For the longest time a lady’s go-to item in her wardrobe has been the LBD (little black dress). While that staple should still remain in your closet, I feel a new, exciting go-to item is the LWD (little white dress). This offers as many options as the LBD (if not more) and like the little black dress this too can be worn year round. Add tights and bright cardigan for the fall and winter months. The rules our grandmothers’ taught us need not apply. The thing I love about current fashion is that there are no rules and your wardrobe can be restricted only by your budget and creativity!

Day Time White

Nordstrom
520 N Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60611 
(312) 379-4300
Mon-Sat 10am-8pm. Sun 11am-6pm
shop.nordstrom.com

Let’s start with a fabulous day look. I found this cheerfully casual Maggie London eyelet shift dress at Nordstroms for $148. It is simple in structure with eyelets to create a bit of interest without competing with any accessories. The white allows for everything else to pop far more than black.

Next, pair these BB Kimmie yellow open toe flats for $36.95 as seen at DSW with your LWD. This adds a pop at your feet to anchor whatever jewelry and bag you choose.

Next, I chose a casual day bag that features a nautical stripe pattern in neutral tones from Urban Outfitters for only $48. Finally, to finish this look I found a muted gold firebird pendant from Lulu’s for $12. Each piece can play off each other to create the whole look, while each is interesting on their own and can easily interchange with other outfits. This look is made for an antique street sale or flea market and could easily transition to evening with a smart set of heels and clutch.

Cocktail Hour White

BCBG Max Azria
111 N State St
Chicago, IL 60602 
(312) 977-0647

I discovered a cocktail or date dress by BCBG for $268. This frock has oodles of appeal from the asymmetrical neckline to the batwing sleeve! Add some flirty heels like these animal print platform peep toes by Vine Camuto as seen on www.piperlime.com.

Add some gold to play with the neutral tones of the animal print and pop against the crisp white dress. I found this amazing gold necklace from http://www.modcloth.com for $45. Because that necklace is bold with a lot of detail I chose a simple yet fabulous gold ring from Urban Outfitters for $29. This sexy look can be interpreted in many ways for example try turquoise jewelry with coral or yellow heels.

Special Events White

Kate Spade
1650 Premium Outlet Blvd #1157
Aurora, IL 60502
(630) 236-2007
Hours: Mon – Sat: 10 – 9; Sun: 10 – 6

Finally, I chose a breathtaking special occasion white dress by Kate Spade for $375, but you might find it cheaper at the outlets. This dress, technically in the Kate Spade Wedding Colletion, dons a fabulous bow in front with a cinched waist and an a-line skirt.

I once again chose to accent this masterpiece with bold yet classy pieces. First I chose some berry platform pumps by Steve Madden from Macy’s for $46. Next I kept jewelry at a minimum with a gorgeous hummingbird ring from Nordstrom for $42. Finally I chose a teal headpiece to play with the warm pink and red hues of the shoes and ring. This organza headpiece can also be found at Nordstrom for $28 and can be rotated many times over in your wardrobe!

Think of your LWD as a blank canvas. Adorn with as bold or as neutral accessories as you like. Everything pops beautifully off white. I suggest bolder and brighter colors for spring and summer whites and deeper earth and jewel tones for your fall and winter whites. White is a wonderful neutral that offers the most creative options year round.

Missy Pegues is a stay at home mother running an online vintage clothing and accessories site through Etsy.com. Her deep-rooted affection for fashion, particularly vintage and vintage inspired pieces have blossomed into an interior design hobby. She finds many parallels in designing a space as with designing a great and fashionable look.