Art of Style

Discover This Season’s Must-Have White Dress

Whether you dress it up or down, a white dress always delivers

Effortlessly elegant, a fresh white dress has enduring appeal, says COLLEEN ROSS. Discover the perfect pieces for SS24 and beyond

Fashion editor Viktorija Tomasevic
Fashion

The sartorial equivalent of an ice-cold drink on a warm day, a crisp white dress is instantly refreshing. It feels put together without being overdone, and delivers the sort of easy-breezy aesthetic we all seek when the mercury rises. And, like its classic counterpart the LBD, it’s eminently versatile, with designs to suit every style – and every occasion. By day, Jil Sander’s crisp plissé cotton-organza dress will look chic with strappy sandals and a raffia tote for brunches in the city, while Tory Burch’s broderie anglaise cotton midi offers a polished take on the trend yet still feels effortless. Elsewhere, Jacquemus can always be relied on to deliver a dose of contemporary French flair, and the brand’s open-back halterneck midi is a particularly stunning option for evening.

If you’re on the hunt for event-ready designs, look to Dolce&Gabbana’s belted midi dress – the crisp cotton-poplin design is not only timeless, but also provides the perfect canvas for statement accessories. For head-turning style, Christopher Esber’s wrap-effect maxi dress cleverly fuses effortless elegance with high-impact appeal – just add sculptural silver jewelry to complement the moodstone embellishment.

A white dress lends itself beautifully to a whimsical, bohemian mood, too, and Vita Kin’s ‘Nathalie’ style is a perfect example. It’s beautifully embroidered and crafted from lightweight linen – ideal for layering over swimwear for instant vacation vibes, or adding a raffia tote and slides for afternoon strolls through town. Elsewhere, Isabel Marant’s layered broderie anglaise mini is made from crisp cotton, making it a chic warm-weather option. Capture its ladylike feel with ballet flats and oversized sunglasses. Alternatively, try NET SUSTAIN brand Loretta Caponi’s ‘Cassiopea’ midi – the style delivers romance in spades, with its broderie anglaise detailing and sweet bow ties. Add a touch of polished gold jewelry and espadrilles for a summer event, or slides and a wide-brimmed hat on vacation.

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