White Cocktail Dresses

White Cocktail Dresses

White cocktail dresses lend a breezy, summery vibe to any event. The concept of a little white dress is becoming more and more popular – and for good reason. White is a neutral color, but it’s not as common as black or navy, so it’s a rare piece that will make you stand out while maintaining an elegant, minimalist vibe.

The color white is flattering on most skin and hair undertones, though be warned that if you have very fair skin, certain shades of white may make you appear washed out in photos. If you’re concerned about this, you can look at white dresses that are a little more on the ivory side, or go with a printed dress. 

White cocktail dresses are absolutely perfect if you’re a bride-to-be attending events like your bachelorette party. If this is the case, feel free to go all out with the sparkles and glitz to nod to your special day. 

White Cocktail Dress Details to Look for 

For the most part, you’ll be looking at dresses that either flare out at the skirt or have a more fitted silhouette. Skirts that flare out add a touch of dressiness to your look, which may make your cocktail dress a bit more versatile for events. Looks that are tighter give the color white a sexier edge, which can be great for date night. 

If you’re looking for a white cocktail dress for a specific event, you’ll want to keep the time of year in mind, as this can narrow down your fabric choice. Breezy, light fabrics are great for events during warm weather seasons, just as heavier fabrics are perfect for winter events. If you know there’s going to be dancing, you may want to err on the side of a cooler fabric choice. 

If you know that the event is a little less dressy, prints add a sense of whimsy and can lend a pop of color. A white background featuring florals is a great choice for a garden tea or other outdoor spring events. For more serious cocktail parties, stick with a very subdued print (or just skip prints altogether). 

Short White Cocktail Dresses

Normally, cocktail dresses are short – knee length is common, but you can go a little bit shorter if the occasion calls for it. White cocktail dresses with a shorter hemline can feature any neckline or silhouette, allowing you to still showcase your personality. 

If you’re not sure about an ultra-short look, it’s best to stick with a slightly longer hemline. Alternatively, you can add stockings or tights. Opt for flesh-toned stockings for a sophisticated look, white tights for a playful touch, or a color for a bold, whimsical look. 

If you’re a little nervous about a much shorter skirt but still want to give it a try, you can get a regular-length cocktail dress that has a side slit, so you’re not showing both your legs as much. It can also be helpful to try your dress on with a couple of your loved ones who you know will support you and boost your confidence. 

Accessories for White Cocktail Dresses

White is a neutral, but it’s also a very light color. So, while any color will go with white, be cautious not to overload on dark or bold-hued accessories. Lighter tones of blue, green, purple, and pink can be great for creating a cohesive look. 

Pastels and vibrant colors alike can be very complementary and add a sense of whimsy to your outfit, especially brighter hues. You may want to reserve bold colors like red or black for a statement piece in the form of your shoes, bag, or necklace to keep from overwhelming your dress, especially if it’s more detailed or sparkling. Don’t be afraid to experiment, though! 

If you’re looking to go a little more formal with your white cocktail dress look, metallic tones for accessories can elevate it. Opera gloves in white can also add a sense of formality, especially if your dress is strapless. Black elbow-length gloves add a dose of drama, though be mindful that they don’t compete with your dress. 

Events to Wear a White Cocktail Dress

White cocktail dresses are great for evening cocktail attire dress code events, especially if you’re looking to stand out but still keep your look on the neutral side. These dresses can be stunning for a birthday dinner or brunch look, especially if the dress is more glamorous. 

Events in the spring and summer lend themselves well to a white cocktail dress, especially those taking place outside. White dresses can also be a natural choice for winter-themed events, like dances, to celebrate the season; you can add tights or warm accessories so you can radiate winter vibes without having to worry about getting chilly. 

That said, there are definitely places to avoid wearing a white cocktail dress. For example, unless you’re specifically told otherwise, you wouldn’t want to wear any kind of white dress to a wedding. If you’re not the one getting married, you may also want to avoid wearing one to any wedding-related events you celebrate with the wedding party (like the rehearsal dinner). 

For more on where you can wear white dresses as well as inspiration for styling your looks, check out our guide. 

Breezy White Cocktail Dresses for Minimalist Elegance 

White cocktail dresses balance neutral, elegant ease with standing out from the crowd – it’s truly a dress that can do it all. For an even more versatile cocktail dress look, check out our collection of black cocktail dresses.