The first heat wave has arrived and we are already in short supply summer outfits that you can put on without much thought and with which you can go from home to the office and then to the terrace.
If, like us, you’re in the process of putting together your… summer wardrobeyou probably already have a pair of linen pants and a growing collection of white T-shirts and tank tops (and as for shoes, the plastic sandal replaces the flat, just to be clear). But what is the most practical item of clothing to have on hand when temperatures rise to unacceptable levels? A practical, versatile, fresh white dress.
Why you want to invest in a minimalist white dress this summer
Yes, the white dress is the garment that will define the summer of 2026. He embodies a sleek, minimalist style with a touch of understated luxury. The biggest advantage is clear: a white dress goes with everything. Gold earrings and a sleek bun are the obvious styling choices, but consider adding layers of modern pearls or even an anklet (the breakout trend in summer 2026 jewelry) for a pop of personality.
The best white dresses This year’s silhouette leaves the fringes and ruffles of previous summers behind and instead offers a sleek and elegant silhouette full of understated comfort (and versatility to boot). Invest now, and your new favorite summer dress will be worn with pleasure year after year: there is no expiration date for something so timeless.
Where you can shop the most beautiful white dresses of the moment
Choose a long, fitted dress that fits in all the right places and then flows into a flowy skirt. Marks & Spencer continues its stylish line with a drop-waist dress with subtle puff sleeves, while Mango’s collection featuring Hailey Bieber features a crisp cotton topper (check out the back for the prettiest detail).
Reiss has surprised us with a smart design with cutouts, thoughtfully designed so that you can still wear a bra underneath. Zara offers a minimalist take on the corset dress trend with a stark white version. Whichever you choose, styling will be a breeze – even when you’re too hot to think.
White dresses to add to your summer wardrobe
Mango White A-line dress with an open back
Marks & Spencer White long dress with a dropped waist
Reiss White linen A-line dress
Topshop White long dress with a dropped waist
Massimo Dutti White linen dress
Zara White sleeveless midi dress
Roberta Schroeder is the Senior Ecommerce Editor at Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE and Esquire, overseeing retail strategy and content across fashion, beauty and travel. Roberta has reported on everything from leading skincare brands to the world’s most iconic fashion pieces, and has also regularly updated a range of shopping guides, including LED masks, classic cashmere brands and new clothing brands to know. Roberta has more than 15 years of experience in the luxury sector, including editorial consultancy, trend forecasting and journalism. Over the years, she has worked for global brands including Farfetch, Chanel and Vogue. When you’re not testing beauty products, trying out trends and curating content showcasing the very best in fashion and beauty, Roberta can usually be found browsing resale sites and vintage stores in search of a long-coveted designer find. Follow Roberta on Instagram at @roberta__schroeder
