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white dresses
May 28, 2014

The 15 Best, Most Basic White Dresses for Summer

By Veronica Misako Gledhill

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Here at the Cut, we don’t care much for seasonal rules, and are big proponents of year-round white. There’s nothing more satisfying than slipping on a simple white sundress for summer, and, mercifully, they’re not as hard to clean as you might think. (Just let them dry in the sun or use a touch of bleach to keep them looking brand-new.)

We searched high and low for the best white dresses for summer in sun-bleached cotton, gauzy muslin, and perforated broderie anglais — and found options in every shape and price point. Click through our slideshow to see our favorites.

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Sexy in just the right way, the ruffle makes it feel sweet.
This eyelet dress, with its button-up front and Peter Pan collar, is perfect for the weekend or the office.
If you want something a little more grown-up, go for this midi-length dress.
Want something more sleek and modern? Opt for an asymmetrical hem.
A dress that looks good on anybody: Go for the button-down with a tie front.
The simplest, barely there T-shirt shift is perfect to slip into on the hottest days.
For those who lived and loved the real 90s, look no further than this button dress.
A light, white denim dress is perfect for those looking for a dress that will last. Button it down and roll up the sleeves for an understated, casual ... A light, white denim dress is perfect for those looking for a dress that will last. Button it down and roll up the sleeves for an understated, casual look.
For those who want to wrap themselves in gauzy white organic cotton.
For something short and sweet but not flimsy, opt for this eyelet lace.
The perfect, thin straps and slight drop-waist on this dress make for a go-to look on a casual weekend date.
Button this one up over jeans on a relaxed weekend trip. Push up the sleeves, pop the colllar, or layer it with a sweater dress on cooler evenings.
Long and simple, this broderie anglaise edged midi dress has a casual but pretty silhouette.
We love the contrasting black straps that make this simple sun shift so much more interesting.
The epaulet and shirting details are classic but eye-catching enough for this dress.
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  • summer white dresses
  • j.crew
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  • rachel comey
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