White summer dresses for hot days and terrace dinners

Beach at eleven, old town at six

For a week at the sea, we’d pack the short linen one with bare shoulders. Short sleeves, a mini hem, and nothing sticking to your back at two in the afternoon in a hot old town. Leather sandals and sunglasses go with it. After sunset the wind comes off the water, and that’s what a denim jacket in your bag is for. Beach party? Stack a few wooden bracelets.

Its longer sister is a linen midi with bare shoulders. Same fabric, calmer length. We’d take it to a dinner on a terrace or a wedding photo shoot by the water, with a straw bag, wooden or gold bracelets and a thin scarf around the shoulders after dark. Iron linen with a hot iron while it’s still a little damp. The creases come right out.

Muslin is the other hot-weather fabric. We sew it from thin cotton you can wear at noon in July. Our off-shoulder mini has a cornflower print. White sneakers by day, then low heels for dinner. Your bust measurement picks the size there. It keeps the off-shoulder line where it should be. Then there’s the muslin mini with hearts and puffy short sleeves. Those sleeves come out of the wash a little crumpled. That’s normal for muslin. Two minutes with a steamer and they’re round again.

Long sleeves for a christening or a cool July night

Summer evenings aren’t always warm. The white midi with lilac flowers comes with long sleeves gathered into cuffs and a round neck. You gather the waist with its tie belt, there’s a ruffle along the bottom, and the length covers your knees, which matters in church. It’s lightweight viscose. Bring a lilac bag to match the flowers if you have one.

For a date or a garden party there’s a baby doll mini with pink flowers and full long sleeves. From the bust down it hangs free, and nothing hugs your tummy. The fabric has a silky shine of its own. Add pearl studs and ballet flats and you’re ready.

A white summer dress also needs the right thing underneath. On the eyelet style and the linen midi, wear skin-tone underwear and it won’t show. The satin bandeau with blue flowers stays up without straps, so go for a strapless bra and choose the size by your bust.

All of these belong to our summer line, so this is the season to plan. Pick the print now and get your measurements ready. Every warm-weather color is on our summer page, looser shapes sit among the airy white dresses, and other short hems for the heat are with the summer minis.

Frequently asked questions

Why can’t I order some of these right now?

They’re summer styles. We bring them back each March, and meanwhile you’ll still see them on this page with a note.

Which one works for a graduation?

Our white midi with black polka dots. There’s a bow at the neckline, the sleeves are short, and the loose cut lets you move all day.

Is the polka dot one fussy to care for?

Not really. It’s satin. Wash it in cool water on the delicate program, then press the back side with a warm iron.