The white way
From midi to maxi dresses, PRUDENCE WADE takes a look at the 2020 way to wear white
AKNOCK-OUT white dress is often at the centre of a major fashion moment.
Whether it’s Marilyn Monroe standing over a grate with her skirt billowing up, Angelina Jolie in a plunging silk number at the 2004 Academy Awards, or Michelle Obama wearing Jason Wu for the 2009 Inaugural Ball, the perfect white dress can elevate a look to something iconic like little else.
Want your own iconic fashion moment this summer? A romantic white dress is all you’ll need...
THE MINIS...
THE key to pulling off a short white dress without looking too twee is to keep things loose and casual. Take inspiration from the empire line dresses seen at Rihanna-approved designer Molly Goddard, or opt for a tiered style instead. Steer clear of too many ruffles or any kind of ribbons – you don’t want to look like an extra from Picnic at Hanging Rock.
This isn’t a time to be wearing uncomfortable bodycon styles either. It’s all about dresses that will actually give you the freedom to move about. Wear with a pair of sandals if you want to dress it up a bit, or colour block with clean white trainers to keep the look relaxed and casual.
These don’t have to be super short, micro-dresses, but hemlines grazing or even covering your knee will do just as well.
THE MIDIS...
THE midi is one of the most wearable styles when it comes to white dresses – it’s easier and not as informal as the mini, or as intense as the maxi.
We particularly love a midi shirt dress – this look oozes Mediterranean glamour. Sophisticated and effortless, all you have to do is throw it on with some sandals or wedges and you’re ready to go.
Even if you’re not going on a jaunt around Italy any time soon, a billowing white midi dress is the perfect way to bring a bit of the summer sun to your home.
THE MAXIS...
THIS is where the trend really comes into its own. Maxi dresses were the most popular style on the runway, seen at everyone from
Chloe to Alexander McQueen.
You might normally shy away from a full-length white dress because it looks too much like you’re going to your wedding, but there are ways to pull off the look without raising any eyebrows.
To make sure you don’t look too bridal, experiment with different fabrics – like scuba or terry cloth
– and play around with cut-outs and detailing, taking the dress away from looking a tad too traditional. This isn’t the kind of dress you’d wear to a red carpet event – instead, keep things billowy, floaty and relaxed.
Our major piece of advice? Maybe don’t wear this one to an actual wedding
– you don’t want to upstage the bride.
Miss Selfridge petite dobby Bardot maxi dress in ivory,
£19.50 (was £39)