Whether you have been saving an elegant white dress for a special occasion or you are stuck with a bland piece of white cloth for an attire, a little knowledge about how to accessorize it won’t hurt.
But how do you turn that simple piece of clothing into an unforgettable ensemble? It’s all in the accessories! But remember, with a white dress, less is more. After all, we’re going for elegant sophistication, not a Christmas tree.
Stick with me, and I’ll guide you through five essential accessories to complement your white dress for that formal event perfectly. Let’s get started!
1. Shoes: The Perfect Foundation
Shoes, the foundation of any outfit, can make or break your look. With a white dress, you have a blank canvas, leaving plenty of room to play around. For a formal event, choose strappy heels or sophisticated stilettos in metallic hues like silver, gold, or rose gold. These add a touch of glam without overwhelming your outfit. I particularly like this one from Amazon:
If you’re feeling a bit daring, go for a pop of color. Red or cobalt blue heels can add a wow factor. But remember, keep the rest of your accessories understated if you opt for a bold shoe color. We’re creating a balance here!
2. Jewelry: The Essential Embellishment
Whether it’s summer, winter, or anything in between, jewelry is a must-wear accessory when it comes to styling your white dress.
Once you’ve chosen your shoes, it’s time to move up the body and talk about jewelry. With a white dress, think classic and delicate. A string of pearls or a delicate diamond pendant necklace adds sophistication. Here’s my recommendation:
Dainty bracelets or a statement watch can complement you without overwhelming your look. Like earrings? A bit of drop-style earrings never hurt! These $20 Anne Klein Earrings do the job well.
Moreover, cocktail rings can add just the right amount of sparkle. Keep it classy with a beautiful single-stone ring or if you prefer more bling, opt for a multi-stone statement ring.
3. Clutch: The Dainty Companion
Every woman needs a place to stash her essentials. A chic clutch is a must-have when accessorizing a white dress. The key here is to match the clutch with your shoes or jewelry. If you opted for metallic shoes, go for a metallic clutch. If your jewelry is the focal point, opt for a clutch in a similar hue.
A sequined or beaded clutch adds an element of luxury, while a satin or velvet clutch exudes understated elegance. I particularly like the understated look of this Rebecca Minkoff clutch:
4. Hair Accessories: The Crowning Glory
Not the last, let’s talk about the crowning glory – hair accessories. Depending on your hairstyle, a tasteful accessory can take your outfit from good to great. If you’re wearing your hair up, consider a delicate hairpin or a jeweled comb.
If you’re wearing your hair down, a headband or a few sparkling hair clips would add just the right touch. Click on the image below to view my personal favorite headband from Galsor:
5. Hats & Bandanas: The Ultimate Statement Pieces
We’re talking about hats and bandanas! If you’ve never considered adding a hat or bandana to your formal ensemble, let’s rethink that. These accessories can effortlessly blend fashion and function, protecting you from the sun while offering a unique style statement.
Hats can be a game-changer for a day-time formal event. A wide-brimmed straw hat with a ribbon detail to match your dress can be an absolute showstopper in summer. Similarly, a white fedora hat with black lining can be the perfect match with your winter white dress. It screams sophistication while adding a touch of drama to your look.
If your event leans toward semi-formal, why not try a chic boater hat? It adds a trendy edge and can be adorned with floral detail to make it more formal.
On the other hand, bandanas scream chic versatility. Tied around the neck, they add a pop of color and a point of interest to your outfit. Go for a silk bandana for that luxurious feel in a color that compliments your other accessories. You could also weave them into your hair for an offbeat yet glamorous touch. And the best part? There are so many ways to style a bandana, you could have fun experimenting till you find the one that feels like ‘you.’
This black one with a satin border from Calvin Klein is just wow:
Remember, the idea is to keep it stylish yet functional. If the sun is shining brightly, you’ll look elegant and keep cool and comfortable while sipping on that delightful summer cocktail!
In Conclusion: Your Unique Style Canvas
Here are five flawless ideas to style your white dresses all year long and look perfectly pleasant and rather glamorous. Add a hint of accessories with bandanas or maybe a hat for that boho vibe. Anyhow, always include a personalized touch because you’re you and nobody can be you!
If you’re not a fan of colors, an all-white look awaits you. But again, add accessories like jewelry or a handbag to complete the look.
Take the white dress as a canvas and paint your look like a diva. Adorn it with shoes, jewelry, clutches, scarves, hair accessories, belts, hats, or bandanas – but ensure each piece is a stroke that contributes to your final masterpiece.
A woman looks glamorous when she is confident in her own skin and only then she is able to stand out in the crowd. So embrace your personal style, turn on your charm, and remember to wear your invisible crown. After all, a queen is never without her crown. Happy accessorizing, fashionistas!
If you liked my recommendations, read my guide on How to Accessorize a Black and White Polka Dot Dress?
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