Author/ Guest Writer/ Party Planner: Stacy Craft - Stacy is Human Resources guru and a natural organizer, people person, and leader. Attending Diner En Blancs in San Diego, Stacy has progressively led Tables, Busses, and Planning Committees for both local and neighboring cities. She makes sure to pair seasoned guests with newcomers to pass along tips and tricks to pass along the magic that is Diner en Blanc.
Are you attending an all-white attire event or gearing up for the reopening of your favorite annual party of the season? Whether you’re attending a white yacht party, beach party, charity event, an all-white nightclub party, or the exclusive Le Diner En Blanc, we’ll cover 8 different options for a picture-perfect event.
First, the key is knowing the party host’s dress code expectations. Just because the invite says, “must wear all-white attire,” I assure you not all white parties are the same. Some are casual affairs where the dress code is slightly relaxed to accommodate summer weather or a theme like a yacht party. Others are more formal or strict and you risk being turned away at the door if you don’t follow the rules.
Our local party group has witnessed guests turned away several times for not complying with the all-white dress code. That is partly why we created this website. It allows you to locate pieces that aren’t in stores near you or build a whole new look from scratch. Below we’ve rounded up our top picks for cocktail, midi/maxi, midi, bodycon, wrap, jumper/romper, vintage, and plus size dresses that tons of great reviews and are under $100. Enjoy.
The cocktail dress is in between formal and casual. It's smart, elegant, and comfortable. Typically seen at semiformal events, like weddings, the cocktail dress is a popular outfit when the men are also wearing semi-formal blazers or suits.
"The cocktail dress is meant to bridge the gap between day and night.”
– bridal consultant LauraLee Baird
Currently, our highest-rated cocktail dress is an A-line, Sleeveless V neck with a concealed zipper in the back. The top half of the dress is lined, and the skirt is not so the manufacturer recommends wearing a light-colored slip under it. As with most of our highest recommended dresses, the manufacturer provides their size chart in the pictures for the best fit. Be sure to look at the reviews to see actual partygoers modeling this white dress for you. For other highly rated cocktail dresses, shop our Womens Outfits page to dial in your specific style.
Midi & Maxi dresses are one of the most universal dress styles. They can be worn to both day and night events for very low fuss, comfortable, and dance-worthy activities. They make it easy to walk, sit, and most important – bathroom breaks. Universal, right!?
If the event lasts until the evening, opt for a maxi. The length not only provides a little extra warmth and protection but also hides anything happening below the knees. Maybe you didn’t have time to shave, cut yourself shaving, or your self-tanner decided to look more like “orange camo”.
If you’re looking for some budget-friendly white maxi dresses, we’ve pulled together some options highly recommended by party goers. Currently, our highest-rated Maxi dress is a chiffon, lightweight, off-the-shoulder, ruffle pleated mid-length dress with a high elastic waist and is lined to mid-thigh. You can see from the reviews this dress arrives fast and is easily steamed when wrinkled. For other highly rated all-white midi & maxi dresses, shop our Women's Outfits page to dial in your specific style.
No matter which one you choose, because of the flowing cut, either dress type is perfect for the twirling boomerang you’re already envisioning in your head.
Shorter dresses can be fun, but a common question is which length is best for a party dress. We asked several partygoers how they wore their mini dress and what length was most comfortable through a night of dancing.
The general consensus was the fit can be “high” or “tight” but not both. To determine the appropriate length for your body type, let your arms fall straight down by your side with fingers straight. Your optimal dress length is 1 hand longer than your fingertips.
Mini dresses are great for showcasing your legs. For a formal party setting, try balancing the look by keeping other parts of the body covered such as a mini dress with sleeves. Pair this look with a bright wight set of heels, wedges, or even sandals and your legs will be the center of attention.
Currently, our highest-rated mini dress is a V neck shift dress with bell sleeves made of high-density chiffon with a hidden zipper enclosure. You’ll see by the reviews this dress is lined, very soft, and the fit guide provided in the pictures is spot on. For other highly rated all-white mini dresses, shop our Women's Outfits page to dial in your specific style.
This article covers both bodycon and bandage dresses. The difference between the two is in the fit, not the look. Both dress styles accentuate your profile by highlighting the curve of the hips, booty, and bust lines. Understanding the fabrics and how they work on the body will help you decide which is best for your body type.
Bandage dresses use sturdier, thicker, and more durable fabrics. The fabrics are often purposely positioned to hug, support, and often pull your body into a smooth shapely form. The goal is the same as a bodycon dress – to create a smooth curvy silhouette.
A bodycon dress is contouring and a shapely dress that does not forcefully shape your curves. Instead, it hugs your body and follows your god-given silhouette. These dresses are meant to be a snug fit, and according to input from partygoers, the bandage dress is typically thicker fabric and retains body heat, while the bodycon keeps you cool and is great for hot summer parties.
Currently, our highest-rated bodycon dress is a lightweight sleeveless 10% Spandex and 90% Polyester dress that ends at, or slightly below, the knee. It's a tanktop-style upper and has an elastic closure.
You’ll see from the reviews, it is lightweight, very stretchy, and has an extra layer of fabric in the bra part so it's not see-thru. For other highly rated all-white bodycon & bandage dresses, shop our Women's Outfits page to dial in your specific style.
AThe wrap dress is by far the most forgiving and most flattering dress style. It not too revealing and still accentuates the hips, booty, and bust lines. The versatility of this dress type makes it the perfect dress for any woman, any size, or any shape. Just by focusing on your neckline and waist, you can make a wrap dress look custom-tailored to your body. For summer parties, choose the show a little more skin. For cooler weather or indoor parties, you can easier convert a V-neck look to off-the-shoulder, single shoulder, or halter top style.
Currently, the highest-rated wrap dress we have collected allows for up to 28 different ways to style the dress. No more shopping for dress options or worrying if your dress fits too tight this year. You decide the style. You decide how formfitting you want it.
From the reviews, you’ll see pictures of just how easy it is to transform the wrap dress into a variety of party-worthy styles. Be sure to save the image of the 28 suggested styles, play around with each until you find your personal favorite. For more wrap dress options, shop our Women's Outfits page to dial in your specific style.
The one-piece rompers & jumpers are a staple for every closet. It’s a great alternative to wearing a dress and it's more comfortable than wearing pants. We see both jumpers and rompers at all-white attire parties because they are elegant and easily paired with heels, wedges, or flats. If you’re wondering what the difference is between the two, it’s simply the length of the pant leg. Marketing companies know this is not common knowledge and often use both names interchangeably to reach more customers.
Now that you know the difference, think of your upcoming white party and its environment. For cooler environments, you should wear a jumper because it has legs, and sometimes short sleeves. For the warmer events, wear a romper because of its shorts.
Although this type of outfit is very flattering to your body, several party goers have commented how difficult or time-consuming it is during bathroom breaks. Take this under consideration for your party and wherever it will be held.
Currently, our highest-rated all-white jumper is a sleeveless front button-up, high-waisted, wide-leg jumper that comes with a suede belt. Try swapping out the suede belt for a white, gold, or silver belt and pair it with bright white heels to pull it all together. For more jumper or romper options, shop our Women's Outfits page to dial in your specific style.
Vintage style(or Retro) clothing is making a comeback and that applies to party outfits as well. Just as the 1920s were called "The Roaring 20s," media outlets are announcing this decade will see the same resurgence of parties calling it The Roaring 2020s. The popularity of vintage styles comes about when fashion trends either slow or cycle too fast. People then resort to the classics that have become synonymous with good times or social freedom.
The Gatsby-inspired flapper dresses and the 70s pencil dress are two of the iconic dresses of yesteryear that always resurface. But today, manufacturers now take advantage of newer lightweight, sturdy and stretchy fabrics to make them more comfortable, flattering to the figure, and expanding the range of motion to accommodate the latest dance trends.
Currently, our high-rated vintage dress is a 65% Rayon, 30% Cotton, 5% Spandex pencil dress with formal tie crew neck, hidden seam pockets, and a side zipper enclosure. You’ll see from the ratings the dress falls just below the knee and made of quality fabric. Pair this dress with some bright white heels or wedges to bring the whole look together and you are ready for a night of picture-perfect memories. If you’d like to see more vintage options including Gatsby-inspired flapper dresses, shop our Women's Outfits page to dial in your specific style.
According to PLUS Model magazine, "In the fashion industry, plus size is identified as sizes 18 and over, or sizes 1X-6X and extended size as 7X and up."
So rather than separate different PLUS size dresses by style, we brought all the highest-rated outfits into a single section. So, whether you’re shopping for a fun and flattering dress for dancing or a formal sophisticated gown for a big event, we’ve collected both and everything in-between. From bodycon, maxi dresses, midi lengths, mermaid silhouettes, and boho wrap styles, our collection of plus-size dresses is the go-to destination for your next white party.
Currently, our highest-rated PLUS size dress is a 1950s vintage-inspired midi dress with an off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline and pleated flare skirt, and a back zipper enclosure. You’ll see from the ratings and pictures that people LOVE this dress! Be sure to use the size chart provided in the pictures for the best fit.
Shop our Shoe section to pair this look with either all-white heels or wedges and pull the whole look together. If you’d like to see more PLUS size options, shop our Women's Outfits page to dial in your specific style.
Whichever your style, be bold, be brave, and party on.
We'll see you at WhitePartyWebsite.com