The little white dress is the perfect alternative to the little black dress for summer. It’s a versatile and flattering garment that gives the vibe and freshness of the warm season.
Wearing a white dress to the office will get you noticed and create reactions among your colleagues. And knowing a few styling tips on how to wear a white dress to the office will help you make a positive appearance and feel more confident.
4 Essentials styling tips when choosing a white dress
- Look for quality fabrics like poplin or cotton blend that drape flawlessly on the body shape.
- Select a lined dress or wear a slip to make sure it’s not see-through.
- Pick the right shade that matches your skin tone. For example, if you have fair skin, then shy away from crisp white and opt for warmer tones like cream or eggshell.
- Wear the perfect undergarments and match the undergarments with your skin tone, not with the dress. For example, choose nude undergarments and select the shade that best matches your skin tone. One important rule to take into consideration is not to wear black undergarments.
How to style a little white dress
- Add a layer
Wear a blazer or a cardigan over a sleeveless white dress to look more polished at the office.
- Wear the right shoes
Neutral tones and white shoes are the best options for a fresh look in the summer.
Nowadays, pairing a white dress with black pumps seems outdated. However, you can pair black shoes with a white dress that has black trimming or you can cinch a black belt around the waist and match with accessoires in the same color.
- Choose the right length for the dress style
Pencil dress
The lenght of a pencil dress should sit between the knee and mid-calf. Otherwise the dress loses its shape.
A pencil dress above the knee is more for casual occasions, and it’s not appropiate for professional or formal settings.
White blazer style dress
A blazer style dress is a flattering silhouette that gives you more options to choose and above-the-knee or longer length.
- Accessorize
Add a belt
Add a belt to highlight your silhouette and select shoes and abag in different shades to break up the monotone outfit.
Wear a scarf
A scarf is a classic and elegant accessory that gives an alluring charm, adds a pop of color, and speaks personality.
Wear a bold necklace
Wear jewelry with a white dress and keep it simple and let one piece have the spotlight at the time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a white dress appropriate for the office?
Yes, the little white dress is the perfect summer alternative to the little black dress, versatile and flattering with the freshness of the warm season. It will get you noticed at the office, and a few styling choices, like adding a blazer or cardigan over a sleeveless style, keep it polished and professional.
How do I keep a white dress from being see-through?
Select a lined dress or wear a slip underneath, and choose quality fabrics like poplin or a cotton blend that drape flawlessly. For undergarments, match them to your skin tone rather than to the dress, choosing nude shades, and never wear black undergarments under white.
What shade of white suits fair skin?
Pick the shade that matches your skin tone. If you have fair skin, shy away from crisp white and opt for warmer tones like cream or eggshell.
What shoes go with a white dress at work?
Neutral tones and white shoes are the best options for a fresh summer look. Pairing a white dress with black pumps now feels outdated, though black shoes can work if the dress has black trimming or you cinch a black belt at the waist and match your accessories in the same color.
How long should a white pencil dress be for the office?
A pencil dress should sit between the knee and mid-calf, otherwise it loses its shape. An above-the-knee pencil dress is more for casual occasions and is not appropriate for professional or formal settings, while a blazer-style dress offers more flexibility in length.