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Jennifer Aniston has also worn the style.
I’ve never found dressing for summer particularly fun, often taking the stance that it’s just too hot to look cute. But then I discovered a genius basic that looks put-together while feeling like you’re wearing nothing, and I now sport the easy style nonstop—and so do celebrities.
A white maxi dress is the timeless trend stars including Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Jennifer Aniston have reached for all summer. The style is effortlessly chic, with a breezy silhouette that makes it both incredibly comfortable and versatile. You can play into the relaxed feel by wearing it casually with sneakers or sandals, while heels and jewelry elevate the look in seconds; it’s a dress you’ll reach for whether you’re going to the office (just add a cardigan), beach, or dinner party. And beyond summer, all you need is a blazer and pair of boots to make the classic dress fall-ready.
Below, shop the easy-but-elevated basic every wardrobe needs, starting at $31.
8 White Summer Dresses:
- Ostoo Tiered Maxi Dress, $31; amazon.com Anrabess Maxi Dress, $40 (Originally $50); amazon.com Gap Linen-Blend Midi Dress, $49 (Originally $98); gap.com Banana Republic Factory Linen-Blend Drapey Midi Dress, $60 (Originally $150); bananarepublicfactory.gapfactory.com Caslon Cami Midi Dress, $60; nordstrom.com Madewell Embroidered Poplin Tank Midi Dress, $84 with code SUMMER40 (Originally $168); madewell.com J.Crew Drop-Waist Midi Dress, $89 with code EXTRA (Originally $198); jcrew.com Luxely Solstice Racerback Midi Shift Dress, $178; nordstrom.com
Anrabess Maxi Dress
Orig. $50 $40 at Amazon
You can get the celebrity-favorite look for less at Amazon, where Anrabess’s maxi dress is on sale for just $40. Like Jolie’s style, this dress has thin spaghetti straps, a straight-across neckline, and a super roomy fit. What sets it apart, though, is its tiered design, which, IMO, actually gives the loose dress a more elevated look.
Gap Linen-Blend Midi Dress
Orig. $98 $49 at Gap.com
This creamy white dress from Gap is an immediate add-to-cart while it’s 50 percent off. This style gets major points for its lightweight, linen-blend material and empire-waist silhouette that’s flattering, timeless, and a little more dressed-up than the shift dresses stars have been reaching for. Plus, I love that the straps are removable; it’s a small but major detail that instantly takes this dress from day to night.
Luxely Solstice Racerback Midi Shift Dress
$178 at Nordstrom
I love how simple but chic this dress from Luxely is. The racerback style, which though far from fitted, subtly skims the body and features a scoop neck and wide straps that add to its versatility. Don’t get me wrong, I adore a super flowy white dress, but sometimes you need something a bit more refined—this is just that.
J.Crew Drop-Waist Midi Dress
Orig. $198 $89 at Jcrew.com
While J.Crew’s drop-waist dress might not be a dead-ringer for Paltrow or Jolie’s, it’s a great option for someone who wants the comfort of the classic style with a more elevated look. This one has cuffed cap sleeves, a drawstring waist, mid-length hem, and a zipper detail that allows you to adjust the depth of the V-neck; it’s modest with modern touches. One fan of the style described it as having “vintage Italian movie vibes,” while others raved about its perfect fit with one noting that it’s “very flattering on [their] curves” and high quality. Best of all: With the code EXTRA, it’s now just $89.
A lightweight white dress is the smart summer staple every fashion girl needs in her wardrobe. Shop more styles, below.
Ostoo Tiered Maxi Dress
$31 at Amazon
Banana Republic Factory Linen-Blend Drapey Midi Dress
Orig. $150 $60 at Gapfactory.com
Caslon Cami Midi Dress
$60 at Nordstrom
Madewell Embroidered Poplin Tank Midi Dress
Orig. $168 $84 at Madewell.com