White Hot Style: Celebrity Summer Dresses and the Shoes That Made Them Iconic

Every summer, a timeless trend returns without fail—the classic white summer dress. Coco Chanel once said, “Women think of all colors except the absence of color. I have said that black has it all. White too. Their beauty is absolute. It is the perfect harmony.”

This sentiment perfectly captures why white dresses remain a staple in warm-weather wardrobes. Whether flowing or structured, casual or elegant, a white dress embodies effortless sophistication and versatility.

A timeless summer staple, white dresses get the celebrity treatment from Ashley Tisdale, Emmy Rossum, Pixie Lott, Rosamund Pike, and Selma Blair (Credit: Owen Beiny / WENN / Bridow)

Celebrities continue to embrace this trend, from glamorous red carpet appearances to effortlessly chic street-style moments. This year, Selena Gomez kicked off 2025 in a striking white mini-dress by Magda Butrym, proving that the classic white dress remains a modern must-have.

With their fresh, airy appeal, these dresses are a go-to when the temperatures rise, and outfit inspiration runs low. Below, we explore how some of Hollywood’s most stylish women have styled their white summer dresses—and how you can, too.

1. Emmy Rossum: Chic Fit-and-Flare Dress & Ribbon Details

The beautiful actress stepped out for a day of shopping in a white, fit-and-flare dress with a ribbon detail at the waist.

Emmy Rossum, dressed in a white summer dress with a white oversized handbag and strappy brown heels, goes shopping in Beverly Hills, California, on July 27, 2015 (Credit: WENN / KIKA / TNYF / Michael Wright)

She wore it with brown multi-strapped shoes and a white Ralph Lauren “Ricky” bag. A few months earlier, she turned heads in an elegant tea-length white dress.

Emmy Rossum styled a white pleated A-line midi dress with Coach Harlee heels and a Longchamp tote bag

A plain white dress is anything but boring. Opt for one with a fit-and-flare silhouette and a tea length. This kind of dress amplifies femininity.

Emmy Rossum wears a white dress while out shopping in Beverly Hills in Los Angeles, California, on August 8, 2014 (Credit: Owen Beiny / WENN / Bridow)

Like the actress, you can inject more colors through your accessories. Keep a comfortable theme by wearing a pair of white flats.

2. Kylie Minogue: Resort-Style Midi Dress & Dolce & Gabbana Bag

Kylie Minogue perfectly pairs a white sundress with a blue and white printed Dolce & Gabbana bag and embellished flat sandals, embodying effortless resort chic in Portofino, Italy, on July 13, 2015

We can’t get enough of this fabulous resort look from the singer. She styled a midi white dress with a Dolce & Gabbana bag and sandals.

3. Jennifer Lawrence: Mini Dress & Roger Vivier Accessories

The talented actress flaunted her mile-long legs in a mini Antonio Berardi Resort 2016 dress. She completed her feminine look with her Roger Vivier “Prismick” bag, Tom Ford “Saskia” soft cat-eye sunglasses, and sandals.

Jennifer Lawrence opted for a sleeveless white cotton dress from Antonio Berardi’s Resort 2015 collection while captured by photographers as she departed her New York City apartment en route to the opening of The Hunger Games exhibition in New York on June 29, 2015

We also love how Bella Hadid styled an Alexander Wang poplin mini dress and ‘Rina’ slingback pumps with an 8 Other Reasons ‘Kim’ chain necklace at the Magnum press conference in Cannes.

4. Bella Thorne: Cut-Out Maxi Dress & Swimsuit Layers

The Disney star wore this provocative Indah “Innocence” cut-out maxi dress with her sister on Memorial Day.

Donning a white maxi dress, Bella Thorne ingeniously concealed a chic swimsuit underneath, ensuring she was prepared for any aquatic adventures at the Memorial Day party hosted by Joel Silver in Los Angeles on May 25, 2015

She accessorized with a pair of Miu Miu round sunglasses in transparent lilac, a Cartier “Panthere” necklace, and a Chanel graffiti messenger bag.

5. Ali Larter: Shirt Dress & Cross-Strapped Flats

Ali Larter exuded effortless style in a chic white shirt dress that perfectly complemented her choice of a pair of cross-strapped flats while shopping for baby clothes at Petit Bateau in Los Angeles on June 5, 2015

The former model shops in style in a white shirt dress with a pair of cross-strapped flats, sunglasses, and a satchel bag.

6. Nicky Hilton: Embroidered Dress & Hermès Bag

Nicky Hilton in Beverly Hills wearing a short white embroidered summer dress with strappy heels in California on May 26, 2015

This outfit from the hotel heiress isn’t lacking in style. The lace dress looks delicate, especially when styled with her Hermès ostrich “Kelly” bag and Jimmy Choo “Falcon” sandals.

For another chic way to style a white dress, check out how Maria Sharapova wore it with strappy metallic heels, a bold statement clutch, and minimal jewelry.

7. Kendall Jenner: Polished All-White Ensemble & Sophia Webster Heels

The fashion model and reality show star cleverly teamed her The Row “Wellan” woven silk tunic dress with The Row’s “Stratton” cotton-blend leggings. She wore an all-white look, capped off by a pair of Sophia Webster “Coco” pumps.

Kendall Jenner made a striking appearance during her lunch outing at Erewhon, sporting an all-white ensemble that showcased her impeccable fashion sense in Los Angeles on May 13, 2015

8. Jaime King: Sheer Organza Dress & Street Style Flair

Hart of Dixie actress Jaime King donned this attention-grabbing dress for a walk with her husband. The dress features sheer organza sleeves and a flared skirt that drapes over a pencil skirt.

Jaime King showcases a unique white dress with sheer organza sleeves and a layered skirt while out in the East Village, New York City, on June 3, 2014

She styled it with black ankle boots, a chain-strapped shoulder bag, and sunglasses. To see how you can style even taller boots with a white dress, check out how Ariel Winter wore a skintight white dress with gray over-the-knee boots.

9. Kylie Jenner: Belted Shirtdress & Louboutin Cutouts

This might be one of Kylie Jenner’s best daytime looks. The reality star wore a lovely shirtdress cinched at the waist with a thick belt.

Kylie Jenner looked effortlessly chic in a belted H&M shirt dress, paired with Christian Louboutin Impera pumps in white and a Balenciaga City bag in black in New York City on June 3, 2014

We are smitten with the dress, but her choice of footwear is also quite notable. Who wouldn’t want to get their hands on that strappy pair of cutout pumps?

10. Cara Santana: Minimalist Shift Dress & Punchy Accessories

Actress Cara Santana kept herself fresh and cool in a simple shift dress with punched-hole details.

Cara Santana keeps cool and casual in a white shift dress with punched-hole details, styled with flat sandals and a vibrant blue bag at Alfred Coffee in West Hollywood, Los Angeles, on June 2, 2014

She also made the look low-key and summery by wearing flat sandals and large sunglasses. The punch of blue from her bag kept the look from being too monochromatic.

For more style inspiration, see how Kristin Chenoweth styled a white eyelet shift dress with brown sandals, a shoulder bag, bracelets, a gold-tone watch, and sunglasses.

11. Hanneli Mustaparta: Origami Dress & White Sandals

The Norwegian model looks great in everything she wears, including this long-sleeved origami dress that is as pristine as her white sandals.

Hanneli Mustaparta showcases a unique long-sleeved origami dress paired with pristine white platform sandals while leaving the Martinez Hotel in Cannes, France, on May 15, 2014

Talk about effortless summer dressing! Also in Cannes, Pamela Anderson turned heads in a white dress featuring ruffles, a thigh-high slit, and a stylish printed neck scarf.

12. Lucy Hale: Modern A-Line Dress & Metallic Sandals

Lucy Hale showed up for her Extra guesting wearing an A-line dress with abstract panel details.

The Pretty Little Liars actress did a great job accessorizing because she kept up with the simple theme and chose classic gold and silver bracelets, a necklace, and black-and-white sandals.

Lucy Hale looks chic in a white A-line dress with abstract panel details, accessorized with classic gold and silver jewelry and black-and-white sandals, while at Universal Studios for an Extra interview in California on May 14, 2014

Discover how Sadie Sink turned heads at Paris Fashion Week in a white Chanel A-line dress, blending elegance with a modern twist.

13. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley: Cleavage-Baring Max Mara & Zanotti Sandals

Victoria’s Secret supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley wore a white dress to endorse Coca-Cola Life, a healthier version of the popular soda. Who could forget the backless Max Mara white dress she wore at the 2011 Maxim Hot 100 Party?

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley stuns in a plunging white dress with a black ribbon belt and snake-print Giuseppe Zanotti ankle-wrap sandals at the Coca-Cola Life launch in London, England, on September 19, 2014

At the launch of the new Coke in London, the gorgeous model looked stunning in a show-stopping white dress that showcased her cleavage and flawless long legs.

Victoria’s Secret icon Rosie Huntington-Whiteley was elegantly adorned in a breathtaking white ensemble

Elegant capped sleeves and a chic black ribbon belt accentuated the dress. She also wore snake-print Giuseppe Zanotti ankle-wrap sandals. Britt Robertson also wore heels from the same shoe designer and a white Fendi dress at the premiere of her Netflix series “Girlboss.”

14. Olivia Palermo: Vintage Glam with Scarf and Belt

Known for her love of bohemian looks, socialite Olivia Palermo styled her Burberry Resort 2015 dress with a Carolina Herrera scarf and a brown Max & Co. belt, which totally transformed her look into vintage glam.

Olivia Palermo styled her Burberry Resort 2015 dress with a Carolina Herrera scarf and a brown Max & Co. belt at the Peter Pilotto runway show during London Fashion Week held at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London, England, on September 15, 2014

We can always count on this seasoned fashionista to deliver standout looks every time. She has mastered the complicated art of accessorizing and never looks boring at events.

15. Kourtney Kardashian: Crocheted Frock & Suede Booties

Kourtney Kardashian is heavily pregnant with her third child, but this hot momma does not forget to wear a stylish ensemble whenever she heads out.

The oldest Kardashian sister was spotted with her family at an American Girl Party at The Grove. Dressed in a crocheted frock, Kourtney looked super cute and comfy while toting around a Prada bag.

Kourtney Kardashian looks stylish in a white crocheted dress, a purple hat, black suede booties, and a Prada bag while leaving an American Girl Party at The Grove in Los Angeles on September 14, 2014

She styled her dress with a purple hat and black suede booties to keep things casual and chic.

16. Pixie Lott: Sheer Mini & Brogue Pairing

Pixie Lott layers a sheer mini dress from Vielma London over a white romper, completing her look with matching white brogues in London, England, on August 5, 2014

The singer took the white theme to the next level. She wore a sheer mini dress over a white romper.

Pixie Lott takes a fashion-forward approach in a sheer white mini dress paired with matching white brogues in London, England, on August 5, 2014

She capped off the look with a pair of pristine, like-colored oxfords. We also love how Blake Lively styled a sheer white Chanel couture gown adorned with floral appliqués at the premiere of Green Lantern.

Blake Lively at the premiere of ‘Green Lantern’ held at the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles on June 15, 2011, wearing a Chanel spring 2009 couture gown

She wore a partially see-through white Chanel Spring 2009 dress with Lorraine Schwartz jewels and sparkling silver pumps.

Blake Lively in a sheer white Chanel couture gown adorned with floral appliqués, styled with soft waves and minimal makeup

Blake Lively in a Chanel couture gown with floral appliqués, complemented by a fishtail braid and natural makeup

17. Selma Blair: Timeless Smock Shirtdress & Birkenstocks

Selma Blair embodies casual chic in a lightweight white cotton shirtdress by Acne Studios, perfectly paired with classic black Birkenstock Arizona sandals, in Los Angeles, California, on August 9, 2014

Smock-style shirtdresses are not only trendy but also timeless. Take your cue from the actress and pair one with Birkenstock sandals.

Selma Blair keeps it casual and chic in a white shirtdress paired with black Birkenstock sandals in Los Angeles, California, on August 9, 2014

The ugly-meets-pretty look is a sure winner this season.

18. Ashley Tisdale: Lace Tulip Dress & Silver Accessories

Dresses with tulip or pencil skirts are incredibly flattering, as they enhance your silhouette with their elegant structure.

Rather than the typical white dress and white pumps combination, elevate your style by drawing inspiration from Ashley Tisdale’s chic ensemble. She effortlessly pairs her white dress with eye-catching silver-tone accessories, adding depth and sophistication to her look.

Ashley Tisdale stuns in a white, lace-patterned dress at the Young Hollywood Awards, pairing it with silver strappy heels and a sleek clutch on July 27, 2014

She opted for silver-tone accessories and footwear to add depth to the outfit. At Variety’s “Power of Women” in New York, Jessica Chastain styled her white Carolina Herrera dress with silver metallic Saint Laurent “Paris” pumps.

19. Rosamund Pike: White Tent Dress & Mary Janes

It’s easy to shy away from white tent dresses because they can sometimes resemble sleepwear. One way to ensure it doesn’t happen is to opt for a mini tent dress and pair it with classic pieces, such as a pair of Mary Jane pumps and a leather handbag.

Rosamund Pike pairs a chic white mini tent dress with classic black Mary Jane pumps and a structured handbag in Paris, France, on July 8, 2014

Additionally, keep your hair in a chignon for a sophisticated look. Add chunky accessories, such as big statement necklaces, to dress it up further.

In addition to Rosamund Pike’s tent dress, see how she exuded elegance and sophistication as she graced Wimbledon in a stunning all-white ensemble.

Timeless Elegance: Celebrities Who Stunned in White Dresses

White dresses have long been a staple in celebrity fashion, gracing red carpets and high-profile events with their timeless elegance.

Whether it’s a sleek mini, a structured midi, or a dramatic couture gown, these recent celebrity moments prove that the white dress remains a go-to statement piece.

1. Selena Gomez’s Chic Mini-Dress

• Event: Santa Barbara International Film Festival
• Outfit: Selena Gomez stunned in a minimalist white mini-dress by Magda Butrym, featuring a structured bodice and peplum waist.
• Footwear: She paired the dress with sleek white slingback pumps by Santoni, enhancing the ensemble’s elegance.
• More Details: Selena Gomez’s sophisticated red carpet moment

Rihanna in a Jean Paul Gaultier couture gown with sheer stripes and voluminous ruffles, complemented by bold red hair and matching lipstick

2. Kerry Washington’s Frilly White Dress on GMA

• Event: Good Morning America appearance
• Outfit: Kerry Washington channeled elegance with a frilly white Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini dress, a blend of femininity and modern sophistication.
• Footwear: She contrasted the dress with bold black Paris Texas tall boots, adding an unexpected edge.
• More Details: Kerry Washington’s look for her ‘Thicker Than Water’ press tour

Rachel Bilson exudes summer chic in a breezy white dress paired with stylish sunglasses, captured during a shopping trip at Nature Mart in Los Feliz, Los Angeles, on September 4, 2010

3. Alessandra Ambrosio’s Drop-Waist White Dress at Paris Fashion Week

• Event: Paris Fashion Week Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2024
• Outfit: The supermodel exuded understated elegance in a white Giorgio Armani drop-waist dress, a nod to timeless glamour.
• Styling: She kept accessories minimal, letting the sophisticated silhouette of the dress take center stage.
• More Details: Alessandra Ambrosio’s summer-chic outfits

Ellie Goulding at the ‘Les Misérables’ world premiere held at the Odeon & Empire Leicester Square in London on December 5, 2012, in a sheer white gown

4. Venus Williams’ White Elie Saab Gown at the Oscars

• Event: 94th Annual Academy Awards
• Outfit: Venus Williams turned heads in a floor-length white Elie Saab gown, complete with delicate draping and a slight train.
• Footwear: She paired the look with elegant Stuart Weitzman heels.
• More Details: Venus Williams’ Oscar red carpet moment

Sexy Twilight Vampire Ashley Greene parties at Wet Republic at MGM Grand Resort Casino in Las Vegas on August 7, 2010

5. Anne Hathaway’s Wedding-Worthy White Dresses

• Overview: Anne Hathaway is no stranger to ethereal white gowns, having worn several wedding-worthy looks on the red carpet.
• Notable Appearances:
  • Academy Awards: A strapless white Valentino gown with lace detailing.
  • Les Misérables Premiere: A Givenchy Haute Couture white dress with cape sleeves.
• More Details: Anne Hathaway’s best white dress moments

Ashley Greene, known for her role in ‘Twilight,’ dazzles at the Wet Republic event held at MGM Grand Resort Casino in Las Vegas, showcasing her elegance in a white dress on August 7, 2010

6. Claire Foy’s Plunging White Gown at ‘All of Us Strangers’ Premiere

• Event: All of Us Strangers Premiere
• Outfit: Claire Foy captivated in a sultry white Khaite Spring 2024 gown featuring a plunging neckline and a backless silhouette.
• Footwear: She completed the look with classic white heels.
• More Details: Claire Foy’s stunning red carpet style

These recent fashion moments highlight the versatility and enduring appeal of white dresses in celebrity fashion, from minimalist designs to avant-garde couture. Whether dressed up or down, white remains a symbol of effortless sophistication.

Also, check out the gorgeous Victoria Beckham ruched-detail midi dress Dakota Fanning wore in June 2024 to promote her movie The Watchers. She also appeared in a white floral Prada midi dress with a plunging neckline, though not as revealing as Zendaya’s white Louis Vuitton dress with two-way gold zips at the French luxury fashion house’s Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 presentation.

Another recent favorite is Eva Longoria’s dreamy white dress from Ashi Studio’s Fall/Winter 2023 couture collection.