Dresses
May 8, 2021

Everyone Needs That Perfect White Summer Dress—Here Are 30

by Lauren Eggertsen

Summer always has been and always will be about the white dress. Finding the one that's right for you, however, is easier said than done. We all know that one girl who always looks effortlessly pulled-together and stylish no matter what the occasion. That girl definitely has a handful of perfect white summer dresses on deck, and thanks to this story, now so will you. The secret to finding the absolute best white dresses is to choose ones that you can throw on with little to no effort, that can easily be dressed up or down, and that makes you feel very comfortable. When a dress—or any garment, for that matter—causes too much fuss in your life, it tends to just sit in your closet and never see the light of day. That's exactly what we're trying to avoid here on this quest for the perfect white summer dress and I think I did just that.

Ahead, get ready to shop my personal 30 favorite white summer dresses on the market now. From linen midis to smocked minis, the selection below has a little something for everyone while keeping all the above in mind. If you don't already own your idyllic white dress yet, you're about to.

Caes + Net Sustain Shirred Lyocell and Cotton-Blend Poplin Maxi Dress

Caes + Net Sustain Shirred Lyocell and Cotton-Blend Poplin Maxi Dress ($355)

Our Editor in Chief Kat Collings and I both have this dress and won't shut up about it.

The Reformation Spring Linen Dress Es

The Reformation Spring Linen Dress Es ($248)

Does it get much better than a linen puff-sleeve number?

Staud Ida Smocked Midi Dress

Staud Ida Smocked Midi Dress ($295)

That smocking is just perfect.

Sleeper Belle Linen Dress in White

Sleeper Belle Linen Dress in White ($280)

I've honestly never needed a dress more than this one.

Ciao Lucia Ischia Babydoll Mini Dress

Ciao Lucia Ischia Babydoll Mini Dress ($305)

Ciao Lucia always does summer dressing right.

Kinga Csilla Recycled Rapallo Dress

Kinga Csilla Recycled Rapallo Dress ($275)

This brand's beachy attire is to die for.

Endless Summer Natural Element Midi Dress

Endless Summer Natural Element Midi Dress ($98)

I own this dress and wear it way too much (in a good way).

The Reformation Belgium Linen Dress

The Reformation Belgium Linen Dress ($248)

Let me tell you, this won't be the last Reformation dress you see in this story.

H&M Open-Backed Dress

H&M Open-Backed Dress ($40)

H&M does it again, folks.

Eloquii Smocked Bodice Ruffle Day Dress

Eloquii Smocked Bodice Ruffle Day Dress ($120)

Clearly, I love a smocked summer dress.

SIR Valetta Silk Maxi Dress

SIR Valetta Silk Maxi Dress ($520)

Just wait until you see the back.

Reformation Carsen Dress

Reformation Carsen Dress ($178)

Copying this exact look ASAP.

ASTR the Label Patina Dress

ASTR the Label Patina Dress ($158)

Smocking, ruffles, puff sleeves, oh my!

Who What Wear Sleeveless Multi Tiered Dress

Who What Wear Sleeveless Multi Tiered Dress ($37)

Hot tips: This looks really good with knee-high boots.

Lioness Dakota Mini Dress

Lioness Dakota Mini Dress ($69)

Someone explain to me how this is less than $100.

Violeta Embroidered Cotton Dress

Violeta Embroidered Cotton Dress ($130)

This one can easily double as a chic cover-up.

Staud Swells Dress

Staud Swells Dress ($295)

Please take careful note of the boning detail.

Eloquii Scoop Neck Dress

Eloquii Scoop Neck Dress ($100)

I love the scoop neck on this one.

Susana Monaco Flared V-Wire Tank Dress

Susana Monaco Flared V-Wire Tank Dress ($188)

Something about this dress looks triple the price.