13 White Summer Dresses That I Promise Aren't See-Through
White dresses are to summer what black boots are to winter: necessary, easy, and cute. In theory, walking into a store and snatching up every white dress in sight seems as easy as pie, but in reality, a lot of white dresses prove to be completely see-through. Some of you might not care at all if said dress is sheer. Personally, though, I have found that each time I've purchased a see-through white dress due to how stylish it is, I never wear it because I'm too nervous.
Yes, there are solutions for such situations, including slips, getting the dress lined, or even wearing nude shapewear, but sometimes you want to skip all the fuss and put on your pretty white summer dress without thinking twice. If that's you, we've got 13 non-see-through white dresses that are calling your name. How do we know? Because at one point, they called ours too, which is how we can faithfully tell you the selection ahead is tried and true in the non-see-through department and objectively stylish (if we do say so ourselves).
Keep scrolling to shop each of our editor's favorite non-see-through white summer dresses.
Shop her pick:
"I just got this dress for an upcoming trip to Mexico, and upon trying it on, promptly did the 'is it see-through?' check. I am happy to report that this number passed the test with flying colors thanks to the fact that it's double-layered. I also love that the deep-V and mini hemline put it in 'hot girl summer' territory (or at least my tame version of that), but the fit is rather billowy and oversize, making it perfect for vacation indulgences."
Shop her pick:
"I already own this micro-minidress in black and love it so much that I just ordered the white version. The barely there straps and minimal silhouette make it the ultimate '90s throwback piece."
Shop her picks:
"Though it looks like a dress, this is deceivingly really a romper and between the smocked bodice and all the layers, I never have to worry about it being see-through."
"I have the printed version of this puff-sleeved frock, and based on how many compliments it rakes in, I'm convinced that I need the ivory version now, too. Based on how thick the fabric is, I'm certain it's just as non-sheer."
Shop her pick:
"Not only is this linen blazer-style dress a refreshing departure from your typical little white dress, but you can also rest easy because it's fully lined."
Shop her pick:
"I absolutely love slip dresses because you can dress them up or down; they feel like PJs, and I just think they're really pretty and flattering. That said, it can be hard to find a silk/satin dress that doesn't cling or show off everything that's going on underneath it. Ginia is one of my favorite brands and makes so many pretty cuts that are so easy to wear. I love this pinstriped take on white for summer."
Shop her picks:
"This structured utility dress from Pixie Market is a fun change from my go-to breezy summer dresses and is definitely more opaque."
"I have this Dôen dress in blue and I'm obsessed with it. It's not see-through thanks to the full skirt, and I love the smocking on the bodice."
Shop her pick:
"Zimmermann is always a leader in designing high-quality, resort-feeling pieces that are made to last. While this dress looks summer-ready, light, airy, and fun (!), it’s just thick enough that you don’t have to worry about it being see-through."
"I own a very similar dress to this princessy eyelet number, and it yields scores of compliments every time I wear it. The puffy sleeves and mini length are so damn dreamy."
"This summer dress has the cutest silhouette with a beautiful ruffle and lace trim. It's the perfect weekend dress. The best part? It's fully lined so no need to worry about your underwear showing!"
"I rarely find a white linen dress that's not see-through, but Rails's Alice dress has a really strong and luxurious-feeling underlining that is anything but see-through. I've been wearing it to work through summer on repeat."
Shop her pick:
"This dress is truly the epitome of the perfect white dress. It's wearable yet pretty and is breezy without being worrisome. The cotton makes it extremely suitable for hot weather without being sheer and showing all your undergarments."
Next up, shop all of the Zara sale items that are now under $30.
Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over eight years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has over 10 years of experience in the fashion editorial space, starting her career with internships at Marc Jacobs, Marie Claire, and The Zoe Report, where she was later hired as their editorial assistant. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. It is here where she leads and manages Who What Wear's fashion team and oversees all day-to-day editorial content and large tentpole moments. This includes all of the runway, trend, and shopping-driven content that ultimately helps to build a strong brand reputation within the industry. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many of the celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Kristen Stewart.
She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her personal style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle. She prides herself on discovering and supporting small brands and on her knack for a good vintage shopping find. When she isn't working, she enjoys researching and dining at reputable restaurants around both her neighborhood and the globe.
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