the summer staple the little white dress

typically the little black dress gets all of the attention. it’s classic, versatile, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. the silhouette may change from year to year, but it reigns supreme as the quintessential style uniform. the LBD was first introduced in 1926 by coco chanel. it was nicknamed the “model t” or “chanel’s ford” because the dress was accessible for women of all social classes. but many of us like to retire black once the warmer temps appear. so let’s talk about the alternative to the little black dress. the summer staple the little white dress.

while the little white dress might never be as popular as its famous cousin once summer arrives, i’m happy to exchange white for black. nothing says ‘hello warm weather’ quite like an LWD.

summer staple the little white dress

shirtdresses are a classic silhouette and are flattering for most body types. most shirtdresses come with a self-tying sash, although this one has a fitted waist. but one style trick i adopt with a shirtdress is simply to exchange the self-tie for a belt to add instant glamour and let your personality shine through. 

white is a neutral that partners with nearly everything and looks great. the options are endless. today i chose a classic and chic summer neutral palette – white and brown. there is something so chic about this color combo. my little white dress is a tiered cotton shirtdress by ralph lauren (old, similar here, here, and here); the wide brown belt is also from ralph (old, similar here). a pair of wedge sandals (old, similar here, here, and here) elevates the outfit. yet the fisherman handbag (old, similar here) keeps the outfit grounded for a casual chic look. add a bangle of your choosing as well as a necklace. but don’t forget there’s no better way to finish off a stylish summer outfit than with a pair of sunglasses. these tortoiseshell sunglasses from Prada (old, similar here) have served me well for many years and continue to be one of my favorites. they look terrific with my summer staple, the little white dress.

shop white dresses

dress (old, similar here, here, and here) | belt (old, similar here) | sandals (old, similar here, here, and here) | handbag (old, similar here) | sunglasses (old, similar here)

dress (old, similar here, here, and here) | belt (old, similar here) | sandals (old, similar here, here, and here) | handbag (old, similar here) | sunglasses (old, similar here)

day two of Amazon Prime Day continues. here are a few more beauty and fashion finds.

amazon beauty finds

amazon fashion finds

Beth Djalali

is the Founder and CEO of Style at a Certain Age. She writes Sundays-Fridays on all topics ranging from fashion, health, wellness, home design and more.

She’s 63, 5’8, and size 8.

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