One of the most important style philosophies to follow is to make sure that you have a solid collection of basics that you love and are of high quality. Among these basics is a white dress. This is as versatile as everybody’s other favourite, which is the black dress. It’s a piece that can easily transcend seasons and trends, especially if you know how to get playful with it.
A form-fitting white dress, which most women have, for instance, offers countless styling possibilities. So, if you have one that you love to wear often, here are a few tips and tricks to get more mileage out of the piece.
1. Wear a long-sleeved button-up collar shirt under the dress
If you want a preppy look for school or work, the easiest way to do that is by wearing a long-sleeve button-up collar shirt under your white dress. Your dress can be figure-hugging or a loose one because this styling trick works for both cuts or designs.
Think Blair Waldorf from the hit TV show Gossip Girl by keeping the neckline closed and conservative. But, consider wearing bling for an even more eye-catching neckline. You can do this by layering different lengths and sizes of necklaces, or create a cluster of pins and brooches on one side of the dress. And, if the weather is colder than usual, pile on a cardigan and trench coat.
2. Pair it the dress with straight cut or wide-legged pants
The nice thing about a short form-fitting dress is it’s easy to tuck into most bottoms. Therefore, if you like the confidence that your favourite white dress gives you, wear it to work and make it more professional by pairing it with your straight-cut or wide-legged trousers and high heels.
The figure-flattering fit of the dress will work beautifully with the loose pants in creating a clean and lean silhouette for your entire outfit. And, to make the ensemble even chicer, cinch the waist of the trousers with a skinny belt and perhaps add a bit more colour by wearing a patterned silk scarf (which does not need to be a highly expensive one – you can purchase affordable version when you shop for women’s accessories online) around your neck. You also have the option to wear the scarf as a belt.
3. Pair it with edgy or masculine pieces
Give your white dress a tougher character by layering an edgy or masculine piece such as a motor, army, or denim jacket over it. It doesn’t matter if the jacket is oversized or cropped, you can be sure that the dress would look street cool instead of generically virginal.
And, to give the get-up a bit more personality, how about tying a plaid or chambray shirt around the waist of the dress? Complete the look with leather boots and messy hair for an edgy, sexy, and grunge vibe.
4. Wear a silk or sheer dress over it
Give your white dress an entirely new look by turning it into “underwear” for a silk or dress. If you have a lace dress or a silk one that’s a little too sexy to don on its own, make it more wearable by wearing your favourite little white dress under it.
The white dress will seem like the built-in lining for the lighter toppers. This shouldn’t be an issue, especially if you are all about getting as much use as you can from the pieces in your wardrobe.
5. Don an oversized shirt and a chunky belt over it
For a casual get-together with your girlfriends, throw on an oversized shirt over the dress. A granddad collar shirt that’s loose and long on you is a great choice. Then, find a chunky belt to hold everything in place and take away the billowiness of the large shirt.
This ensemble looks feminine and sophisticated whether your white dress is a maxi or a short, tight-fitting one. If you want to amplify the style of such a combination of pieces further, do not forget a headpiece – a turban, beret, or floppy hat, will automatically make you look fiercely fashionable.
6. Top the dress with an oversized pullover
This styling strategy is perfect for the cool months up ahead. There’s nothing cosier than a pullover, be it knit, cotton and polyester, or fleece. You can wear it as a layering piece for any white dress you own, be it a long flowy one, a baby doll, pencil, or bondage dress.
This is another easy way to switch up the look of your white dress, especially for autumn and winter.
You probably will not wear your white dress every single day even if it’s your most beloved piece in your closet, but hopefully, the styling tricks shared above will allow you to wear the piece as often as you want.
Author Bio
Ethiopian-born and Dubai-based fashion designer Feiruza Mudessir discovered her curiosity to mix the traditional with contemporary at a young age, and this has become the trademark of her designs for Finchitua today. With her unique style standpoint, she served the VIP Color Forecast Panel 2017 for Al Jazeera Paints Company and VIP Color Forecast Panel 2019 for Asian Paints Berger. Ms. Mudessir is a shortlisted nominee for the prestigious Fashion Scout London 2018.