Forget That Memorial Day Rule—I'm Wearing These 20 Short White Dresses Right This Instant
PureWow Editors select every item that appears on this page,, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story You can learn more about that process here. Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
Read the original article on Purewow.
There’s no question that white is an incredibly versatile hue, which is why the “don’t wear white after Memorial Day” rule is such a bummer—but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, I'd like you to consider disregarding that sentiment and start wearing white clothes year-round.
That said, with warm weather sneaking its way into the forecast, there’s no better time for stylish rule-breakers to stock up on some short white dresses—or, as I like to call them, LWDs—to allow your legs to (finally) get some fresh air. As I scoured the market for the hottest new dresses, I factored in its material, size availability and customer reviews (four out of five stars and higher, please). The resulting list features 20 styles that all pair well with a trendy hat and a pair of sandals. Just sayin'.
Want to know which buzzy products are *really* worth buying? Sign up for our shopping newsletter to uncover our favorite finds.
The 20 Best White Dresses at a Glance
How I Chose the Best Short White Dresses
To pick the best short white dresses, I looked at a variety of options from popular retailers, reading carefully through reviews (if available) to sift out any glaring issues, like poor craftsmanship or too-sheer material. I picked dresses that came in a variety of sizes and came in a few styles, from body-con to long and flowy. I also chose dresses that came at a variety of price points that would work whether you need a quick option for a bachelorette party or a go-to short white dress that will be a staple in your closet for years.
40 of Our Favorite Spring Wedding Guest Dresses (Starting at Just $36)
1. H&M Gathered Dress with Flared Skirt
If you’re looking for something to catapult directly into your everyday outfit rotation, this H&M Gathered dress will be your new go-to. Aside from being designed with a stylish fitted bodice, it’s also made of soft and breathable jersey for all-day (and all-night) comfort. Plus, its simple silhouette means practically anything goes when it comes to throwing an outfit together with this frock.
2. Superdown Nara Mini Dress
For anyone grasping onto the cutout trend and not letting go, please meet this Superdown Nara mini dress. Aside from ticking the boxes of being sexy and trendy, this fully-lined dress boasts a surplice front and hidden side zipper closure to make getting ready a breeze. Reviewers also say it’s very comfortable!
3. Reformation Gabby Dress
This splurge-worthy Reformation Gabby mini dress’s style factor makes it well worth its price tag. It fitted look features eye-catching smocking in the back, and I promise you'll be turning heads from the beach to the bar and back. For brides-to-be, the lacy detailing in the white glitter option would make for the perfect after-party dress on your big day.
4. Belongsci Flared Mini Dress
How do you update a classic? Stick to a streamlined silhouette with a trendy twist. This simple, sleeveless Belongsci flared mini dress is the perfect example, thanks to its playful side cutouts. The best part? It’s a phenomenal morning-meeting-to-happy-hour dress. Throw on a blazer to conceal the side cutouts at work, then take it off for a flirtier happy hour look when 5 p.m. (finally) arrives.
5. Abercrombie Traveler Mini Dress
This versatile Abercrombie mini dress might win the “simplest” award for aesthetic purposes, but don’t let its exterior fool you. It’s super stretchy and comes with built-in shorts, which have a hidden cellphone pocket (!!!) and adjustable straps, so the dress will fit you exactly how you want it to.
6. Prettygarden Lantern Sleeve Dress
Not ready to embrace sleeveless season yet? This Prettygarden lantern sleeve dress will satiate all your LWD desires while still providing you with the long sleeves you’re yearning for. Reviewers cannot stop raving about how flattering this little number is, especially because of its tie-waist design.
7. Unique21 Asymmetric Blazer Dress
Your professional wardrobe is about to get a major upgrade with this Unique21 Asymmetric Blazer Dress, which truly lives up to its name with its unconventional asymmetric hem and gold button detailing. The compliments will be flowing the second you step out in it.
8. Pinup Fashion Plus Size Puff Sleeve Sundress
You'll want to twirl the second you step into this Pinup Fashion sundress. It touts a stylish ruched bodice, shirred waist, flouncy hem and trendy sheer puffy sleeves. The breezy chiffon material is ideal for a summer's day—and an impromptu "strolling through the park" photo shoot.
10. ASTR the Label Floral Lace Mini Dress
If you adore lace and florals, this ASTR the Label Floral Lace Mini Dress deserves a spot in your closet. It features a bustier-style silhouette, puffed sleeves, a back cutout and lace detailing, which makes it pretty and detailed. It's soft enough for wearing to a tea party while edgy enough to turn heads, no matter where you wear it.
11. Lulus Bubbly Love Corset Mini Dress
Complete with a sweetheart neckline and corset bodice, Lulu's corset mini dress touts a sleeveless silhouette, thick straps, a princess skirt and fitted waist, all of which makes it a total winner in my book.
12. Zara Draped Asymmetric Dress
For a more form-fitting option, this asymmetric Zara dress is made with comfortably stretchy fabric, with two cutouts and a one-shoulder design. In other words, this frock is practically begging to be worn to a dance party or girls’ night on the town. Oh, and don’t forget the walkable heels to pull it all together!
13. Sea New York White Elysse Embroidery Tunic
This Sea New York embroidered tunic is the easiest thing to throw on before you rush out the door in the summer. It has a roomy, relaxed silhouette, with short sleeves and a stunning eyelet trim detailing throughout that is so whimsical. It's so comfortable that you’ll find yourself wearing it all spring and summer long.
14. SweatyRocks Halter Dress
Need to wear something formal but also don’t want to melt away in the blistering heat? Totally understand, which is why this lightweight SweatyRocks Halter Dress needs a spot in your closet (or vacation carry-on). With its adjustable halter neckline and pleated skirt, it's a breezy break from the ordinary summer dress.
15. Lulus Dinah One-Shoulder Dress
Crafted with medium-weight woven fabric, a stylish darted bodice and a mini sheath skirt, this one-shoulder wedding guest dress is ideal for wearing as a guest to an all-white wedding (yes, those are a thing). It's also a great pick for the future Mrs. for her bridal shower or brunch before the big day.
16. Polo Ralph Lauren Cotton Polo Dress
Tenniscore is having a serious moment right now, and this simple polo dress is an easy way to get in on the action. It features the iconic Ralph Lauren Polo logo and is made of breathable cotton for the summer. You'll look just as good on the court as you will sipping Sauvignon Blanc at the country club. Plus, it's giving some serious Challengers energy.
Fast Facts
17. Aerie Flirty Shoulder Summer Mini Dress
Cute tiers, ruffle straps and a breezy feel make this sundress extra versatile for the summer. Pair it with a pair of cowboy boots for a country concert or strappy sandals for a day-to-day look. The smocked bodice is extra flattering, yet it's comfy too. You'll want to wear to every cookout or as a cover-up on beach days, trust.
18. Maeve The Bettina Tiered Mini Shirt Dress
Breathable lined fabric coupled with flattering tiers and cute cutouts makes this long sleeved dress a win in my book. It has a fun oversized fit without compromising on structure that makes this frock totally comfortable for a day of travel (hello, Italy). Pair it with a woven bag and you're good to go!
19. Aritzia Martine Poplin Dress
Here's further proof a short dress can be totally comfortable. This tiered dress feels lightweight and airy, thanks to the cotton poplin material, and it features a fitted-but-still-breathable elastic waistband. Plus, the straps are completely adjustable so you can get that perfect fit. You can also get it in a midi length or short sleeve option if you want a little variety.
20. Reformation Mayve Knit Dress
Fitted at the bodice with an A-line skirt, this cute number is perfectly posh. A high neckline is a perfect spot to show off some statement jewelry or keep things sleek and minimalist. The fabric is slightly stretchy, too, so you won't feel too constricted whether you're on date night or checking out a gallery.
28 Cute Summer Dresses to Buy Now and Wear on Repeat
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
