You might have sensed another heatwave on the horizon (if you check your weather app as religiously as I do, anyway) and gone into full summer-outfit-planning panic mode. A catchy term we've coined this season, FYI, and it feels justified.
Fail-safe summer outfits are a constant challenge. Ideally, we want them to be easy to throw on, airy and cooling – especially when you're more likely to be found on a busy commute rather than lounging poolside – and crucially, effortlessly stylish. That's where a one-and-done white summer dress is your heatwave hero. A white dress has become as much of a wardrobe must-have as the little black dress (aka the LBD).
The accident-prone amongst us will have reservations, and fair enough. It's best to avoid red wine and/or small children when wearing a bright white floaty number, plus always be armed with a picnic blanket for sunny Saturdays spent in the park. But the high risk means high reward! A white dress is super versatile, serving as a chic blank canvas to accessorise.
My moodboard this summer consists of a colourful bandana scarf worn in the hair à la Gracie Abrams at Glasto last year, bright ballet flats, and a pair of cat-eye sunglasses. Meanwhile, purists will love the simple, minimalist look that a refined, structured white dress offers when worn solo.
What's also great about a crisp white dress is how unapologetically summery they are. We're approaching Midsommar, the longest day of the year – also known as the summer solstice – and in cult-like Swedish tradition, the strict dress code is flower crowns and white prairie-style dresses. Holiday packing edits are also heavy on the agenda, where a white dress will work overtime, from beach coverups to sun-drenched city escapes, showing off those sun-kissed limbs.
Basically, it's worth investing in a timeless white dress so you can revel in its versatility each and every summer. Naturally, the high street has delivered. From the whimsical and romantic – think delicate embroidered details, frills and lace, like M&S' cotton ruffle maxi dress or Damson Madder's milkmaid style – to playful minis, or understated silhouettes with clean lines, like Topshop's bandeau number, ideal for balmy summer evening parties. Each one satisfies our dopamine dressing desires when the sun is shining.
Below, shop our edit of the best white dresses on the high street. All guaranteed to ease any heatwave woes and be sure to get you in a carefree summer holiday mood (even when we're sweltering at the office).
M&S Pure cotton drop waist midi waisted dress
Next White pintuck foldover midi summer dress
Damson Madder Campbell white midi dress
M&S Cotton blend ruffle midaxi knitted dress
New Look White cotton lace trim corset waist milkmaid mini dress
Dôen Emmaretta toe-detailed shirred cotton-voile midi dress
Topshop Poplin ruched bandeau midi 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 influencer’s 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.
