I am obsessed with little white dresses. At last count, I have eight, which hang in my wardrobe like summertime ghosts to be wheeled out every time sunshine beckons. These are 10 of the best white dresses for summer 2025.
The little white dress is my fashion kryptonite, an addiction that began in my early twenties and, 15 years on has endured, even with the arrival of my son whose toddler hands pose a constant threat. To me, they spell summer and holidays like no other.
I love their one-and-done ease and how well they accentuate a tan. They don’t require much, a great sandal, a slip of a chain and a pair of sunglasses. I love how well they pair with basket bags, another style I fall for time after time. The LWD can be romantic, or minimalist, pretty or elegant, relaxed or dressy. LWD cultural references vary widely, from the delicate romantic styles of Sofia Coppola’s The Virgin Suicides to the restrained Calvin Klein mini that Cher wore in Clueless. Depending on the material, they pack well and roll easily into a suitcase.
As I’ve grown older, the LWDs I gravitate towards has changed. I still love a pagan fairy bohemian number, but I also like a fuss-free, streamlined version – Cos, Toteme and Khaite offer strong options. My most-worn LWD is a feminine, off-the-shoulder design from Straw London, an independent store in East London. It’s pretty and featherlight, but durable, and has been carted around the world with me. My billowing Cecilie Bahnsen style has also had a lot of mileage, it looks great with a heel and also a chunky sandal.
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The great LWD challenge is of course keeping them clean, but I can’t think of a more boring reason not to wear something you love than it might get stained. These are my favourite little white dresses to wear now.
The Everyday One With A French Twist
London-based brand Aimé is known for delivering everyday style with a Gallic twist. French-Cambodian sisters Val and Vanda Heng-Vong grew up in Paris, and have been bringing Brits the same low-key, elegance since the late 90s. The below Ida dress is relaxed yet feminine, with straps that can be knotted or tied in a bow, depending on your sensibility. The loafers bring a masculine edge, but it would work just as well with a pair of tan sandals.
The Bubble-Hem One
Bubble-hems are back, thanks to Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu and Paloma Wool. Divisive they might be, but for a more directional, fashion-forward approach to the LWD, it’s the silhouette du jour among the style set. The key is keeping the rest of your look streamlined, leave the drama and frothiness at the hemline, which is exactly why this fuss-free Cos number works so well.
The Romantic One
Dôen is the leader of the pack when it comes to feminine, romantic dresses. You’ll find high-street copies everywhere, but few are as pretty (or as well-cut) as the Californian originals. The label’s Quinn dress has a real prairie energy, and looks fresh out of The Virgin Suicides. Give it a tougher edge with a chunky sandal or a sporty Teva style.
The Nightie One
Underwear as outerwear is one of those trends that never truly leaves the room. It’s an aesthetic that lends itself particularly well to a white nightie, and has recently been picked up by a handful of fashion and music cool kids. New York content creator and writer Harling Ross Anton, herself a devoted nightie-wearer, launched a capsule sleepwear line for If Only If earlier this year, designed to be worn both in and out of the bedroom. Sabrina Carpenter regularly wears a pretty babydoll on stage, and Daisy Edgar-Jones was recently pictured wearing a sleepwear-adjacent Chloé slip with chunky clogs in London. I like it as a festival-ready look with a pair of hiking boots.
The Wear-Anywhere One
Fashion editors love Matteau for its low-key resortwear classics that can be worn multiple ways. Its take on the LWD dress is a prime example; wear it with flat mules and a raffia tote for daytime city strolling or with sandals for lunch at that beach taverna. For evening, choose an oversized platform and add a slick of lipstick.
The Maxi One
There is something so elegant about a white maxi dress. This one by Faithfull The Brand has real holiday energy, born for slow lunches that merge into evenings. A pair of barely-there sandals are the perfect accent.
The Voluminous One
Scandi brand Cecilie Bahnsen’s voluminous silhouettes and unusual textures have made her one of the most widely-copied designers in fashion. Known for her sculpted dresses and simple lines, she has redefined feminine power dressing – and her LWDs are the perfect mix of nonchalance, lightness and romance.
The Understated One
Head to Toteme for a sleek LWD that you can wear to the office as well as on holiday. Style with a pair of leather flip-flops on your next trip away, or with an open-toe mule for work.
The Mini One
The mini has made a big comeback the last few years, bringing a youthful breeziness to our wardrobes. I’m a big fan of this style from Sézane; its embroidered detailing and billowing shape still make it feel like a grown-up style option, but with a summer-ready appeal.
The One With The Bows
Take the LWD up a level with embellishment, be it beading, embroidery, or bows like this hyper feminine dress from Kindred of Ireland, an independent brand that specialises in beautifully-made linen pieces. Lean in to the girlish aesthetic with a pair of mesh ballet pumps, or offset with masculine loafers.
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Lead picture: Courtesy of Dôen
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