Summer may be the “socially acceptable” season for wearing white clothing and accessories, but we know that the “no white after Labor Day” rule is meant to be broken. And although Labor Day Weekend tends to be the time for head-to-toe white dress codes (old habits die hard), you can still wear these outfits anytime of year.
Then comes the hard part: How exactly do you put together an all-white party outfit? With just one color to choose from, it’s actually quite simple. But, the possibilities are limitless, which can also make the task quite daunting. According to stylist and creative consultant Natalie Cantell, “There’s nothing like styling an all-white look (or choosing paint for a white wall) to understand what people mean by ‘simplexity.’ If it’s feeling a little off, it can be tough to put your finger on what’s not working — but when it’s right, there’s nothing better.”
Luckily, there is plenty of inspiration to help. Ahead, check out ways to style an all-white party outfit.
Oversized Summer Suiting
Jennifer Lopez wears an all white suit for a premiere party
We can’t remember the last time Jennifer Lopez wasn’t on an outfit mood board, and her easy breezy white-on-white oversized suit is at the top of our list when it comes to all-white party outfit inspo. Paired with a classic V-neck tee, silver platform pumps, and dazzling diamond earrings, Lopez proves that wearing all white doesn’t have to be taken too seriously. Plus, a summer suit is a great way to stand out among a sea of little white dresses, right?
One and Done
Kristin Davis wears a white outfit to a party
If the all-white party isn’t an all-day affair, we recommend following in Kristen Davis’s footsteps with a transitional day-to-night look. An office-appropriate white dress (we’re partial to shirt dresses) easily goes from business to pleasure.
Keep your accessories simple in a neutral hue, and just swap your work tote for a simple white clutch. Bonus points for a wear-everywhere sparkling tennis bracelet or necklace — Charlotte York Goldenblatt would never leave home without one.
Contrasting Accessories
Julianne Hough wears black sunglasses with all white outfit
Julianne Hough has been spotted in so many all-white outfits that it was hard to choose just one. Her fun, fringey look by Khaite stands out not only for its fun fabric but also for Hough’s A+ accessorizing. Pairing black accessories — including sheer tights — with this end-of-summer attire demonstrates the versatility of white pieces in any wardrobe. “I love this look, which isn’t surprising because I love Khaite and fringing is still having a moment,” shares Cantell. “The black accessories feel trans-seasonal and perfect for a late-summer event on a cloudy day (in fact, an oversized blazer would only make this more excellent).”
Have Fun with Fabric
Solange Knowles wears all white to an opening night gala.
From her iconic wedding pantsuit to artfully designed dances and exhibitions, Solange never shies away from an opportunity to wear the hue. She keeps it interesting, too: We love the shiny velour asymmetrical dress she wore in November (!), paired with silver pumps and a mini metallic clutch. A bit of silvery eyeshadow makes this star look even more ethereal.
The Little White Dress
Kate Bartlett wears all white lace with gold accents
Influencer and FIT student Kate Bartlett nails the all-white outfit aesthetic in a lacy little white dress by Michael Kors. Paired with strappy lace-up sandals and a white clutch, Bartlett makes the look her own with the addition of a twice-wrapped gold chain belt. Although it's her accessories that make the entire look, we must admit: If you have no idea where to start with your all-white party look, a little white dress is never out of place.
Bejeweled Beauty
A woman wears all white at New York Fashion Week
Peloton instructor Ally Love would never let us forget that any outfit for an all-white party needs to take the word “party” into consideration just as seriously. “You really need the video of Ally moving in this PatBo dress to do it justice,” shares Cantell. Bring a little something extra to the dance floor with gemstones, like the pearl embellishments and clutch shown here. Or, if you can’t find an outfit that comes covered in jewels already, take the DIY route and layer up with loads of long pearl necklaces, bubbly bracelets, and fun cocktail rings.
Mix and Match
Kendall Becker wears an all white outfit with matching accessories at New York Fashion Week
Fashion editor and trend forecaster Kendall Becker knows a thing or two about building a wardrobe full of pieces with purpose. So, when the weather for your white party is unpredictable, it’s a great time to mix and match your faves, even if they’re typically worn in different seasons. Try styling a summery crochet top or dress with wintry white accessories, like creamy leather boots and a blazer. And don’t forget a fun metallic handbag and pearl and gold jewelry to match. Cantell’s pro-tip: Contrasting dramatically different fabrics and textures is a great hack to making sure a layered white look feels intentional, rather than mismatched.
A Short Sundress
Margaret Qualley wears a short, all white dress.
Margaret Qualley has been seen wearing white a lot, even when she’s not walking down the aisle. A simple spaghetti-strap minidress (okay fine, this is Chanel), worn with white leather loafers exudes a certain je ne sais quoi that is perfectly fit for a Dinner.
