer staple and the t-shirt dress is even cooler. Statement earrings are the best accessory.
Planning a hols abroad this year? This frill mini will be your go-to dress. It's super versatile, thrown over a bikini on the beach then out for drinks in the evening. Also, how good does this look with bare legs and chunky stomper boots?
M&S Collection Pure Cotton Tiered Midi Dressā
This spot-on holiday dress is an M&S bestseller. Bag it quick in time for wandering old city streets and all those relaxed cocktails on the beach.
We're still obsessing over the cut out dress trend. Add a scalloped edge and pretty embossed embroidery and we. are. SOLD.
Looking for a laidback strappy number this summer? Enter H&M's plus-size summer maxi, complete with a gorgeous sweetheart neckline.
Weāll just never be over a beautiful tiered dress okay. Especially this white summer staple with prairie inspired detailing.
The slip is the best day to night dress for summer, hands down, and this 90s cowl neck style is a must-have. Throw over a t-shirt in the day - white on white looks great or opt for a bright tee to add a splash of colour - then pair with strappy sandals and a mini baguette bag for evening.
For scorching hot days, H&Ms breezy trapeze dress will keep you cool and looking ultra stylish. The keyhole cut out on the front and thin straps that tie at the back are 100% the details we're looking for in our new fave summer dress.
The blazer dress is a smart summer favourite for the office, that can be easily glammed up with lashings of gold jewellery and heels for afterwork drinks.
This dress looks incred with mega heels and statement earrings. A true summer night out winner.
STAUD Landry open-back smocked tiered cotton-poplin mini dress
Spaghetti straps for the win! Staud's white summer party dress looks great with bright, poppy accessories.
This is a convincing dupe for the much lusted after Cecilie Bahnsen designs you'll have spotted across Insta and for a bargain price. The billowy skirt and spaghetti straps are just š.
We like how Karen Millen have balanced the pretty tiered shape and cute embroidery of this dress with the sexy lace tie back. A great statement holiday dress.
Sophie Leen is the Bookings Editor for Cosmopolitan UK and Women's Health UK. She specialises in creating fashion and shopping content across both digital and print platforms, as well as producing all of our fashion editorial photoshoots, which have included our digital cover with Olly Alexander and our curve influencerās letter to the high street story. Sophie also looks after our Try Before You Train franchise where our team have tested and reviewed over 100 gymwear items.
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