The tennis season is in full swing. Wimbledon is host to the most famous tournament of all time and the parties always have a tale to tell…but how best to party in this seasons most versatile shade?

London’s just experienced the hottest June day since the 1976 heatwave.  Move over the LBD (Little Black Dress) and enter: the LWD.  The baby sister to it’s black counterpart, a little white dress will ensure a carefree, light, fresh look, while maintaining a nod to the ‘classic’.  Modern interpretations on the LWD layer in lace, ruffles, bare shoulders and various sporty vibes – think go-faster stripes and criss-cross necklines.

However, if white makes you think of hospitals, doctors’ uniforms and lab coats, think again.  There are so many options this Summer (actually too many to mention) – so it’s crucial to understand your most favourable shade (it may be ivory rather than bright white), most flattering neckline (most can’t take stark white, high round-necks) and best arm coverage.  If in doubt, wear white away from the face – choose v-necks, scoop, bardot and off the shoulder styles.  Go for cap sleeves, ruffles or full wrist sleeve length – these will elongate your arms.  Add stripes for interest and to showcase the dress shape. Team with gold or nude, or if you’re brave, black as a total contrast.  And for the final score, ensure you have a fair amount of skin on show to avoid an overpowering snowman look.

 

Kate Middleton wearing Alexander McQueen and Poppy Delevingne in Zimmerman.

If you don’t want to blow your budget on McQueen I’ve selected my top 4 picks…

 

Lace: Feminine, alluring yet bang on trend  Self Portait Azaelea Midi dress, £260.

Luscious layers with sporty accents  Anna October Tiered ric-rac trim dress, £803.

 

 

Rebecca Valance Bottom of Society ruffled lace mini dress ivory with stripes, £519.

Fresh off the shoulder appeal  Self Portrait Off the shoulder guipure lace midi dress, £400.

 

Get your whites at the ready, summer has arrived.