Fashion folklore states that every woman needs a little black dress in her wardrobe – yet as indispensable as they are, it’s difficult not to come off slightly Wednesday Adams wearing all black in 30-degree heat and full sunshine. Enter the Little White Dress – just as handy and versatile as it’s black counterpart, only lighter and breezier in disposition. From the office to the sand, here’s our round-up of the top nine LWD’s you need this season.
1. Country Road Raffia Trim Wrap Dress, $249 www.countryroad.com.au
Say hello to the ultimate multi-tasker – this guy will make the switch from office power-dressing to after-dark attire in the time it takes to throw on a red lip.
2. Witchery Jacquard Shift Dress, $169.95 www.witchery.com.au
Don’t shy away from a high neck – particularly if you’re smaller in the bust, as this silhouette is incredibly elongating. Try it with a ballet flat for day for a ‘60’s mod-spin, or dress it up for night with a pop colour shoe to jump against the jacquard texture.
3. Victoria Beckham Stretch-Crepe Dress, $2,867.91 www.net-a-porter.com
This dress is the holy grail of tailoring, and a perfect silhouette to start with should you be hesitant of an all-white ensemble. The sharp paneling creates and highlights curves in all the right places – hello, hourglass silhouette!
4. Vince Voile Tunic-Dress, $348 www.matchesfashion.com
A white shirtdress is the poster boy for man-style dressing, but forgo those oversized, shapeless numbers for something a bit more figure flattering – the waist drawstring adds a femme balance to a traditionally masculine shape.
5. Osman Bi-Colour Crepe Gown, $1,595 www.matchesfashion.com
This Osman dress employs optical illusions in your favour – a textbook example of how to create a waistline in the time it takes to zip it up.
6. Alice + Olivia Lantern Metallic Dress, $575 www.mytheresa.com
If clingy white sounds like the things your nightmares are made of, a skater skirt style silhouette is exactly what you’re after – a touch of volume down below equals all over comfort.
7. Chloe Crepe Dress, $1,730 www.mytheresa.com
Crisp 90’s minimalism with a femme touch – this Chloe number is an all-round crowd pleaser. Try with a lightweight blazer for work, or let it shine it’s all it’s simplistic glory with a hint of metallic throughout your accessories for night.
8. Trenery Collarless Linen Dress, $179 www.trenery.com.au
This tunic-style shape is a weekend-friendly no brainer – add polish with an espadrille and straw headwear (think a fedora or a wide brim) for a bit of unexpected texture over your swimwear.
10. Topshop Slip Dress, approx. $119.62 www.topshop.com
The ‘90’s are still reigning supreme trend-wise, and the slip dress is the real hero comeback kid of this era. Play on the elegant simplicity through your accessories – keep it clean and structured for a modern, fresh take.