10 All-White Outfit Formulas for Effortless Summer Style
From chic linen sets to fun puff-sleeve dresses, discover how to perfect the monochrome look.
A summer capsule wardrobe isn’t complete without an assortment of airy pieces you can combine into several all-white outfits to carry you through the warm weather season. Gauzy pieces in creams and ivory offer effortless dressing solutions amid sweat-inducing temperatures. There's also something about a monochromatic look that’s synonymous with looking instantly pulled together and the reason why the fashion set fills their closets with all-white outfits to wear throughout summer. Mastering the white-on-white look also offers an easy dressing formula for wearing white after Labor Day—despite what naysayers say about the unwritten fashion rule.
To help achieve that crisp white outfit (or a breathable, airy linen version), we turned to one of the best sources of inspiration—street style. From timeless suit sets to separates—like a polo top paired with a pleated skirt (very on theme with the tennis dressing aesthetic of the moment) to drop-waist summer dresses and tailored vests styled with pencil skirts, there's endless mix-and-match potential.
Ahead, shop 10 all-white outfits to pin to your style mood board.
Opt for an Easy Lounging Linen Set
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Nothing says warm-weather style quite like a linen button-down shirt paired with coordinating flowy bottoms. Although you can wear this look for practically any casual occasion, it's ideal for packing for your next trip to the shore. Amp up your seaside style with seashell jewelry, a raffia beach bag, and a pair of espadrille-inspired wedge sandals.
Dabble in the Drop-Waist Dress Tend
We've been spotting drop-waist dresses just about everywhere this season. Follow this savvy showgoer’s lead and allow your white dress to take center stage and highlight it with neutral-toned strappy sandals, a mini handbag, and subtle pieces of warm gold jewelry.
Stay Work Appropriate With Bermuda Shorts
Consider a pair of relaxed Bermuda shorts which are a great base for your easiest summer work outfits (just ask the Marie Claire editors). Tuck in a button-down top, and cinch your look with a luxe designer belt.
Combine Polished Separates
Step into your ladylike era with a crisp high-neck top and matching tailored trousers that seamlessly work together. Whether you’re heading to an upscale garden party or a posh luncheon, this pairing will fit into various elevated dress codes. Top off the look with a sculptural bag, elegant heels, and pretty pearl earrings.
Ace the Tennis-Core Style
In the fashion trends game, tennis outfits are certainly in the lead this summer, but these sporty getups have a timeless appeal that makes them worthy closet mainstays. Channel your inner athlete with a preppy, polo-inspired tank and a perfectly pleated skirt. Take the look a step further with white mid-calf socks and lace-up sneakers.
Allow Subtle Hints of Color
Although this is a roundup of the best all-white outfits, we've made an exception for this sweet look that incorporates a pop of cherry red. For those looking to liven up their all-white outfits, bend the rules a bit with a subtle splash of color. As this style maven demonstrates, you can easily do so with a pair of playful socks.
Try An Office-Friendly Tailored Vest
Searching for a way to upgrade your collection of summer work outfits? An easy solution is to style a tailored vest with a structured pencil skirt. Simple by nature, this streamlined outfit formula is guaranteed to ease the stress of getting dressed for the office. Slide into a pair of kitten heels, sling a sturdy laptop bag over your shoulder, and you're boardroom-ready.
Hit the Town in a Halter Neck Top and High Rise Pants
You may have just discovered your new favorite going-out outfit. If your social calendar is jam-packed with fun-filled happy hours, romantic date nights, or festive dinners, you’ll need an uncomplicated look that you can wear on repeat. Try a peekaboo halter neck top and sleek high-waisted pants. Wear your outfit with glossy patent leather heels, a quilted shoulder bag, and add a hint of shimmer with silver jewelry.
Stay Cool in a Billowing Dress
Pull on a lightweight puff-sleeve white dress with an airy silhouette to fend off sizzling temperatures. Ensure that your dress is crafted from lightweight fabrics like cotton, poplin, or linen to keep you cool. Complete the look with minimalist accessories like barely-there stud earrings, simple hair clips, and a mini handbag.
Level Up With a Power Suit
Lean into corporate dressing with a sharp suit set. To fully master the look without looking corporate '80s, opt for an oversized blazer (you can play with a slightly padded shoulder if that's your thing) and a pair of streamlined floor-sweeping pants. Elevate the look with heeled slide sandals and a '90s-style shoulder bag.
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Lauren is the Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, where she writes trend reports, shopping pieces, and celebrity news stories. Prior to Marie Claire, Lauren worked for Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE as a freelance editor with a specific focus on seasonal styles and coveted products. She also worked for Town & Country, where she developed a robust portfolio of fashion roundups and designer profiles.
Lauren graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in communications and a minor in journalism. While attending Penn, Lauren contributed to the university's fashion magazine, The Walk, while also interning for Philadelphia Style Magazine and EveryStylishGirl.
When she’s not exploring the world of fashion, you can find Lauren sharpening her skills as DJ, discovering new restaurants in New York City (she’s a foodie), and spending quality time with friends and family. Follow her along at @laurenktappan.
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