Forget the Little Black Dress. Move that Little Red Number to the back of your wardrobe. The Little White Dress is this spring’s go-to fashion piece, and with good reason. It’s warm-weather appropriate. It brightens up most skin tones. It goes with just about everything. And most of all, it’s a breath of fresh air. So if you invest in one great little dress (or any wardrobe essential) right now, make it a white one. Walk into a room in a white dress and you’re bound to turn heads. In a good way. (Unless you’re walking into a wedding reception—but you already know that’s a fashion no-no.)
But it’s not all about the dress. White is finding its way onto all kinds of separates, as well as shoes, bags, jewelry and other accessories. Skirt and dress lengths run the gamut. While Micro-minis are probable here to stay, at least for a while, they’re counterbalanced by billowy maxis, demure pencil skirts and tea-length cocktail dresses. Silhouettes, too, are suited for every taste. Body-con looks are ubiquitous, but so are relaxed hippie-chic shapes and ladylike A-lines and sheaths. If you prefer pants, white versions of everything from super-skinnies to palazzo styles are now bathed in white. As is the currently popular romper, with loose or strapless tops flowing into tapered legs that pair great with pumps or cage shoes. The white trouser is back in a big way, and looks especially chic styled with high wedge sandals for a 1970s retro look.
As far as fabrics go, designers have got you covered. Lace is a softer, more feminine option, and summer linen serves maintenance-willing fashionistas well. Satin, chiffon and, of course, cotton blends are everywhere, but also look for leather details that give an otherwise sweet outfit a bit of edge. Wear your favorite pieces with a nude or white shoe, for an easy and pulled-together summer ensemble.
For more great white fashions, visit Red Typewriter’s Pinterest page. And let us know your favorite way to style white!
Clockwise from left: BCBGMaxazria one-shoulder Sima dress, $198. Kate Spade New York mother-of-pearl necklace, $528 at Macy’s. Anthropologie Ambrose jacquard dress, $228. Brian Atwood puzzle shoe, $1,257 at Saks Fifth Avenue. Carlotta heels by Madison, $50 at Shoe Dazzle. Halston Heritage Faille halter dress, $425 at Saks Fifth Avenue. Express high-waisted full skirt, $50. Jules envelope clutch by Rebecca Minkoff, $170 at Amazon.
Rosie Assoulin’s wide-legged trousers topped with a sultry off-the-shoulder top. A sporty white ensemble from DVF. Designer Carolina Herrera in her signature white shirt—always a classic. Herve Leger’s seductive Jamari gown with cutouts. An easygoing, feminine look from Nanette Lepore.
