How to Add Color to a White Dress

I will dare to say that most people probably enjoy a little black dress, but a white number can be challenging. Besides the ultimate fear of getting a stain on a pristine, pearly white dress, we do not want to feel like we are getting married all the time! There are so many options that come to mind when I think about how to add color to a white dress, so I am styling two of mine for you all. I will discuss how you can pull my looks off, and how to take them to the next level for endless style options. Additionally, I am shopping related, affordable pieces so that you can copy my looks.

Look #1: It is coming up all lemons

I am starting my how to add color to a white dress guide with one of my favorite prints- lemons! You may or may not know, but I have an obsession with all things lemon. For this outfit I am starting with a white dress that can technically hold its own with mini ruffle details and some minor layering. The lemon piece functions as a wrap, meaning it has a hole and a tie that you pull through. You can wear the lemon wrap by itself as a wrap dress, but I feel more secure wearing something under it, so I am utilizing it more as a cardigan here. When taking a closer look at the wrap, we can see white dots, which tie the dress in. I do not want to go too crazy with the jewelry, considering all that pattern, so a simple disc necklace will do. The same theory applies to the shoes and bag, let’s keep it simple and let the lemons have their moment.

This outfit is a great example of layering with your white dress. Similar to what I show in my little black dress post, think about how you can spice it up. Maybe you will wear a shirt over or under it. Or, try a cardigan, similar to what I am doing here. White is the ultimate blank canvas, so you can get away with virtually anything you want to layer it with.

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Related Post: How to Style a Little Black Dress

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Outfit details:
Dress- H&M
Wrap- Forever 21
Shoes- Attention from Kmart
Bag- rue21
Jewelry- unknown

Look #2: Pop of coral

My second outfit on how to add color to a white dress literally reveals adding a pop of color! This white dress is beautiful, not only when it blows in the wind, but with the crochet section at the top. Considering the top is busy, I am wearing earrings as my jewelry. Alternatively, I can see a necklace with a long chain so that the crochet and necklace are not fighting for attention. Strappy shoes with a wedge heel make this look feel more dressy, but a flat sandal can transition it to the beach or brunch. You will notice that everything is white here- the earrings, dress, and shoes. I am setting the stage for that ultra glossy coral handbag.

Sometimes I find it hard to style colored bags, especially in shades like coral, mint, red, etc. because every designer has their own rendition of the color. So, for example, if I carry this coral bag with a coral dress, but the two are completely different shades, I fear that it looks like I am trying to force two distinctly different pieces to work together, that obviously do not. That is one of my own made up fashion rules, but you can do what you want. But, when you are working with white, its backdrop supports whatever color you want.

If you do not like coral, then pick another another color to make your statement pop! You do not even have to do it with a bag. Consider a pair of statement earrings, a colorful pair of shoes, or some layered bangle bracelets. This is a great time to blow the dust off your favorite pair of red shoes and give them a try. Maybe you want all of your accessories to make a pop, and the only white item will be the dress itself. You are in control.

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Related Post: How to Style Tie Dye

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Outfit details:
Dress- Indigo Rose from Ross
Handbag- Ross
Shoes- Life Stride from Peebles
Earrings- C&C from TJMaxx

Conclusion

We are at the end of this look book tutorial on how to add color to a white dress. This post is by no means an end all be all for styling your white dresses. The point is that you can take my outfits and my advice and allow them to inspire you to create outfits that best represent who you are. I do invite you, though, to steal my outfit pieces and work them into your own aesthetic. If you do, I would love to see what you come up with in the comments! White dresses are a powerful force in your wardrobe, and they give you free reign to pair them with other pieces that you may not gravitate to often because the colors or patterns might throw you off. Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.

What is your favorite way to style a white dress?