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*2024* How to dress down a white dress? 28 outfits!

*2024* How to dress down a white dress? 28 outfits!

As Coco Chanel said, “White has it all. Its beauty is absolute. It’s a perfect harmony”

So here’s the thing, we all adore white dresses but as a light shade, it just naturally looks so eye-catching and dressed up.

But luckily, there are tons of ways to add a dash of casualness to the white dress.

After all, white is too classy and gorgeous to give up! So ladies here are the 6 inspirations if you wonder how to dress down a white dress!

Enjoy!

1. PAIR THE WHITE DRESS WITH CASUAL OUTERWEAR

For the most foolproof tip, pairing the white dress with casual outerwear can always add a dash of casualness to the outfit almost instantly.

how to dress down a white dress
Source: 1, Ladyfashioniser.com,3

Pair with the relaxing denim jacket or cool faux leather biker jacket, this is how to dress white in an off-duty laid-back ensemble!

Also, instead of the structured outerwear like a blazer, opt for something soft like a chambray shirt is a nice choice here!

You can always tie a little knot and treat it as a top for your white dress. That way, you can also accentuate your high waist and make you appear taller!

Of course, wearing something like an oversized jacket or a wrap works wonders as well.

Source: Pinterest

The effortlessly chic vacay vibe is real.

2. WEAR A WHITE DRESS WITH CASUAL FABRICS

If you want to dress down your outfit, it’s time to pay attention to the fabric because it plays a major role here.

how to dress down a white dress
Source: 1,2,3

With lustrous and feminine fabrics like satin, silk, and chiffon, they are not the easiest fabrics to pair.

Just wearing a simple white silk slip dress without any accessories, people will still think you are all set to go for fine dining tonight so the struggle is real.

Instead, choose casual fabrics like denim and cotton that can effortlessly tame the Polishness and make it more approachable for daily wear.


When the sun is out, a linen dress is one of my favorites!

Shop this dress on Reformation

3. WEAR LOOSE-FITTING WHITE DRESS INSTEAD OF THE FIT CUTTING

When it comes to the cutting, always opt for the loose cut instead of a fit-cut white dress for a more relaxing vibe.

how to dress down a white dress
Source: 1,2,3

The body-hugging dress-like body con dress just puts every curve of yours under the spotlight which can be quite overwhelming if you are not used to that.

Instead, opt for the loose-cutting dress, the choices are endless.

My all-time favorites are the T-shirt dress and the smock dress.

With a lace smock dress a pair of lace-up espadrilles and a basket bag, this is such a perfect summer picnic look!

And for practical reasons, curves hugging white dresses just unavoidably add some bulk to our bodies as we all know white is the bright color that exaggerates everything!

As a lady who is full of food baby 24/7, I will just avoid those dresses at all costs.

However, we can style the white dress strategically!

plus size white dress
Shop this dress on BOOHOO

The big V-neck can make your face appear to be smaller ❤️

If you want to camouflage the belly area, put on a peplum belt like this one, and viola – the perfect hourglass shape!


When it comes to the arm-forgiving white dress, this is one of the best sellers on Amazon and I can see why.

amazon summer dress
Shop this dress on Amazon

The silhouette is as feminine as it is arm-forgiving – obsessed.

4. Warm tone> Cool tone (Right shade of white)

And now, it’s time to talk about colors.

how to dress down a white dress
Source: 1,2,3

While pure white looks are naturally so elegant and classy, not everyone’s skin tone suits that stark white.

If you have a cool undertone, you may look great in white but if you have a warm undertone, off-white colors will certainly be a better choice.

In my case, since I have a more yellowish color tone, I look way better with other similar shades of white like cream and vanilla instead of pure white.

Plus, these warm-tone colors are just less attention-drawing than pure white which always signals a sense of high fashion.


WHITE SHEATHE DRESS off shoulder
Shop this stylish sheath dress on Nordstorm

Plus, I realize cream color is more complementary and versatile to pair with other warm-tone hues brown and beige!

So ladies, before you give up the white dress, try a cream dress instead and you will be pleasantly surprised!

5. PAIR RELAXED FOOTWEAR WITH A WHITE DRESS

With footwear, needless to say, always go for something casual and comfy.

how to dress down a white dress
Source: 1,2,3

Besides sneakers, round-toe flats and heels can finish off your outfit in a loose way.

Instead of the sharp pointy toe or edgy square-toe heels, round-toe shoes can always ease off the outfit and instill a sense of cuteness and youthfulness.

So yes, when it comes to a white ruffle dress, you will see me wearing my ballet flats or again, lace-up espadrilles – I just never get sick of this pair of cuties!


Another way to dress down white dress!

white dress street style outfit
Source: Pinterest

This street style is 10/10.


Looking for a cute white dress for your coming party? Check out this gorgeous House of CB Lilou dresses down below!

white dress House of CB
Check out my LTK post here to find the buying link ❤️

6. OPT FOR THE LESS STRUCTURED BAG TO FINISH OFF THE LOOK

Last but not least, your bags matter as well!

how to dress down a white dress
Source: 1,2,3

This is the detail that is always being overlooked but it’s truly powerful to dress down the look.

As the fun quote said “Handbags speak louder than words”, the handbag is a statement piece that represents your style.

So ladies, don’t wear a polished, structured bag if you want to look spontaneous in a white dress.

Try a crossbody bag or a sloppy bag like a hobo bag or bucket bag for an easy-breezy look!

HOW TO DRESS DOWN white dress boho bag
Source: Pinterest

As a girl who favors structured bags more, I love this tip.

Now, whenever I want to dress down my white dress, it’s also a fun time for me to wear the bags that I usually will not wear during work time. So that’s quite a refreshing experience for me!

FINAL THOUGHTS:

So ladies, here are the 6 inspirations if you wonder how to dress down a white dress!

Let’s have a quick recap first!

  • Pair the white dress with casual outerwear
  • Wear a white dress with casual fabrics
  • Wear a loose-fitting white dress instead of the fit-cutting
  • Wear warm tone off-white colors instead of pure white tones
  • Pair relaxed footwear with a white dress
  • Opt for the less structured bag to finish off the look

I hope these 6 tips give you some confidence in wearing a white dress because they are truly darling.

I mean, it’s nearly impossible to look tacky in white, isn’t it?

Instead of other hues, white has always been my powerful color.

With a white shirt dress, that just makes me feel slightly calmer and more refreshed!

Looking for more styling tips? Check out the other popular articles! See you there loves!

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