I Can’t Walk On the Upper East Side Without Seeing This Elegant Staple

Without fail, there’s always a point in late spring when it becomes easy to spot the same few staples on the streets of every major metropolitan city in the late spring. Sandals? They’re a given. Sunglasses? An obvious choice. But I’d argue that the most universally worn items aren’t necessarily those seasonal accessories we’ve come to associate with warm weather but a simple staple: the white dress. Maybe it’s just me, but this single item has become the staple that embodies spring and summertime. Whether you are meandering through the Upper East Side in Manhattan or strolling by the Seine in Paris, you’re bound to spot someone wearing a white dress outfit. But what exactly makes this type of dress so alluring? In short, it’s an effortless way to look elegant because it’s not another fleeting trend; it’s timeless.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re wearing a dress from an affordable fashion brand or luxury house because it’s the one dress you can wear to instantly look like you own a penthouse overlooking Central Park (even if you don’t). On top of that, it’s arguably one of the most versatile items you can add to your wardrobe, as it can be styled with just about anything for any occasion. However, if you’re dubious that one “basic” dress can do all of that, you’ll want to keep reading. Ahead, you’ll find 16 white dress outfits from women in New York, Paris, Copenhagen, and other cities that prove that point. Plus, I’ve included styling tips and shopping recommendations so that you can make this staple feel all the more stylish this season. Consider this your masterclass on how to wear a white dress like a wealthy Upper East Sider (or any other cosmopolite, for that matter).

What you’ll need: white mini dress + White Slingbacks + Gold Earrings + White Handbag

Styling notes: What’s a surefire way to make this simple staple feel stylish? Wear all-white. Pair an off-the-shoulder white mini dress with matching slingbacks, statement earrings, and a structured handbag for an effortlessly elegant ensemble.

What you’ll need: White Slip Dress + Matching Cardigan + Gold Jewelry + Thong Sandals + Raffia Bag

Styling notes: No matter what types of dresses are trending, slip dresses remain stylish season after season—making them the perfect way to wear a white dress, IMHO. There’s no other outfit formula as timeless as a slip styled with a matching cardigan, gold jewelry, thong sandals, and a raffia bag.

What you’ll need: White Slip Dress + Creme Trench Coat + Creme Shoulder Bag + White Pointed Pumps

Styling notes: While white slip dresses are the perfect summer dress, they’re not necessarily work-friendly—until now. Use the outfit above as your blueprint by styling your slip with a beige trench coat, shoulder bag, and pointed pumps.

What you’ll need: White Dress + Cropped Tan Trench + White Pumps + Black Crossbody + Sunglasses + Earrings

Styling notes: If it’s far too hot outside to wear a longline trench coat, you’ll want to note the ensemble above. A cropped lightweight jacket styled with a cotton poplin dress is the perfect way to stay cool and covered.

What you’ll need: White Dress + Cardigan + Shoulder Bag + Socks + Mary Janes

Styling notes: The secret to making your white dress functional for transitional temps is wearing light layers. Always have a light-knit cardigan on hand in case of wind gusts. If that’s not warm enough, consider styling your Mary Janes with socks for extra warmth.

What you’ll need: White Voluminous Dress + Black Blazer + Black Pumps

Styling notes: What’s another way you incorporate layers into your white dress outfit? Add a blazer. Layering a tailored blazer over a voluminous white dress and finishing off the look with quirky pumps will make the dress work for various temperatures and occasions.

What you’ll need: White Maxi Dress + Sweater + Dad Sandals + Layered Jewelry + Bucket Bag

Styling notes: Although adding a layer, such as a blazer, can make a white dress work for office settings, it’s not the only way you can make this item more modest—enter maxi dresses into the chat. By opting for a longer hemline, you can be rest assured your ensemble airs on the side of elegance.

What you’ll need: White Knit Dress + Matching Duster Cardigan + Slingbacks + Sunglasses

Styling notes: Besides opting for maxi hemlines, you can also avoid being cold during those transitional months by paying attention to materials. When it’s not too hot outside, opt for a knitted white dress styled with a longline duster cardigan to ensure you’re fully covered from the elements.

What you’ll need: White Midi Dress + Choker + Red Socks + Loafers

Styling notes: While it’s typically easier to style white dresses with other neutral colors, it’s not always the most exciting. Alas, there’s a way to make your dress feel daring without doing too much: add pops of color. By incorporating something as small as red socks, you’re able to dip your toes into the color wheel without distracting from your dress.

What you’ll need: White Strapless Dress + Hoop Earrings + Chain + Rimless Sunglasses + Sandals

Styling notes: When it’s too hot out to wear socks, the next best way to incorporate brighter shades into your white dress ensemble is through other accessories. Try pairing a strapless frock with a pink shoulder bag and matching rimless sunglasses for a colorful yet chic look.

What you’ll need: White Maxi Dress + Ballet Flats + Sculptural Jewelry + Hobo Bag

Styling notes: If you’re a devout minimalist, you don’t have to incorporate colors into your look to make your white maxi dress stand out. For the same effect, style it with interesting accessories such as sculptural jewelry, an oversized bag, and ballet flats.

What you’ll need: White Dress + Mesh Flats + Shoulder Bag

Styling notes: Another way you can keep your look ultra-minimal is by narrowing down your color palette, silhouttes, and accessories. Opt for a simple spaghetti strap dress styled with a black shoulder bag and black ballet flats—in this case, less really is more.

What you’ll need: White Dress + Flip-Flops + Raffia Bag

Styling notes: In order to strike that fine balance between simplicity and statement items, it’s important to pay attention to the silhouette of your dress. Opting for a white dress with interesting details (e.g., drop waists or a tie-up bodice) allows this staple to stand out from the sea of other frocks. Plus, when paired with other classic summer items such as flip-flops and raffia bags, it’s downright chic.

What you’ll need: White Cover-Up Dress + Swimsuit + Sunglasses + Crescent Bag + Black Sandals

Styling notes: Consider this your reminder that white dresses can be worn everywhere, even by the water! Make this style more resort-ready by opting for a sheer white dress styled with a swimsuit, sunglasses, sandals, and a suede bag.

What you’ll need: White Blazer Dress + Baseball Cap + Strappy Sandals

Styling notes: While white dresses definitely embody that “out-of-office” energy, they can be work-friendly. The key is to opt for a white dress that’s more professional, such as a blazer dress. You can always make it feel a bit more business casual by styling it with a baseball cap and strappy sandals.

What you’ll need: Two-Tone White Dress + Scarf + Sunglasses + Ballet Flats

Styling notes: By now, I’ve hopefully proved the point that white dresses are an elegant choice for every occasion—albeit for a summer vacation, a day at the office, or a stroll on the Upper East Side. But if you’re still not sold on the power of this staple, consider opting for a version that incorporates another color. A two-tone dress is the perfect way to make this classic item feel a bit cooler. Plus, it’s easier to match with contrasting ballet flats and a silk scarf.