I tried on a LOT of white dresses and these are my favourites

As timeless as an LBD

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Published In Buying Guides
white dresses
(Image credit: Future)

A white dress deserves a post in your forever summer wardrobe. Pick the right style and you'll find it's as timeless as the little black dress. Whether you're on the lookout for a shirt dress, a satin slip or a linen number, there's a style to suit all tastes this summer, from the minimalist to the maximalist.

While the little white dress has been a staple forever, it has gotten a fresh update thanks to our favourite designers for Spring/Summer 2024. At Valentino, Stella McCartney and Gabriela Hearst, the gowns put the spotlight on their ateliers' craftsmanships thanks to intricate lace and cutout patterns.

Michael Kors, Chloe, Cecilie Bahnsen and Alberta Ferreti signalled the return of the boho woman thanks to lace and crochet fabrics, broderie anglaise detailing and milkmaid dresses. Meanwhile, Prada, CFCL backed the sheer trend with simple yet impactful designs. Over at Acne, Standing Ground and Dior, it was all about Grecian-inspired draped designs with a futuristic twist.

white dress

(Image credit: Getty Images)

That said, you don't have to spend a fortune to look chic in white this summer, because the high-street is full of chic and timeless white dresses in all styles and fabrics. I should know, because I tried on a LOT, and these are my favourites.

Penny Goldstone
Penny Goldstone
Contributing Fashion Editor

Penny Goldstone is the Contributing Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK. She writes about catwalk trends and the latest high street and Instagram sartorial must-haves. She also helms the Women Who Win franchise.

She has worked in fashion for over 10 years, contributing to publications such as Cosmopolitan, Red, Good Housekeeping, and Stylist.