White dresses are deceptively difficult. In theory, they’re the simplest thing in the world — clean, fresh, uncomplicated. In practice, they’re often too sheer, too stiff, or cut in ways that make you feel like you need to stand very still and hope for the best. Which is why I’m picky about them, especially at the more affordable end of the market.
What works about this selection is its restraint. These are white dresses that don’t rely on fussy details or exaggerated shapes to justify themselves. The emphasis is on ease: breathable fabrics, sensible lengths, and silhouettes that allow you to move through the day without constant self-monitoring. When white works, it’s because the dress does less, not more.
At under £30, expectations need to be realistic. I’m not looking for artisanal cotton or intricate lining; I’m looking for dresses that feel comfortable against the skin, hang cleanly, and don’t immediately betray their price point in natural light. These manage that balance surprisingly well. They’re the sort of dresses you can wear with flat sandals, trainers, or bare feet on holiday, and they still look intentional rather than improvised.
I also appreciate how useful a good white dress can be. It’s an easy default on hot days when everything else feels too heavy, and it works as a base for layering when the weather inevitably turns. A jumper over the shoulders, a jacket thrown on, slightly scuffed trainers — it all still makes sense.
These aren’t novelty pieces or one-weekend dresses. They’re simple, wearable white dresses that fit into a real wardrobe and a real life. And at this price point, that’s exactly what I’m looking for.
