10 Effortless All-White Outfit Formulas for Classic Summer Style

October 31, 2024

A summer capsule wardrobe isn’t complete without an assortment of airy pieces you can combine into several all-white outfits to carry you through the warm weather season. Gauzy pieces in creams and ivory offer effortless dressing solutions amid sweat-inducing temperatures. There's also something about a monochromatic look that’s synonymous with looking instantly pulled together and the reason why the fashion set fills their closets with all-white outfits to wear throughout summer. Mastering the white-on-white look also offers an easy dressing formula for wearing white after Labor Day—despite what naysayers say about the unwritten fashion rule.

To help achieve that crisp white outfit (or a breathable, airy linen version), we turned to one of the best sources of inspiration—street style. From timeless suit sets to separates—like a polo top paired with a pleated skirt (very on theme with the tennis dressing aesthetic of the moment) to drop-waist summer dresses and tailored vests styled with pencil skirts, there's endless mix-and-match potential.

Ahead, shop 10 all-white outfits to pin to your style mood board.

Opt for an Easy Lounging Linen Set

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Nothing says warm-weather style quite like a linen button-down shirt paired with coordinating flowy bottoms. Although you can wear this look for practically any casual occasion, it's ideal for packing for your next trip to the shore. Amp up your seaside style with seashell jewelry, a raffia beach bag, and a pair of espadrille-inspired wedge sandals.

Banana Republic The Perfect Linen Shirt

J.Crew Soleil Pant in Linen

André Assous Nolita Wedge Slide Sandal

Hunting Season Small Leather-Trimmed Raffia Tote

Emma Pills Tachuelas Sunkissed Studs

Sterling Forever Marjorie Seashell Pendant Pearl Necklace

Dabble in the Drop-Waist Dress Tend

We've been spotting drop-waist dresses just about everywhere this season. Follow this savvy showgoer’s lead and allow your white dress to take center stage and highlight it with neutral-toned strappy sandals, a mini handbag, and subtle pieces of warm gold jewelry.

Madewell Drop-Waist Tank Midi Dress

Jeffrey Campbell Fluxx Sandal

Cult Gaia Gwyneth Mini Leather-Trimmed Rattan Tote

8 Other Reasons Gold Hoop Earrings

Lele Sadoughi Goldtone Heart Choker Necklace

Alexis Bittar Molten Bangle Bracelet

Stay Work Appropriate With Bermuda Shorts

Consider a pair of relaxed Bermuda shorts which are a great base for your easiest summer work outfits (just ask the Marie Claire editors). Tuck in a button-down top, and cinch your look with a luxe designer belt.

A Day's March Seacole Linen Shirt

Mother The Yummy Bermuda Fray

Altuzarra Watermill Bag Small

Loeffler Randall Noor Ankle Strap Sandal

Anthropologie Structured Keeper Belt

Elisa Johnson Lyric Leigh 52mm Sunglasses

Combine Polished Separates

Step into your ladylike era with a crisp high-neck top and matching tailored trousers that seamlessly work together. Whether you’re heading to an upscale garden party or a posh luncheon, this pairing will fit into various elevated dress codes. Top off the look with a sculptural bag, elegant heels, and pretty pearl earrings.

Reformation Aspen Linen Top

Mango Lugo High Waist Wide Leg Pants

Staud Moon Tote Bag

Britt Netta Esme Slingback

Catbird Dewdrop Studs

Tory Burch Kira Cultured Pearl Necklace

Ace the Tennis-Core Style

In the fashion trends game, tennis outfits are certainly in the lead this summer, but these sporty getups have a timeless appeal that makes them worthy closet mainstays. Channel your inner athlete with a preppy, polo-inspired tank and a perfectly pleated skirt. Take the look a step further with white mid-calf socks and lace-up sneakers.

Polo Ralph Lauren + Wimbledon Appliquéd Embroidered Tank

Polo Ralph Lauren + Wimbledon Everest Grosgrain-Trimmed Tennis Skirt

Comme Si The Yves Sock

Nike Killshot 2 Sneaker

Jennifer Fisher Samira Huggie Earrings

Citizen Bianca

Allow Subtle Hints of Color

Although this is a roundup of the best all-white outfits, we've made an exception for this sweet look that incorporates a pop of cherry red. For those looking to liven up their all-white outfits, bend the rules a bit with a subtle splash of color. As this style maven demonstrates, you can easily do so with a pair of playful socks.

Line & Dot Walk About Midi Dress

Shein Windsor Collection Socks

Sam Edelman Loraine Bit Loafer

Banana Republic Vida Half-Moon Shoulder Bag

Mejuri Chunky Gold Huggie Hoops

Shashi Delphine Ring

Try An Office-Friendly Tailored Vest

Searching for a way to upgrade your collection of summer work outfits? An easy solution is to style a tailored vest with a structured pencil skirt. Simple by nature, this streamlined outfit formula is guaranteed to ease the stress of getting dressed for the office. Slide into a pair of kitten heels, sling a sturdy laptop bag over your shoulder, and you're boardroom-ready.

J.Crew Slim-Fit Linen Vest

J.Crew No. 3 Pencil Skirt in Bi-Stretch Cotton Blend

& Other Stories Slingback Leather Pumps

Mansur Gavriel Everyday Leather Zip Tote

Isabel Marant Crescent Gold-Tone Earrings

Gwen Beloti Jewelry Layla 14k-Gold-Filled Paper Clip Chain Bracelet

Hit the Town in a Halter Neck Top and High Rise Pants

You may have just discovered your new favorite going-out outfit. If your social calendar is jam-packed with fun-filled happy hours, romantic date nights, or festive dinners, you’ll need an uncomplicated look that you can wear on repeat. Try a peekaboo halter neck top and sleek high-waisted pants. Wear your outfit with glossy patent leather heels, a quilted shoulder bag, and add a hint of shimmer with silver jewelry.

Cult Gaia Danil Top

Favorite Daughter The Low Favorite Pants

Aeyde Stina Patent Calf Leather Black Sandals

Ganni Quilted Shoulder Bag

Monica Vinader Siren Hoop Earrings

Justine Clenquet Silver Laura Necklace

Stay Cool in a Billowing Dress

Pull on a lightweight puff-sleeve white dress with an airy silhouette to fend off sizzling temperatures. Ensure that your dress is crafted from lightweight fabrics like cotton, poplin, or linen to keep you cool. Complete the look with minimalist accessories like barely-there stud earrings, simple hair clips, and a mini handbag.

Free People Marina Mini Dress

Jacquemus Black Les Classiques 'le Bambino' Bag

Vagabond Shoemakers Kenova Loafer

Le Specs Outta Love

Madewell 2-Pack Open Shape Hair Clips

Oradina 14k Yellow Gold Petite Have a Ball Studs

Level Up With a Power Suit

Lean into corporate dressing with a sharp suit set. To fully master the look without looking corporate '80s, opt for an oversized blazer (you can play with a slightly padded shoulder if that's your thing) and a pair of streamlined floor-sweeping pants. Elevate the look with heeled slide sandals and a '90s-style shoulder bag.