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10 best white summer dresses for 2023: From Marks & Spencer, ASOS, River Island & MORE

Shop our favourite white dresses for summer...

model wearing a white dress
Leanne Bayley
Director of Lifestyle & Commerce
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On the hunt for the perfect white summer dress? Well, you're in luck. We've scoured the high-street for the ultimate LWD (little white dress). Shop the best white summer dresses for 2023...

A case for the white summer dress

"The white summer dress transcends trends and stands the test of time," says Personal Stylist Helen Richardson. "Its timeless appeal lies in its simplicity and versatility. Like a blank canvas, the white summer dress invites endless possibilities for personal expression. Its purity and crispness expresses a sense of freshness and vitality, perfectly mirroring the carefree spirit of summer. From garden parties to beachside soirées, the white summer dress effortlessly adapts to any occasion, making it a staple in every fashion enthusiast's wardrobe. With each passing season, its charm only grows stronger, reminding us that classic beauty never goes out of style."

6 top tips for styling a white summer dress with confidence

  1. The most important is wearing the right underwear! This is crucial when styling a white dress. Choose seamless, smooth and flesh coloured underwear to ensure they are not visible underneath your dress. This will help you feel confident and comfortable.
  2. Experiment with different lengths and silhouettes to find the one that flatters your body shape and makes you feel confident.
  3. The right footwear can elevate your white dress and complete your look. Pair it with sandals, sliders, wedges, or trainers for a casual vibe, or dress it up with block mules or espadrilles for a more formal occasion.
  4. Accessories can transform a simple white dress into a fashion statement. Opt for bold jewellery like statement earrings, layered necklaces, or chunky bracelets to add personality and draw attention. Additionally, hats, belts, and sunglasses can add an extra touch of style to your look!
  5. Play with ‘pops of colour’. White dresses serve as a blank canvas, so incorporate vibrant accessories like a colourful handbag, a patterned scarf, or brightly coloured shoes to infuse your outfit with energy and personality.
  6. The most important tip is to wear your white summer dress with CONFIDENCE. Own your style, embrace your uniqueness, and feel good about yourself. Remember, confidence is the best accessory you can wear!

Helen Richardson, Personal Stylist 

Celebrities wearing white summer dresses

Celebrities wearing white dresses© Getty Images
From left to right: Hailey Bieber, Meghan Markle, Emily Ratajkowski and Sarah Jessica Parker

Just look at Hailey Bieber wearing the stunning Mirror Palais ruffle tunnel gown cloud dress - absolutely divine, but at $1,295 it might well be out of budget. Also in the photo below, Meghan Markle was photographed wearing a Hannah Lavery ethically-made shirt dress while on a royal tour in Africa. More white summer dress inspiration comes from Emily Ratajkowski and Sarah Jessica Parker dressed up as Carrie Bradshaw on the streets of New York filming Sex and The City.

How we chose the best white summer dresses

  • Machine washable: It''s important that a white dress is washable, no one wants to be visiting the dry cleaner every week. 
  • Inclusive sizing: We wanted the dresses to be available in all sizes. 
  • Versatility: Some people want a white summer dress for the daytime, others want one for the evening. We tried to give lots of options in this edit.

Best high-street and luxe fashion white dresses

  • Marks & Spencer white summer dress

    Marks & Spencer White Cotton Rich Puff Sleeve Midi Tiered Dress

    Editor's note

    I love this dress. I have it in the bright orange and I just adore it. It's super flattering and it has pockets (!) and the puff sleeves just give it a more on-trend look than your typical smock dress. I styled mine with a pair of metallic gold gladiator sandals.

    Cut to a regular fit, M&S's puff sleeves create a touch of volume, making this dress a must-have trend item for the summer.

    Wash at 40°C delicate. 


  • River Island white summer dress

    River Island White Mini Shirt Dress In Petite

    Editor's note

    This dress shape was huge in the summer of 2022, in large parts to Rhode. River Island has taken on the trend with this flit-and-flare dress. If you're looking for a petite white dress, this will be a great addition to your wardrobe.

    The tie waist detail on this River Island shirt dress is stunning - and it looks excellent styled with a pair of gold sliders as you can see on the model. 

    Machine wash at max 30°C gentle. 

  • H&M white summer dress

    H&M White Balloon-Sleeved Open-Backed Dress

    Editor's note

    This dress is a definite keeper - and look at the price, it's such good value for money.You won't really be able to wear a bra with this backless dress but a multiway bra might be your best friend.

    Partly lined, this super short white dress has been designed in woven fabric with a round neckline and a partially open back with narrow ties at the top. 

    This dress is 100% cotton so it will be washable - see instructions for best results.

  • Nobody's Child white summer dress

    Nobody's Child White Summer Dress In Petite

    Editor's note

    I adore this dress. I'd team with a pair of chunky Chanel dad sandals, and a raffia beach bag. I'd keep jewellery to a minimum but I'd wear a pair of hoop earrings. 

    A petite fit, this fresh white midi dress is perfect for summer with tie-up straps. Made from pure organic cotton, the end result is cool and considered. 

    Wash at 30 degrees with similar colours. 

  • Mango white summer dress

    Mango White Buttoned Wrap Dress

    Editor's note

    White summer dresses don't always have to be flowy and whimsical, you can wear a girl boss white summer dress too! This stunning design would be perfect for a work event. 

    We could imagine Meghan Markle wearing a white summer dress like this, it's classic but daring at the same time. 

    This is a hand wash item, so please bear this in mind. 

  • Karen Millen white summer dresss

    Karen Millen White Cotton Sateen Short Sleeve Utility Pocket Belted Midi Dress

    Editor's note

    How gorgeous is this utility dress. I would style it with a pair of glam flat sandals or I'd wear with a pair of espadrille wedges or heels. A real wardrobe classic. 

    Not quite white, more ivory, but this Karen Millen dress would be perfect for a holiday. The belt adds a flattering touch. 

    Wash with similar colours.

  • Zara white summer dress

    Zara White Mini Dress

    Editor's note

    I'm a major Zara fan, and this white dress will be a smash hit, it's just too cute. The puff sleeves give it a girlie look. 

    Get you to the beach because this little sun dress will be ideal for a getaway. 

    Machine wash at max. 30ºC/86ºF with a short spin cycle.

  • asos white summer dress

    Esmee Plus Strappy White Beach Summer Dress

    Editor's note

    The thin spaghetti straps and the waffle-like texture just make this white summer dress. Could be worn casual or glam, it's totally up to you. 

    Step out in this dress and prepare for the compliments to come rolling in. 

    Machine wash according to instructions on care label

  • Magic Linen white linen dress

    Magic Linen Royal Toscana White Linen Dress

    Editor's note

    I ordered this after it become an overnight sensation after it was spotted on Meghan Markle. It's so cooling, so relaxing to wear, so chic and just fyi, this dress is designed to have a relaxed, loose fit. Size down would be my advice. 

    Meghan Markle once travelled to the airport in her Toscana Magic Linen dress. The relaxed loose fit white dress will be worn year after year. 

    The brand recommends washing linen materials separately in lukewarm water 40°C/104°F or even cold water in a gentle machine cycle with the mild detergent formulated for delicate or linen fabrics.

  • Mint Velvet white summer dress

    Mint Velvet White Ruffled Maxi Dress

    Editor's note

    I'm calling it, this is the maxi dress to be seen in this summer. Pair it with a pair of chunky sandals. 

    This chuck-on dress features a straight neckline, ruffled straps and a tiered maxi hem. 

    Cool machine wash at 30 degrees. 

Meet the expert

Helen Richardson
Helen Richardson has over 15 years experience in personal styling

With a lifelong 'passion for fashion' and helping others, Helen has been styling friends since childhood. Family and friends urged her to leave her corporate career and start her own business to finally release the creative and compassionate version of herself. Her USP? "I understand the styling challenges that ‘real women’ face daily... using my skills and knowledge I have transformed the appearance of many ladies giving them the belief they can ‘Dress With Confidence’ everyday!" Find out more about Helen and follow her on Instagram