Even if the weather isn’t playing ball, summer is set to arrive soon. Whether that means scorching sunshine or drizzly days are on the horizon, we can’t yet confirm. But what we do know is that we’re desperate for a wardrobe shift, and if the recent warm spell is anything to go by, so is almost everyone else – hello, short shorts and sandals.

Alas, a sundress and straw hat looks a little limp when it’s wet outside, so what can we wear to feel summer-ready while preparing ourselves for possible downpours and teeth-biting breezes? All-white outfits.

Favoured by many a fashion fan, it offers an elegant approach to summer dressing and can be styled in a variety of ways. White jeans and a slogan T-shirt will see you through cooler errand-running days; a white linen suit and crisp shirt will work as the perfect warm weather office look; and a white mini dress and blazer should see you through scorching evening events with ease.

If you’re struggling to style the minimalist shade to make it look as chic as those you see on Instagram, there are a couple of tips and tricks that will help you along the way, all of which we’ve handily shared below. 

Sure, you could just throw on a white dress and call it a day. But the real key to all-white outfit building comes from plenty of layers – a trouser suit with a vest and a shirt layered over the top or a dress and blazer that will improve the more layers you add. So, you want to style an all-white look with numerous pieces to make it more interesting, look to length and silhouette to make more of a style statement.

To make things a little trickier, you’ll find that most white items in your wardrobe are all a slightly different shade. For those who like to be completely matching, try to find pieces that are as similar in colour as possible for a completely all-white look. Otherwise, cream jeans add warmth and can look striking when contrasted with a stark white top. 

While the basis of your outfit may be white, your accessories definitely don’t have to be. In fact, all-white outfits can act as a great blank canvas for more colourful jewellery, shoes, belts and bags to make them the real star of the show. 

For a more simplistic look, opt for brown shoes and belts with gold-tone jewellery to elegantly elevate an all-white look. Or, if you’re trying to make more of a fashion statement, this is your time to style brighter, bolder colours such as a green kitten heel with white jeans or perhaps a statement bag. 

If an outfit isn’t interesting enough in terms of colour, it’s time to turn to texture – an often underrated aspect of any standout styling. Take your white jeans, for example, which will look lovely with a simple white T-shirt but even more striking with a chunky cable-knit jumper (if it’s cold, of course). Keeping texture in mind will make an all-white look a touch more exciting, suddenly putting a stronger focus on the feel of each fashion find while the colour is kept consistent. So, be sure to mix and match different fabrics and try to still have fun with it. 

Images: Getty