There’s nothing quite like a classic white linen dress for summer. My summer wardrobe wouldn’t be complete without some variation of this. It’s a silhouette that stands the test of time too. I think I’ve shared a variation of this look for several years now. No shame in having a signature summer dress look, right?
I shared one of my summer classic combinations here and I would say this is the dress version of that look. A simple red bandana in your hair plus strappy sandals just makes this look feel vacation-ready. I haven’t done any traveling in a while and I’m just so craving a warm-weather vacation.
I’m mostly craving cocktails by a pool and that indulgent afternoon nap in a hotel bed after a day at the pool with said cocktails. But until that happens, wearing a white summer dress is an easy way to feel like you’re on vacation. Here are a few tips to accessorizing your white dress to get more use out of it, and make your outfits a bit more interesting and feel more put-together.
How To Accessorize A White Summer Dress
A Great Summer Belt
A few of my favorite things to add to a little white summer dress to dress it up a bit is a great summer belt. I love adding a woven belt to break up all the white. I have a few and they really dress up a simple white linen dress. They not only cinch your waist, but they add a bit of texture and interest to a simple white dress.
Adding a belt will also draw attention to your waist which can make for a more flattering fit. Try a thin belt, or wider one, it really just depends on your personal style.
Add A Hair Accessory
Okay, so this isn’t really accessorizing your white dress itself, but it adds to the whole outfit. Adding a pretty headband or bandana to your hair can help add a pop of color to your entire look. Plus, bandanas are great to add a touch of style to your bag for a little color as well allowing them to do double duty!
Top With A Hat
If you’re not into a hair accessory, or need to cover up your hair that needs some dry shampoo, a hat is a great option! Summer hats and white dresses just belong together. You don’t need anything else to feel like summertime than that. I love a wide brim hat for summer. I always love Brixton and Hat Attack ones for quality hats that last. I always reach for wide brim straw hats, leave the felt ones in the closet until fall and winter! Don’t forget your hat clip!
Denim Jacket
And as I always like to do, topping anything with a denim jacket. I know it’s a lazy addition, but it just works. I did it here with this little white mini dress and here as well. Denim and white are a classic combination that screams summer.
Plus, it allows you to have a nice light layer for the evening or heading inside an air-conditioned restaurant. It’s always a good idea to have an easy layer to throw on that also complements your outfit.
Cardigan
If a denim jacket isn’t your thing, try a more preppy and polished option like a cardigan. Choose a more cropped option to pair with your white summer dress.
Summer Bag
Leave the leather bags behind with your felt hats, and instead grab a natural bag in rattan, straw or anything in between. I love this giant jute tote. It doubles as a great bag for the beach or pool and a picnic. But it’s light enough to carry around as an actual purse. Summer bags are a must have for your closet! And the easiest way to do that is with a straw bag.
Summer Jewelry
If you’re big into jewelry, accessorizing your white dress with summer jewelry is a simple addition. Try statement jewelry in summer materials and colors. But just adding jewelry to your white dress outfit will make it feel more complete. It’s a simple trick to pull those outfits together. Plus, nicer jewelry can add a touch of elegance to a more casual dress.
Right now we’re seeing a lot of shells, pearls and bright colored beaded necklaces. This is such a fun way to add a bit of personal style to your look. Jewelry to me is so personal, so while you can go trendy, I also fully support going with whatever you love to wear day in and day out.
No matter which white dress you choose as your base, accessorizing your dress is a fun way to add a bit of personal style. It helps to make it your own, and also allows you to take your dresses from day to night with the right accessories. There’s no need to have a huge collection of white dresses, instead, have lots of fun swapping out shoes, bags and jewelry to make your dress feel new time and time again.
