The Little White Dress: How to Wear This Summer’s Fashion Trend
Many women know how versatile a little black dress can be. Teamed with the right accessories it can take a woman effortlessly from office to cocktail bar with minimal adjustment. But when the longer days and the warmer weather arrive, black can sometimes seem a little too safe and dull. Summer calls for something light and fresh – and fun – which is why this season’s trend is the little white dress. Just as versatile as the little black dress, the little white dress is perfect for summer: flirty, feminine, suitable for all occasions and – with the right style and fit – all shapes and sizes.
Invest in a Suitably Priced White Dress
One of the drawbacks of white, however, and one of the reasons some women prefer not to wear it, is that it won’t hide spills and stains in quite the same way black will. So when it comes to buying your little white dress, unless you happen to fall in love with a very expensive one, it’s probably wise not to spend a huge amount of money on it if it’s going to be forever in the washer or laundry basket.
Figure It Out White Dress – $44.00
from: Lulus.com
This doesn’t mean settling for a cheap and shoddily made dress, but rather being sensible about how much you invest in a dress that you may wear for only one season, and which will probably be subjected to quite a few cycles in your washer!
Where to Wear White?
When it comes to where you wear your little white dress, remember there are no fashion rules. It’s perfectly acceptable to wear a white dress to Memorial Day celebrations; it’s also appropriate to wear a white dress to a wedding, provided you don’t overshadow the bride, which means no frills or ruffles. Instead, choose a cocktail or shift style dress in a shimmering white fabric.
Different Shades of White for Different Complexions
Don’t be put off wearing white just because you have a pale complexion. If fair-skinned maidens such as Nicole Kidman and Renee Zellweger can wear white, so can you. The trick here is to opt for a cream colored or off-white colored dress which will complement your skin tone rather than leaving you looking washed out.
Casual Look in White
For a casual look, choose a shirtdress in a woven fabric. This works especially well if you’ve got any bumps you want to conceal as a slightly heavier fabric won’t cling to your body. This is also a good choice for a more mature woman who wants to wear this season’s look to her advantage.
Add Color
The beauty of white is that you have a free rein when it comes to teaming it with color. Navy can look great with white and create a crisp, clean look. Wear a white dress with a pair of navy pumps and a navy clutch for an elegant, classic outfit. Teal pumps and a detailed necklace make this maxi dress look party perfect.
White Lace Maxi Dress – $54.00
from: Lulus.com
And don’t shy away from wearing white at the office. Team a white dress with a formal dark colored blazer or jacket for a professional and polished look.
Don’t Neglect the Basics
When wearing a white dress it’s important to wear the right undergarments. Match the color of your undergarments to your skin tone, not to the color of your dress. That means choosing undergarments in nude or skin-tone shades and not white.
Accessorize
Don’t be put off wearing a little white dress because you feel that it creates too innocent a look, or one that you can’t carry off given your age.
BELTED White Mini Dress – $37.99
If it’s teamed with the right accessories, the little white dress can look every bit as dramatic and as grown-up as its darker counterpart. Belts, chunky necklaces, bangles etc. are easy ways to accessorize a white dress.
Find the One for You
Whether you decide to go for a crisp, starched, high maintenance dress or a more relaxed, crinkled, and stress-free look, once you’ve found the right dress you’ll see just how versatile it can be.
