The White Dress of Summer

IMG_8536I love a simple white dress that’s easy to slip on for any occasion during the summer. It’s a fresh look that can be worn so many ways, it ends up being a smart purchase because it helps utilize other items in your closet to be worn with it. I had a white dress with a flared skirt that I wore for many years and had seen better days, so I decided to get a new one and it’s quite perfect.

After considering many options, including buying and returning this one from Nordstrom (so sheer!), I bought this seersucker one from Gap. The seersucker is more of a very subtle stripe and less of a seersucker texture. It fits great, is fully lined, and has a flattering flared skirt. It’s on sale right now for $29.39 on the website with code “BETTER”. I highly recommend it, especially for that price!

IMG_8535When looking for a white dress and styling it, here are my do’s and don’t’s:

DO:

  • Look for a dress that is fully lined. You won’t want to wear a slip during the warmer months, nor do you want any undergarments showing. This is your #1 priority, so stay away from anything sheer.
  • Consider a “fit and flare” shape. While I love white dresses of all shapes and types (shirt dresses, shift dresses, etc.) I think a fit and flare is flattering on nearly everyone and gives it a fun summer vibe.
  • Pick one that’s versatile. My dress can be easily dressed up for a Sunday morning, or dressed down if I’m attending a grad party. It also helps pull from other items in my closet to style it since it’s a neutral.

DON’T:

  • Wear a white dress of any type to a wedding, bridal shower, or anything wedding related where you aren’t the bride. No accessory will make it “OK”, just don’t do it.
  • Buy linen unless you love to iron. My last white dress was linen and there was a whole process of starching & ironing it to death before wearing it, and then it just wrinkled again.
  • Leave the house without a “tide to-go” pen. They are a life saver – I have one in my purse and one in my car and I’ve relied on them many times in emergencies!

Do you have a favorite white dress?

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13 Comments on The White Dress of Summer

    • thedressdecoded
      June 10, 2015 at 12:40 pm (8 years ago)

      Thank you so much!! 🙂

      Reply
  1. Suzanne
    June 9, 2015 at 7:47 am (8 years ago)

    Very cute dress on you. Love your style as well! I tried the code “BETTER” but it said it was invalid. Not sure why. 🙁

    Reply
    • thedressdecoded
      June 10, 2015 at 12:39 pm (8 years ago)

      Oh no! It worked for me when I tried it. 🙁 See if it’s in any stores locally, it may even be more on sale in-store. I’ve seen this one in stores and its basically the same thing but has a really pretty cut out detail on the skirt – http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=1&pid=227521012

      Reply
  2. Rebecca
    June 9, 2015 at 9:31 am (8 years ago)

    What an adorable dress!! As a wedding planner, I very much appreciate your comment about not wearing white to anything wedding related!!! I have brides tell me all the time how frustrating it is!

    Reply
    • thedressdecoded
      June 10, 2015 at 12:40 pm (8 years ago)

      Oh my goodness seriously! I have yet to go to a wedding where the bride is the only one wearing white, even in the winter! I’m glad you feel the same way.

      Reply
  3. Cynthia
    June 9, 2015 at 10:11 am (8 years ago)

    I so agree about linen! it’s the prettiest, but it’s the worst when it comes to wrinkles! Im so glad someone else is out there who knows the importance of wearing a slip and or having a lined white dress.

    Cynthia
    http://www.darlingdownsouth.com

    Reply
    • thedressdecoded
      June 10, 2015 at 12:41 pm (8 years ago)

      Yes agreed! Good thing my husband loves to iron, but I gave him a break and retired the old linen white dress. 😀

      Reply
  4. Lynn
    June 17, 2015 at 9:23 am (8 years ago)

    Hi! I was wondering if you know of any similar white dress alternatives for my bridal shower? I ordered this exact one from Gap and unfortunately even the smallest size was too big. Thank you 🙂

    Reply

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