When the sun's rays feel positively oppressive, the temperature is higher than an industrial-sized oven in an El Azizia kitchen, and your skin develops a bronzed sheen, it's officially time to drape yourself in white blouses, slacks, shorts, and dresses, adding a laid-back feel to your ensemble and keeping you cool via a color that reflects light, rather than absorbing it, hence providing some relief from the summer scorch. While white fashions are not a novel concept for summer, this season we're seeing more of the shade than ever — plus, it's popping up in accessories like handbags, jewelry, sunglasses, and shoes, helping you create monochromatic looks or allowing you to integrate splashes of white to your breathable ensemble.
Whether you prefer marshmallow white, luminous pearl, yellow-tinged vanilla, creamy milk, warm magnolia, or beige-tinged ivory, here are some of our most coveted pieces this season!
Ego and Greed Bowler Espadrille in White Leather, $139.95. Available at Solestruck.com
A bootie and espadrille hybrid? Believe it! This white leather Ego and Breed shoe features a jute-covered 4" heel with a 1 1/4" platform, a cheeky peep toe to give your little piggies some fresh air, and a lace-up construction reminiscent of old-school roller skates.
Kendra Scott Danielle Earrings in White, $60. Available at KendraScott.com
Kendra Scott's beloved Danielle earrings feature elongated, nearly oblong-shaped center stones with faceted edges and a gold-plated brass frame with etched, groove-like details. Measuring 2.25" in length and 1" in width, the Danielle earrings are available with center stones like blue agate, tiger's eye, pink rose quartz, and malachite. Our choice for the season are these white mother-of-pearl darlings, which practically entice onlookers to gaze your way a bit longer.
Oliver Peoples Myriel Sunglasses in Gold/Ivory, $390. Available at OliverPeoples.com
These aviator-esque, gold-toned metal frames feature a pop of white enamel at the brow bar and temples for a forward-thinking, trend-setting attitude, while gradient golden brown lenses accentuate your skin's sun-kissed glow.
Amrita Singh Arielle Cuff, $80. Available at AmritaSingh.com
Nothing makes white pop quite like a hint of gold. This 1.25"-wide, 18k gold-plated bracelet features three stacked rows of domino-like, ivory enamel tiles, each adorned with either one or two round clear crystals with gold settings. Each white enamel tile is then framed with strips of metallic gold and each row is separated by a golden line, all helping to create a brick wall-like construction.
Rebecca Taylor Bohemian Cami Dress, $295. Available at RebeccaTaylor.com
This lace-trimmed cotton sundress will make you want to pick some baby's breadth and tuck it into a braid or ponytail for a full-on Flower Child look. In addition to a gathered waist secured with ribbon-like ties, the bodice features an intimate and ultra sweet beige lace trim along the bustline, small pintucked details along the center fabric panel, and adjustable cami straps.
Loeffler Randall Rowena Ruffle Sandal, $295. Available at LoefflerRandall.com
Simplicity at its best! This vanilla-colored, satin T-strap sandal features ruffled cotton tulle along its center for a ballerina-worthy, playfully sweet take on femininity.
See by Chloe Lifou Cross-Body, $395. Available at Endless.com
This cross-body number, measuring 12.5" in width and 2" in depth, is made of an off-white sheepskin material and features tiny perforations along the bulging, pouch-like bottom section of the body; a rectangular top flap with tonal stitching along its periphery; a gold logo plate along the vertical center stripe; and a hidden magnetic closure.
Elva Fields Land of Lotus and Luck Necklace, $218. Available at Shop.ElvaFields.com
This smart, retro necklace features two rows of gumball-shaped, carved agate lotus beads adorned with a starfish-shaped gold-tone brooch which, in turn, features a scaly, almost reptilian surface and is embellished with pea-sized, light turquoise beads.
Paul & Joe Iphigeni Ruffled Metallic Silk-Blend Dress, $1425. Available at Net-a-Porter.com
This Paul & Joe dress naturally recalls peasant blouses and Boho fashions due to its ruffled, off-the-shoulder cut, but the oversize ribbon to tie the waist and the cascading, tiered, ruffled fabric strips along the skirt are constructed in a way that's simultaneously sophisticated, ethereal, free-spirited, poetic, and romantic.
Nixon The Kensington Watch in All White, $160. Available at NixonNow.com
This all-white watch is an ode to modern design with its mother-of-pearl dial, custom stainless steel case with hardened mineral crystal and triple gasket crown, white stainless steel band, and Swarovski crystal accents.
Amrita Singh Quogue Pearl Earrings, $100. Available at AmritaSingh.com
Give your lobes a taste of Bollywood glamour with these 3"-long earrings. The earring posts are covered with miniature, round faux pearl studs set in gold-dipped brass, all arranged to form floral shapes. These, then, lead the way to hollow golden rings with upturned arc shapes along their centers. Rows of teardrop-shaped beads with faux pearl centers hang from these inner arcs and along the round bottom edges of the earrings, adding the desired dramatic effect.
Lacoste Women's Olympe Sandal, $67.99. Available at Lacoste.com
These sporty, leather lace-up shoes feel like a hybrid between high-top sneakers and gladiator sandals, with an open toe and precise cut-outs along the sides that spell out "Lacoste" in giant, Alphabet Soup-style letters.
Kenneth Jay Lane Neptune Ring, $53.50. Available at QVC.com
Oval resin cabochon stones, divided by raised gold-tone beads, form an intricate pattern that, like a paved walkway, beckons to be followed. A raised silver-tone starfish accent covered with pavé-set clear crystals, meanwhile, conjures up images of tropical shores.
Old Navy Plain-Front Twill Trousers, $34.94. Available at OldNavy.com
These 100% cotton slacks feature a button-tab waist closure with a hidden button closure along the inside, slimming pleats running down the center of each slightly flared pant leg, and cuffed bottoms for a more tailored look.
Alexander Wang Diego Rhodium-Studded Leather Bucket Bag, $825. Available at Net-a-Porter.com
This roomy, bone-colored, lambskin bucket bag features rhodium, ridged stud accents along the drawstring closure and the bag base, as well as a buckled shoulder strap and sturdy top handle. It's the type of bag that's appropriate for summer due to its crisp white hue, but which still maintains its city slick, downtown edge.
Kooba Fiona Peep-Toe Oxford, $210.05. Available at Endless.com
Talk about a minimalist reinvention with major results! The Kooba Fiona shoe features buttery smooth leather uppers, and it subtly contrasts traditional and modern design norms via the juxtaposition of lacing along the vamp and the cheeky peep toe. A woven leather footbed, meanwhile, adds a summery feel.
Skinny Jewelry White Crowned Cabochon Ring in Nickel, $60. Available at SkinnyStyle.com
This ring makes a statement without trying too hard — there's the milky, domed, glass cabochon ring at the center; the nickel-plated setting with its white enamel cross-hatched design; and the clear round crystal accents embedded into the intersections of these overlapping lines.
Rebecca Taylor White Eyelet Dress, $325. Available at RebeccaTaylor.com
This strapless frock is sweeter than two scoops of ice cream with whipped cream and a cherry on top. Made of 100% cotton, this pull-on strapless dress features ruffled eyelet trim at the bustline, an elastic waistband for a snugger fit; horizontal, ribbon-like stripes stacked along the length of the skirt; floral details with a peek-a-boo quality along the bottom of the skirt; and rounded, scalloped edges at the hemline.
Nina Vannah Wedges, $89. Available at NinaShoes.com
There's an innocent feel to cotton eyelet fabric but, when paired with a jaunty espadrille heel and canvas ribbon laces, it takes on a Lolita-esque feel. Featuring a 2.75" wedge heel, these Vannah sandals are the perfect complement to a tiered maxi skirt, a ruffled cotton mini skirt, or a simple sundress.
