Just as many of us have a little black dress as a go-to garment for all those occasions when you need something special to wear, white dresses can be just as essential to your wardrobe.

In this post, we’ll cover when it’s okay (and not okay) to wear white, when you would wear a white dress, and how to accessorize white dresses.

When is it OK to wear white?

In the US, it used to be acceptable only to wear white during the summer months between Memorial Day (end of May) to Labor Day (beginning of September).

However, if properly accessorized, white may be worn all year long, especially in warmer climates.

As for the white dresses below, I think they look best worn all spring and summer.

Best tips for wearing white dresses

Accessorize white with neutral bags and shoes such as off-white, nude, silver, gold, wheat, or rose. Avoid harsh and heavy black and brown accessories such as boots or clunky shoes.
Don’t wear all white shoes unless you want to look like a nurse or a bride. Opt for one of the colors mentioned above instead.
Consider your skin tone. Some people look amazing in white while others look better in off-white or creme. Choose whichever looks best on you.

When would I wear a white dress?

You can purchase a white dress just because you love it and it looks great on you. In addition, white dresses come in handy for the following events.

Graduation

You may be surprised to hear a little white dress is a must-have in your wardrobe. There are so many occasions to wear white dresses you may not even have thought of.

You can wear white dresses for graduation. Since most of the white dresses shown below are short, they will be perfect under a graduation gown.

After the ceremony, you’ll be able to remove the gown and you’ll be ready for any graduation even such as photos, dinner out, or even a graduation party.

Church

When I think of white dresses, I often am reminded of Easter. White dresses are an excellent option for Easter Sunday church service and dinner.

Parties

White dresses are perfect for parties!

In fact, you may be invited to an all-white (Blanco) party where all of the guests wear white.

They are also suitable for baby and bridal showers, brunching with friends, or even date night.

Weddings

The one place where you SHOULD NOT wear a white dress is to a wedding as a GUEST. Most often the bride will be wearing white and as not to upstage her, avoid white.

However, there are some circumstances when white dresses may be at a wedding.

The bride may request bridesmaids choose white dresses for the ceremony in which case, the dresses below are suitable.

She may also be going for a black and white themed wedding so white dresses would also work for the event.

And finally, if you are a bride planning a casual wedding or second wedding, a short or midi length white dress would be fitting for the occasion.

Below are six gorgeous white dresses including swing dresses, shift dresses, shirt dresses, and fit and flare dresses. They have pretty details including eyelets, pompoms, bows, ruffles, scalloped hems, and even pearls. Most of the dresses are short above-the-knee options but I’ll also provide a midi dress as well.

I’ve also included my favorite way to accessorize white dresses for spring and summer and that is by wearing gold shoes, handbags, and jewelry.