White dresses are a timeless and versatile wardrobe staple that can be dressed up or down for any occasion. However, plain white dresses can sometimes seem a bit boring or lack visual interest. Fortunately, there are many creative ways to make a white dress pop and stand out while still keeping its feminine, chic style.
Add Colorful Accessories
One of the easiest ways to instantly liven up a white dress is by pairing it with colorful accessories. Look for accessories in bold hues that contrast with the white fabric, like red, royal blue, emerald green, or bright pink. Here are some accessory ideas to try:
- Statement necklace
- Bangle bracelets
- Clutch purse
- Belt
- Hair scarf or headband
- Colored heels or sandals
Accessorizing with color helps make the white dress the backdrop for exciting pops of color. Match your accessories to your personality and style. You can go for an edgy, rocker chic look with red accessories or exude romantic femininity with pastel pink or blue.
Add Prints or Textures
Experiment with mixing prints and textures to create visual interest in your white dress. Keep the dress itself simple and solid white, then add layers like:
- Patterned shawl or kimono
- Lace jacket
- Embroidered denim vest
- Leopard print belt
- Crochet trim details
Look for pieces with distinctive prints like polka dots, florals, animal prints or geometrics. Textured fabrics like lace, crochet or leather can also add depth. Just be careful not to go overboard with busy prints—choose one or two printed garments or accessories to keep the look cohesive.
Play with Hemlines and Silhouettes
An unexpected hemline or silhouette can turn a basic white dress into a statement piece. Go for styles like:
- Asymmetrical hem
- Handkerchief hem
- High-low hem
- Full skirt
- Peplum
- Cape overlay
Details like ruffles, uneven hems or voluminous skirts add visual drama and movement. A cape jacket on top of a sheath white dress offsets the clean lines with fluidity. Take risks with interesting necklines too, like a cold shoulder or off-the-shoulder neckline to show some skin.
Pick Eye-Catching Embellishments
Embellishments are an easy way to elevate a white dress. Consider:
- Sequins
- Beading
- Crystals
- Pearls
- Fringe
- Ruffles
- Lace panels
- Cut outs
Subtle details like beaded straps or lace insets keep the look romantic, while full-on sequins make more of a glam statement. Place embellishments strategically, like around the neckline, hem or waist. A little goes a long way—you don’t want the embellishments to overwhelm the dress.
Play with Length
Switch up the length and silhouette of your white dress for a fresh look. Some flattering options include:
- Mini dress – Playful and flirty above the knee length.
- Midi dress – On trend longer length, hits below the knee.
- Maxi dress – Elegant and breezy floor-length dress.
- Sheath dress – Figure-hugging from top to bottom.
- A-line dress – Fitted at the top with a flared skirt.
Going shorter or longer than your usual dress length creates visual impact. Contrasting lengths can be interesting too – try a midi skirt with a cropped lace top.
Create Contrast With Layers
One of the easiest tricks is to layer your white dress over black tights or trousers. The contrast between the white and black immediately creates a focal point. Take the look further by layering over black leather, lace or chiffon for texture and interest. Some layering ideas include:
- Black skinny jeans and boots
- Black leggings and leather jacket
- Sheer black tights
- Lacy black slip dress underneath
- Black camisole layered under a white lace dress
When in doubt, create contrast with black. For cooler weather, pair a short white dress with black tights and tall black boots for a mod look.
Cinch With a Belt
Define your waist and add interest with a waist-cinching belt. Wide corset belts or rhinestone embellished belts work well to accentuate curves on a sheath or A-line dress. Vintage-inspired leather or fabric belts also look stylish while drawing attention inward. Belt placement is flexible – try belting right at the smallest part of your waist, or slightly above or below. Wearing a belt is an easy styling trick on any plain white dress.
Choose Unique Back Details
Don’t forget about the back of your dress! Unique back details like:
- Cut outs
- Crisscross straps
- Low scoop backs
- Bow accents
Immediately catch the eye and show a bit of skin. An unexpected back gives your look a special touch that people will notice. Many white dresses look plain from the front but have elegant backs, so look for those special details.
Incorporate Metallic Shoes or Bags
Metallic shoes or handbags bring a glam touch to a white dress. Some lust-worthy options include:
- Silver heels or sandals
- Gold wedges or flats
- Sparkling clutch
- Shimmery crossbody bag
The sheen of metallic shoes and purses catches the light. It creates the perfect dose of shine against a matte white dress. Stick to silver, gold, or champagne-colored metallics for an elegant look.
Choose Colored Shoes
Like your accessories, colored footwear instantly livens up a white dress. Play with bright or pastel shoes in hues like:
- Red
- Blue
- Yellow
- Pink
- Green
- Orange
Go for a color that complements or matches your other accessories for a pulled-together look. Floral printed shoes, like bright rose-printed heels, also look fun and quirky with a white dress. Let your shoes make a bold statement.
Add an Underpinning
Take your white dress up a notch for evening by layering it over a colored underpinning. Paired under a sheer white lace or crochet dress, underpinnings like:
- Royal blue slip
- Bright pink skirt
- Red lace bandeau
Show through subtly but make an impact. Black is always a classic underpinning shade, but go bold with vivid colors too. This trick transforms a daytime white dress into something special and evening-ready.
Embrace volume
Volume adds drama to a white dress for a statement look. Get volume with details like:
- A full, ballgown skirt
- Puffy sleeves
- Ruffles
- Peplum frills
- Tiered or layered skirts
Voluminous sleeves and skirts are on trend and give a romantic vibe. The juxtaposition of the slimming color white against voluminous shapes creates striking visual impact.
Add Jackets or Sweaters
For seasonal versatility, layer your white dress with colored jackets, sweaters or cardigans. Options like:
- Jean jacket
- Leather moto jacket
- Cropped cardigan
- Oversized knit sweater
Instantly transition your white summer dress into colder months while adding a color pop. This trick works especially well with sleeveless or mini white dresses. Finish the layered look with tights and boots.
Conclusion
With endless options for accessorizing, layering, altering silhouettes and adding eye-catching details, a white dress can transform into an outfit that is creative, stylish and reflects your personal flair. Use these tips to think beyond plain white when wearing your favorite white dress.
| Accessory | Style Ideas |
|---|---|
| Statement necklace | Turquoise, coral, wood or beaded statement necklace |
| Bangle bracelets | Stacking gold, silver or enamel bracelets |
| Clutch purse | Sparkly glitter or bright colored clutch |
| Belt | Skinny metallic, rhinestone or leather belt |
| Hair accessory | Scarf, headband or flower clip in a pop of color |
| Shoes | Bright heels, metallic sandals, floral flats |
