What to wear with a white lace dress

In my professional career, I've written a lot of "the little white dress is the summer version of the little black dress" copy. It's cliché, but it's true: the LWD is just a classic. Plus, the lighter color keeps you cooler when things start to heat up. So I'm kicking off summer with one of my personal favorite dresses—it's white, it's lacy, and it's the type of thing you want to live in all season long. Because, let's face it, it's too hot to wear pants.




I am really OCD about certain items in my closet, and I searched for years until I found the perfect white crocheted lace dress. This one is by Isabel Marant, who's hands-down one of my favorite designers, and it ticks off several of my requirements: sleeves, straight shape, modest length. I sometimes wear it without a belt, but I added my favorite low-slung one for a little extra definition. A lace dress is just so good in summer, because all the holes mean it's like built-in air-conditioning, but word to the wise: make sure you get a natural fabric, as a synthetic like polyester will negate any open-air benefits (and probably make you sweat even more).



I have rule about living in San Francisco, which is that even if it's 80 degrees outside (and, yes, that does occasionally happen here), never go anywhere without a light jacket. I learned that lesson the hard way my first weekend here. Anyway, this is one of my favorites (you've recently seen it here), and I like wearing it with more feminine things because it counteracts any girliness with its kind of rugged, outdoorsy vibe.



You've seen most of these accessories before, but since this post is kind of turning into a Cheryl's favorite things, it seems fitting. I am still on a gold-and-delicate kick, and I probably will be for awhile, because summer is too hot for statement necklaces. And while you might be sick of my Zara circle bag (last seen here), I'm not! It's just so perfect for summer, and round bags are definitely trending. As for my shoes, I've been going low-heeled on the weekend lately, and this is one of my favorite pairs of sandals (last seen waaaay back here), so I was excited to break them out for this post. They're the perfect summer shoe.



We shot these photos kind of on the fly at the botanical gardens in Mendocino, which was really beautiful and rather expansive; more about it—and the rest of the area—will be coming soon in my Mendocino travel guide!



OUTFIT DETAILS: Isabel Marant dress (similar here, budget version here) || J.Crew jacket (current season here; similar here) || Zara bag || Sam Edelman Trina sandals || H&M belt (similar here) || Stella & Dot Abundance necklace, engravable pendant, bangle, delicate bracelet, pavé cuff (on sale!), and pavé duo ring


8 comments

Dorota said...

The botanic garden looks great. Little white dresses are as stylish as the black ones, for sure. Recently maybe even more. I think it looks great on you and I really like the sandals.
Dorota
www.fetchcandle.wordpress.com

Anonymous said...

super cute summer look! love it!
kelseybang.com

Clairejustine said...

Such a pretty dress Cheryl. I love white dresses but tend to stay away from them with kids and a dog. I like to wear them going out in Summer though. Need the husband to take me out now :)


Thanks for linking up to The Wednesday Blog Hop. Hope you can join me tomorrow.

A Labour of Life said...

what a fun way to style that dress. Don't forget to come link up over at A Labour of Fashion my Thursday Link

Chez-Rama said...

I love your lace dress and how you styled that dress. I really need to get strap bag.

Jessica Jannenga said...

Cheryl
I have a few LWD and absolutely love them! I would say I prefer white over the LBD abyday, but especially the summer. I love the lace detailing on your dress and the style, so pretty on you! Great compliment with your neutral jacket, bag and shoes. Ill have to wear my white dress this summer.
thanks for linking!
jess xx
www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

Elizabeth Ramsey said...

Just lovely! All white always looks so expensive to me. Great styling on all your looks. Thanks for linking up at TFF last week.

Jennie said...

Such a pretty white lace dress! It looks wonderful styled with the neutrals. Your round straw bag is amazing! Thanks for linking up with Fabulous Friday!

Jennie