White off shoulder dresses for the beach and the ballroom

Bare collarbones and a tan look great next to a white off shoulder dress, and that’s the idea behind most of this page. Summer cuts come in linen, cotton muslin and soft fabric, while a few velvet gowns cover winter celebrations.

Linen and muslin for a week by the sea

Pack model 1524 if you’re heading somewhere hot. It’s a short linen dress with little sleeves that cover the top of the arm, and it doesn’t cling in humid weather. Model 1663 is the midi version in linen, calmer and a bit dressier for a dinner by the water.

Prefer a print? Our muslin minis are thin cotton, and each carries its own little motif on the white ground, from blue cornflowers to scattered pink buds. Muslin creases a little after washing. That’s normal for cotton, and a steamer fixes it in a minute.

Model 1520 is linen with a crinkled texture built in, so the small folds are meant to be there. It still looks fine after a long drive. Then there’s model 1445, knee-length, made from broderie with an openwork pattern, which works on a vacation walk and in a relaxed office.

Two more summer pieces are worth a look. Model 1662 is cut from soft fabric that hardly wrinkles, so it rolls up small in a suitcase. The printed model 1693 has a belt at the waist, short puffed sleeves and ruffles, and the skirt falls loose below the belt, which is kind to pear shapes.

The shoulder line has to sit flat and stay put. That’s why we’d size these by the bust, not by the waist. Underneath, go strapless or wear a bra with clear straps.

White velvet when the season turns cold

Can you wear white to a winter evening? In velvet, yes. Model 1469 reaches the floor, has a leg slit and three-quarter sleeves, and we’d suggest it for an engagement party or a bridal photo session. Next comes model 1378, sleeved down one arm and open over the other shoulder. A bouquet looks brighter against it, which is handy for a civil ceremony. Shorter? Model 1581 stops at midi with the same asymmetric top.

Wedding guests should skip all of these, of course. White belongs to the bride. For other shades try the off-shoulder collection, or look at white dresses for summer.