If the Little Black Dress is the enigmatic older sister who rules the after-dark party season, the Little White Dress is its youthful counterpart that you’ll find frolicking around a flower field.
This season’s offerings are some of my favourites: Crafted from feminine broderie anglaise, Victorian ruffles, and tonal embroidery, these LWDs are not only pretty, they’ll add a dreamy, romantic touch to your repertoire of spring frocks.
Harness positivity and shop some of our top designer picks below:
Zimmermann’s romantic and feminine aesthetic shines through with this pretty off-the-shoulder number that’s finished with scalloped-hem frilly ruffles decorated with mini pompoms.
Made from swiss-dot patterned cotton gauze knife-pleated across the bodice to create the illusion of a ruched detailing, this halterneck mini dress will look chic next to a pair of Roman sandals and a throw-on-and-go crossbody bag.
Rendered in all white in order to shift the conversation and focus onto its immaculate shape and detailing, Valentino’s cotton-blend mini dress features a one-shoulder silhouette with dramatic statement ruffles cascading across the slant neckline. Its voluminous pleated mini skirt is nipped in at the waist with a wide ribbon sash. Effortless and incredibly romantic, this seasonal staple is one of the feel-good numbers at the top of our wishlist.
An Istanbul-based fashion label created by two sisters, Nackiyé is known for its contemporary, relaxed silhouettes and colourful Eastern Mediterranean influences. This strapless babydoll dress from the brand has a breezy voluminous shape and ruffles trimming the strapless neckline cinched by black string ties at the back. Team this with a pair of white sneakers and a dainty lasso necklace and you’ll be out the door in minutes.
A stunning white cotton dress that draws on Victorian influences from the high pie crust collar, to the multi-layered ruffles that accent the shoulders and torso. Crafted from crisp cotton finished with delicately plissé pleats, this dress also has long fluted cuff sleeves and a tiered skirt as added details. Style this with gold hoop earrings, a high messy bun like how Crash Landing on Your star Son Ye-jin does it and a pair of espadrilles.
Fresh out of Isabel Marant’s SS ‘20 collection, this crepe mini dress features a tiered skirt cut to an asymmetrical hem. Showcasing detailed floral embroidery and scallop trims along the hem and sleeve cuffs, this lightweight and airy dress recalls the carefree bohemian vibes from the ‘70s. Dress this with a Western waist belt with a statement embellished buckle and a fun pair of cowboy boots to complement the brand’s elevated rodeo aesthetic.
Taking inspiration from the construction of a classic white shirt, Jacquemus’s “Bahia” dress is cut from light and breathable cotton and features a sexy plunging neckline finished with a twisted drape detail. Commiting to this number on lazy weekends would be an easy no-brainer: it’s chic, simple and effortless to style around. Wear it with minimalist naked sandals and a slouchy hobo bag for running errands.
Self-Portrait’s cotton shirt dress features delicate see-through lace panels along the sides of the sleeves and lace overlay. Showcasing a Victorian-inspired pleated front bib accentuated by a laser-cut lattice pattern, this collared dress makes for an elegant, polished boardroom ensemble. Dress this with a pair of ankle boots, a saddle bag like these K-drama celeb-approved ones and a pair of iridescent pearl drop earrings.
This crepe mini dress features an on-trend square neckline and a column silhouette that offers a body-hugging fit. With a flattering profile that mixes minimalism and a French girl sensibility, this number will make for a great OOTD shot. Team it with brown croc-embossed ankle boots and a ‘90s-style short strap shoulder bag.
Informed by Simone Rocha’s feminine aesthetic, this voluminous cape dress features eyelet trimmings, a tiered skirt and tiered sleeves. It’s perfect for experimenting around with layering: try styling it under a shirt dress, over a white tulle skirt, or over a pair of baggy white cargo trousers for a fun, interesting combo.
Alexander McQueen’s white cotton dress looks dreamy and romantic with its big, voluminous puffy sleeves and ruffled skirt hem. Comfortable and versatile, this number looks like something you’ll want to reach for on a daily basis, whether it be for work or weekends. Team it with a pair of embellished platform sandals and a bucket bag to keep in line with the season’s trends.