How to Style a White Dress for Every Occasion

Forget the LBD, it’s all about the LWD – the little white dress. Here are seven different ways you can style this wardrobe staple, all for seven different occasions.

Wedding

Dress – TFNC @Topshop, £48 // Fascinator – Very, £20 // Bag – Jessica McClintock, £28.50 // Shoes – Public Desire, £24.99 // Lipstick – Nars in ‘Cruising’, £20

Wearing white at a wedding is often frowned upon, so if you choose to, make sure you really stand apart from the bride with bold accessories. Black and white can make for a really striking look, and the lace detailing keeps the outfit looking formal here.

Work

Blazer – Miss Selfridge, £45 // Shoes – Dorothy Perkins, £20 // Dress – Mango, £24.99 // Necklace – Topshop, £6.50 // Bag – Dune, £69

Keep things conservative but chic with this ensemble, using a classic Mango shift dress that will soon become your go-to wardrobe piece. Nude makes a refreshing change from the blacks, greys and navies of the workplace, while the bag is both practical and stylish.

Casual

Dress – Vila, £35 // Anklet – River Island, £4 // Necklace – River Island, £10 // Bag – Carvela, £25 // Shoes – Topshop, £68

This boho inspired look is a great, relaxed outfit for those summer days. The dress from Vila looks great on its own, and even better when paired with plenty of jewellery and classic tan accessories – it also works really well as a look to wear on holiday.

Prom

Dress – Hedonia, £75 // Necklace – Mango, £14.99 // Shoes – Call It Spring, £45 // Lipstick Set – Ilia, £32

Prom, graduation, ball… there is always an occasion when you need to dress to impress, and here is an outfit which does exactly that. This Grecian-style dress does most of the talking so minimal accessories are required – a simple choker and some dressy heels make the perfect addition, teamed with a bright lipstick to keep it looking modern.

Going Out

Dress – Boohoo, £15 // Jacket – Mint Velvet, £65 // Shoes – Public Desire, £24.99 // Nail Polish – Nails Inc. in ‘St James’, £6 // Earrings – River Island, £8

White dresses don’t always have to be for the daytime – vamp up any outfit with a classic leather jacket and red accents, and you’re ready for a night out. A bodycon plunge style is glamorous enough for cocktails with the girls or for the club, and adding a leather jacket both failsafe and timeless.

First Date

Dress – Topshop, £46 // Necklace – Accessorize, £19 // Lipstick – Topshop in ‘Lovestruck’, £8 // Jacket – Topshop, £39 // Shoes – New Look, £27.99

This alluring look can be taken from day to night. A flattering bardot neckline is not only on trend but is flirty without necessarily flashing the flesh, and a simple denim jacket keeps things casual and not looking too try-hard. All this is set off with a lipstick in the suitably titled shade, ‘Lovestruck’!

Festival

Dress – Lavish Alice, £52 // Hat – River Island, £25 // Earrings – Olivia Divine, £12 // Temporary Tattoos – River Island, £6.50 // Socks – Boohoo, £4 // Wellies – New Look, £15.99

Although it may not seem the wisest idea to wear white to a muddy festival, this dress is irresistible with its flared sleeves as the ultimate hippie-chic festival get up. Think Alexa Chung when accessorising, such as this floppy hat paired and knee high socks, and for a bit of fun, add these temporary tattoos and you’re ready for a weekend glamping trip!

Sophie Prescott