Fact: Stylish Women in Italy, France, and NY Will Ditch Everything to Wear This Elegant Dress All Summer

Wearing white in the summer just makes sense. It's lightweight, reflects heat, and makes sun-kissed skin glow even more. White dresses specifically give off a sense of ease, which explains why the most stylish women in Italy, France, and New York gravitate to them throughout the summer months. A white dress is sophisticated but effortless. It never tries too hard. Whether you're headed to the beach, spending the day in the city, or dressing up for an occasion (just as long as it's not a summer wedding), you can always turn to a white dress in your time of need.
Ahead, I rounded up seven white-dress outfits you can replicate in 2025, from breezy maxis with sneakers to linen minis with fashion's favorite sandals. Though it might not feel like summer yet, trust me, it'll be here before you know it. Prepare accordingly by shopping the looks below, complete with accessories to take any simple white dress to the next level.
A mini shift dress looks all the more elevated with rich tan hues. Slide into some leather sandals and throw all your summer essentials into a brown tote for the ultimate summer look. Bonus if you're wearing it on a scenic cobblestone street.
No need to overthink things here. A V-neck white midi with minimalist black sandals and a shoulder bag is simply perfection. You can never do wrong with a white-and-black color combination.
Add some gray sneakers to balance out the romantic vibes of a detailed white maxi dress. The added hair bow keeps things light, but New Balances and a cardigan for any rogue cool breezes keep it practical, too.
A slinky, long-sleeve dress that hugs in all the right places is a definite showstopper. Add some cool silver jewelry on top of your sleeves and style a slicked-back bun to really seal the deal.
For a tropical vacation or a beachside getaway, a white linen mini is your friend. Pair it with a straw bag and some bold kitten heels to complete the relaxed vibe.
A square-neck midi dress that you can wear off the shoulder or with the sleeves up gives you two looks in one. Add an eye-catching crossbody and comfy flats to stay comfortable and chic.
Now, this is a beachy look I can get behind. Simple black flip-flops are functional to slip off, and a bucket hat will help shield your eyes (and skin) from the bright summer sun. A white maxi like this also works as a cover-up in case you want to dip in the ocean—or at least squeeze in a tanning session.

Lauren Adhav is a freelance fashion editor based in Los Angeles. Originally from Orlando, Florida, she got her start as the beauty and fashion editorial assistant at Cosmopolitan and worked her way up to fashion editor. She contributed to both the website and print issues, pitching new ideas, forecasting trends, covering red carpet events, and informing the overall coverage and brand voice.
After five years in NYC, she moved to Los Angeles. As a freelance fashion editor, she contributes to Cosmo, The Cut, and nowBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing . She also spends an unhealthy amount of time online shopping for the perfect piece, and now that she's in L.A., she's rediscovering her soft spot for malls.
-
Marianna Hewitt Swears By These 17 Beauty Staples for a Sun-Kissed Glow (Including a Secret "Blonzer")
The Summer Fridays co-founder shares her beauty essentials.
-
Whenever I'm in Paris, I See This Boot Trend Styled With Minidresses in Every Vintage Shop and Local Bistro
Sorry, ankle boots, but it's not you.
-
Everyone In Los Angeles Knows This Shoe Trend Makes Denim Shorts Look Way Cooler
Denim shorts never looked so good.
-
Just so You Know, *This* Is the Denim Trend New Yorkers Wear With Loafers (Sorry, Skinny Jeans)
And they're on sale right now on Amazon.
-
I Shop for a Living—These 30 Elevated Fashion, Beauty, and Home Décor Picks From the Amazon Prime Day Sale Have My Attention
Chic, practical, and affordable.
-
I'm a Gen Z Shopping Editor—These Are the Coolest Pieces on Reformation, Revolve, and Shopbop RN
They're giving NYC It girl.
-
When I'm Not Shopping Amazon Prime Day, It's These Chic Deals (Ahem, J.Crew, COS, and Banana Republic)
On-trend finds you won't want to miss.
-
Here's My Amazon Prime Day Shopping List So You Don't Have to Do the Digging
All the items worth adding to your cart.
-
If a French Woman Shopped the Amazon Prime Day Sale, She'd Instantly Add These 31 Chic Picks to Cart
Effortless and affordable? Yes, please.
-
I Went to Shop the Zara Sale But Got Distracted by These 27 New-In Buys and Never Looked Back
They are too good.