Fact: Stylish Women in Italy, France, and NY Will Ditch Everything to Wear This Elegant Dress All Summer

@nlmarilyn wearing a white cotton Miu Miu dress with an Alaïa bag and flip flops.

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Wearing white in the summer just makes sense. It's lightweight, reflects heat, and makes sun-kissed skin glow even more. White dresses specifically give off a sense of ease, which explains why the most stylish women in Italy, France, and New York gravitate to them throughout the summer months. A white dress is sophisticated but effortless. It never tries too hard. Whether you're headed to the beach, spending the day in the city, or dressing up for an occasion (just as long as it's not a summer wedding), you can always turn to a white dress in your time of need.

Ahead, I rounded up seven white-dress outfits you can replicate in 2025, from breezy maxis with sneakers to linen minis with fashion's favorite sandals. Though it might not feel like summer yet, trust me, it'll be here before you know it. Prepare accordingly by shopping the looks below, complete with accessories to take any simple white dress to the next level.

Anouk Yve wearing a white minidress, tote bag, and brown Hermès Oran sandals.

(Image credit: @anoukyve)

A mini shift dress looks all the more elevated with rich tan hues. Slide into some leather sandals and throw all your summer essentials into a brown tote for the ultimate summer look. Bonus if you're wearing it on a scenic cobblestone street.

@nlmarilyn wearing a white cotton dress with an Alaïa bag and flip flops.

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

No need to overthink things here. A V-neck white midi with minimalist black sandals and a shoulder bag is simply perfection. You can never do wrong with a white-and-black color combination.

Aemilia Madden wearing a white cotton dress with a gray sweater and New Balance sneakers.

(Image credit: @aemiliafay)

Add some gray sneakers to balance out the romantic vibes of a detailed white maxi dress. The added hair bow keeps things light, but New Balances and a cardigan for any rogue cool breezes keep it practical, too.

Coco Schiffer wearing a white long-sleeve dress with a silver Tiffany & Co. cuff bracelet.

(Image credit: @cocoschiffer)

A slinky, long-sleeve dress that hugs in all the right places is a definite showstopper. Add some cool silver jewelry on top of your sleeves and style a slicked-back bun to really seal the deal.

A woman wearing a white short-sleeve mini dress with a woven bag.

(Image credit: @shaliniacharyaofficial)

For a tropical vacation or a beachside getaway, a white linen mini is your friend. Pair it with a straw bag and some bold kitten heels to complete the relaxed vibe.

Laura Sanderson wearing a white off-the-shoulder dress with a crossbody bag and ballet flats.

(Image credit: @laurasanderson)

A square-neck midi dress that you can wear off the shoulder or with the sleeves up gives you two looks in one. Add an eye-catching crossbody and comfy flats to stay comfortable and chic.

@trendingwithtinsley wearing a straw bucket hat, white cotton dress, and flip flops.

(Image credit: @trendingwithtinsley)

Now, this is a beachy look I can get behind. Simple black flip-flops are functional to slip off and a bucket bag will help shield your eyes (and skin) from the bright summer sun. A white maxi like this also works as a cover-up in case you want to dip in the ocean—or at least squeeze in a tanning session.

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Lauren Adhav
Freelance Fashion Editor

Lauren Adhav is a freelance fashion editor based in Los Angeles. Originally from Orlando, Florida, she got her start as the beauty and fashion editorial assistant at Cosmopolitan and worked her way up to fashion editor. She contributed to both the website and print issues, pitching new ideas, forecasting trends, covering red carpet events, and informing the overall coverage and brand voice.

After five years in NYC, she moved to Los Angeles. As a freelance fashion editor, she contributes to Cosmo, The Cut, and now Who What Wear. She also spends an unhealthy amount of time online shopping for the perfect piece, and now that she's in L.A., she's rediscovering her soft spot for malls.