Wearing White Dresses

A shopping sabbatical means I can't buy anything (boo), which means I can't browse the Resort 2009 collections on Style.com and say to myself, "I want a dress that looks like this," or "I should look for a new top that looks like that," without the whole activity taking on a masochistic undertone. So instead, I've been looking at the outfits for styling inspiration and thinking about how I can incorporate this inspiration into my existing wardrobe. And, fashion blogger that I am, I thought I'd share the (mostly not so profound) insights I gleaned from ogling all these fabulous clothes with you guys.

The trend I'm looking at today is (duh) white dresses. It's not groundbreaking, it's very commercial, and it's a summer staple that comes back time and again. The simplicity of the white dress is like a blank canvas, just ripe for accessorizing or embellishments such as bows, ruffles, and lace accents. You can go easy breezy with the most basic of white slip dresses and some flat gladiator sandals, or you can don something so over-the-top feminine that it makes you feel like Audrey Hepburn.

(Audrey dancing with Fred Astaire in Funny Face.)


If you're shopping around for a white dress this season, consider a knee-length number with feathery or floral embellishments. Feeling crafty yet cash-poor? Instead of buying a new dress, accessorize your current dress with a storebought silk flower corsage a la Carrie Bradshaw, or make your own corsage/pin with some craft store goodies. I like the look of these embellishments pinned to the shoulder or at the hip.

Erin Fetherston 1 and 2




You can also pair a white dress with a brightly coloured layer. Try wearing a colourful cardigan, bolero jacket, or cropped short-sleeved blazer on top of the dress. Feeling more adventurous with the layering? Try a bright halter or racerback tank under a strapless dress to mimic the look of Narciso Rodriguez's white and orange dress.

Isaac Mizrahi



Narciso Rodriguez



When in doubt, pair your dress with a Panama hat, multi-strand necklace, big sunglasses, maryjanes, or a wide belt. They're such classic accessory choices that you can't go wrong as you inject a bit of attitude into that sweet white frock.

Monique Lhuillier



Rachel Roy



3.1 Phillip Lim



Marc Jacobs

1 comment

  1. Great tips! I loved how SJP had that big ass flower on her white dress in the SATC movie - so unique and fresh looking! I also think some great gold jewellry always look classy with white, like a big thick gold bangle.

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