White parties are increasingly popular. The dress code is simple yet sophisticated, and the idea is to create a cohesive look for the event. Just wear white. So, it should be easy, right? Well, not necessarily. White can be a tricky color to wear, making choosing the perfect outfit challenging. This article is your ultimate guide to selecting the best white party outfits, so ensure you look stylish while staying within the theme.
What is acceptable to wear at a white party?
Well, as the invitation suggests, at a white party, the dress code typically requires guests to wear all white, although sometimes a touch of color or metallic accents are fine. In fact, gold and silver can look beautiful with white. Below, you will find our guide to what is generally acceptable to wear to a white party.
When did white parties start?
No one is 100% sure when the first white party took place, but they started gaining popularity in the 70s and 80s, particularly among New York’s LGBTQ+ community,. One of the most iconic events is the annual Fire Ireland party in New York.
What shoes to wear to a white party?
Choosing the right shoes for a white party depends on the overall style and formality of your outfit, as well as the venue and setting of the event. Choose flat shoes for more informal, beach or garden get-togethers, while you can opt for heels for formal occasions.
You can stick to white fromtop to toe, or add a different color with your shoe choice. Metallics work particularly well.
Boma @mrs.gaf above looks fabulous in her white lace suit. Perfect if you have a formal white party to attend. We love that she has matched her nails to her outfit.
Get her look with this similar shirt, pants (set option here), sandals and handbag.
What to wear to a white dinner party?
If you have a more formal event to attend, like a white dinner party, you will want to dress elegantly, while still adhering to the dress code. Opt for co*cktail dresses, jumpsuits or white suits.
white party outfits
Now, let’s move to some of the most stylish white clothes we’ve found, as well as how to put them together to create white party outfits.
tops for a white party
If you have a last-minute invitation, then you are sure to have some white tops already in your closet, like white shirts, t-shirts and camisoles that you could use as part of your white party outfit.
Anine Bing Mika Stripe Cotton Shirt – Nordstrom Pima Cotton Blend Crewneck T-Shirt – Cami NYC Chels Lace-Trimmed Cami – Cinq à Sept Marta Silk Cowlneck Cami Top
Cami NYC Chels Lace-Trimmed Cami – Good American Good Waist Palazzo Ankle-Crop Jeans – Sam Edelman Bay Slide Sandals – EILAF Large Dom Woven Palm Straw Tote – Jules D. Beaded Necklace & Earrings Set
jackets
If you’re heading to a warm weather party, then you’re unlikely to need a jacket, but if it’s cooler or more formal, a white blazer, denim jacket or waistcoat can be a great option to elevate your outfit.
Capsule 121 The Courage Jacket – NIC+ZOE Rumba Linen Moto Jacket – Rails Collins Cotton Jacket – Kobi Halperin June Satin Longline Vest
Beth @styleatacertainage above (read her style interview here) shows off a great look if you’re invited to a summer white party. She teams her white shorts outfit with neutral accessories to keep her look crisp and fresh.
She is wearing a blazer, a pair of shorts, and sandals from J. McLaughlin. Check out this similar top, tote, earrings and necklace and to complete the look.
bottoms
Wear your white jeans or a white denim skirt for a less formal look, or opt for tailored shorts or pants. Wear with a t-shirt and white sneakers to keep things casual, or team with a camisole, blazer and heeled sandals for a dressier look.
Good American Good Waist Palazzo Ankle-Crop Jeans – Alice + Olivia Stretch Bootcut Mid-Rise Pants – Ser.o.ya Monte Bermuda Shorts – FRAME The Midaxi Angled Seam Denim Skirt
Kobi Halperin June Satin Longline Vest – Cinq à Sept Marta Silk Cowlneck Cami Top – Ser.o.ya Monte Bermuda Shorts – Naturalizer Vera Sandals – Reformation Mini Luciana Frame Handle Bag – st. Moran Aragon Freshwater Pearl Necklace
white dresses
A white dress is perfect for a white party. You don’t need to worry about separates, and can simply alter the formality of your accessories depending on the occasion. Choose white sandals, metallics, or other neutrals.
If Only Studio Surplice Long-Sleeve Shirtdress – Ser.o.ya Tropez Maxi Dress – Lilly Pulitzer® Calina Linen Midi Sundress – COS Gathered Asymmetric Dress
Sylvia @sylviacolella above (read her style interview here) teams her maxi dress with a chunky bracelet and blue shoes.
Steal her look with this similar dress (another option here), sandals, handbag, earrings and necklace.
White swimsuits and cover-ups
It may be that your white party is at a pool or a beach because it’s the perfect theme for summer. So, you may just need a white swimsuit, cover-up and some stylish sandals.
Robin Piccone Margot Lingerie Strappy One-Piece – Boden Kefalonia Swimsuit – Change of Scenery Gari Cotton Tiered Lace Cover-Up – Poupette St Barth Amaya Cotton Laser-Cut Kaftan
Souri @fabfemme_australia above (read her style interview here) opts for a maxi cover-up with her white bikini.
Check out this similar lace dress (another option here), swimsuit, sandals, bag and sunhat.
White and metallic shoes
Choose heels or flats depending on where your party is being held. White shoes will obviously go well with your outfit, but gold sandals work well too and won’t detract from your overall white look.
Sam Edelman Bay Slide Sandals – Naturalizer Vera Sandals – OluKai ‘Aka Beach Sandals – MIA Geni Sandals
Ser.o.ya Tropez Maxi Dress – MIA Geni Sandals – Tory Burch Reva Metallic Leather Clutch – Nordstrom Freshwater Pearl Linear Drop Earrings
White and metallic accessories
Don’t forget your finishing touches. We’ve concentrated on a palette of white, cream, gold and rattan.
EILAF Large Dom Woven Palm Straw Tote – Tory Burch Reva Metallic Leather Clutch – Reformation Mini Luciana Frame Handle Bag – rag & bone Spire Wide Brim Straw Fedora – st. Moran Aragon Freshwater Pearl Necklace – Jules D. Beaded Necklace & Earrings Set – Nordstrom Freshwater Pearl Linear Drop Earrings
Tamera @tamerabeardsley above (read her style interview here) mixes white with cream and adds a gold belt.
Get her look with this similar top (another option here), skirt, sandals, belt, earrings and sunglasses.
Some further considerations
Wearing white can be challenging, because it shows up dirt, as well as making it harder to hide any ‘imperfections’. It’s also important to check for transparency when choosing white. Below are some tips for wearing white successfully.
Choose the right fabric: Look for high-quality, thicker fabrics that aren’t transparent and that hold their shape well.
Your underwear: If you aren’t wearing white swimwear, then be sure to choose nude underwear so it doesn’t show through.
Fit and tailoring: Make sure your white outfits fit well, so your outfit looks polished. If you’re worried about white showing any ‘lumps and bumps,’ then choose draped, cinched or ruched styles.
Mix textures: Wearing all one color can lead to a boring look. To make sure your outfit is interesting, combine different textures. For instance, leather with silk, chiffon with denim or wool with satin.
Choose the right shade of white: Not all whites are the same, and different shades will flatter different skin tones. If you have a cool skin tone, then choose bright, crisp whites with blue undertones. For warmer skin tones, you should look for creamier, ivory-tinted whites.
Your white party outfits together in one capsule
Below, you can see the clothes from above together in one capsule, so you can choose your favorite white outfit, and see how you could change the tops, bottoms, shoes, and accessories around to create different looks.
shop these white party outfits below:
Continue reading:
- The Most Stylish Linen Outfits To Stay Cool And Chic
- The Best White Jeans For Women Over 40 – Our Top Picks
- The Best Women’s Beach Outfits For Your Summer Vacation
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Feature image by Souri @fabfemme_australia
Written by Sylvia
Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.
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