While the little black dress will forever hold the versatility crown, the little white dress isn’t fair behind in the summer months or for warmer climates. If true white doesn’t work for you, ivory, cream, off-white and various similar shades can all help you achieve the same look and feeling.
Little White Dresses For Summer 2024
Granted, you most likely can’t wear your white dresses to summer weddings, but any other occasion is fair game! Or just wear a casual white dress to feel impossibly chic while you’re on vacation or running around town this summer.
Some of our favorite styles for little white dresses (LWDs?) this summer are…
YES! I LOOK FORWARD TO #GROWINGYOUNGER
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE ME TO YOUR MAILING LIST.
White Dresses with Crochet Touches
Crochet is most definitely the texture or pattern of summer 2024, so if you want to look current this is the way to go. Plus, the open weave can help keep you cool but a little covered up, and it’s unlikely to be too transparent as long as it’s properly lined (which is always a challenge with white or light-colored dresses). For a modern geometric take on crochet, try this maxi dress from Banana Republic — it’s a far cry from the more retro styles we’re seeing.
Dropped Waists
A waistline that sits on the hips can be difficult to pull off, but if it works for your figure this silhouette can be ultra flattering. You can try a more fitted dropped waist look like this one from H&M with a ribbed top and poplin skirt. Or go with an off-shoulder elbow length sleeve dress like this one from Marcella New York.
Tunic Styles
There’s a reason that tunics show up in the stores every summer — they are the perfect way to stay cool and somewhat covered up. A little white tunic dress (or top) like the Finley dress from Tuckernuck can be perfectly elegant and a great backdrop for colorful jewelry or other accessories.
Eyelet and Lace White Dresses
Open-work styles and lacey looks have gotten downright sophisticate. That makes them perfect for grown women who love the intricacy and detail but don’t want to look girlish. Try one with a structured silhouette like this white lace tennis dress with a high collar from Veronica Beard or this slightly softer one from White House Black Market.
White Shirt Dresses
Linen or cotton shirt dresses or similar button-front styles always look fresh, and done in white they’re extra summery like this one by Maeve via Anthropologie. They are perfect for any kind of dressy-casual occasion and the right one can work as a cover-up at the beach or the pool as well. Want a little more shape to it? Try this utility-style shirt dress from White House Black Market.
One thing we love about little white dresses is how they are blank canvas for accessories. From bold jewelry in jewel tones or punchy brights to metallics to textures like raffia, straw, and rattan, a simple white dress lets your favorite pieces shine.
Do you love a good little white dress in the summer (or whenever)? Do you tend to go for pure white or ivory or cream? How do you accessorize your LWD? Let us know in the comments or in our Growing Younger Facebook group!
–Jacqueline Zenn
You may also like to read more of Jacqueline’s fashion tips like 7 Eye-Catching Statement Earrings: Top Jewelry Trend for Summer 2024 and Chic Summer 2024 Swimsuit Trends for Women Over 50.
This post contains affiliate links which may give us a commission at no additional cost to you.
Are you following Fountain Of 30 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest? We’ve got lots going on, so join in on the fun! Subscribe to our newsletter here. You don’t want to miss a post and promise not to bug you to death. Join our Facebook Group called Growing Younger where women discuss everything good and bad about being over 50. Additionally Lauren hosts a bi-weekly podcast called Beauty is a Bitch! and an Instagram Live series called “Growing Younger Gabfest with Lauren.”
Please pin!
