white party outfits for your next all white party

White parties are increasingly popular. The dress code is simple yet sophisticated, and the idea is to create a cohesive look for the event. Just wear white. So, it should be easy, right? Well, not necessarily. White can be a tricky color to wear, making choosing the perfect outfit challenging. This article is your ultimate guide to selecting the best white party outfits, so ensure you look stylish while staying within the theme.

What is acceptable to wear at a white party?

Well, as the invitation suggests, at a white party, the dress code typically requires guests to wear all white, although sometimes a touch of color or metallic accents are fine. In fact, gold and silver can look beautiful with white. Below, you will find our guide to what is generally acceptable to wear to a white party.

When did white parties start?

No one is 100% sure when the first white party took place, but they started gaining popularity in the 70s and 80s, particularly among New York’s LGBTQ+ community,. One of the most iconic events is the annual Fire Ireland party in New York.

What shoes to wear to a white party?

Choosing the right shoes for a white party depends on the overall style and formality of your outfit, as well as the venue and setting of the event. Choose flat shoes for more informal, beach or garden get-togethers, while you can opt for heels for formal occasions.

You can stick to white fromtop to toe, or add a different color with your shoe choice. Metallics work particularly well.

White lace suit outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Boma @mrs.gaf above looks fabulous in her white lace suit. Perfect if you have a formal white party to attend. We love that she has matched her nails to her outfit.

Get her look with this similar shirt, pants (set option here), sandals and handbag.

What to wear to a white dinner party?

If you have a more formal event to attend, like a white dinner party, you will want to dress elegantly, while still adhering to the dress code. Opt for cocktail dresses, jumpsuits or white suits.

white party outfits

Now, let’s move to some of the most stylish white clothes we’ve found, as well as how to put them together to create white party outfits.

tops for a white party

If you have a last-minute invitation, then you are sure to have some white tops already in your closet, like white shirts, t-shirts and camisoles that you could use as part of your white party outfit.

White tops for white party outfits | 40plusstyle.com

Anine Bing Mika Stripe Cotton ShirtNordstrom Pima Cotton Blend Crewneck T-ShirtCami NYC Chels Lace-Trimmed CamiCinq à Sept Marta Silk Cowlneck Cami Top

White party outfit - camisole and jeans outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Cami NYC Chels Lace-Trimmed CamiGood American Good Waist Palazzo Ankle-Crop JeansSam Edelman Bay Slide SandalsEILAF Large Dom Woven Palm Straw ToteJules D. Beaded Necklace & Earrings Set

jackets

If you’re heading to a warm weather party, then you’re unlikely to need a jacket, but if it’s cooler or more formal, a white blazer, denim jacket or waistcoat can be a great option to elevate your outfit.

White jackets for white parties | 40plusstyle.com

Capsule 121 The Courage JacketNIC+ZOE Rumba Linen Moto JacketRails Collins Cotton JacketKobi Halperin June Satin Longline Vest

White party outfit - Beth wears a neutral shorts outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Beth @styleatacertainage above (read her style interview here) shows off a great look if you’re invited to a summer white party. She teams her white shorts outfit with neutral accessories to keep her look crisp and fresh.

She is wearing a blazer, a pair of shorts, and sandals from J. McLaughlin. Check out this similar top, tote, earrings and necklace and to complete the look.

bottoms

Wear your white jeans or a white denim skirt for a less formal look, or opt for tailored shorts or pants. Wear with a t-shirt and white sneakers to keep things casual, or team with a camisole, blazer and heeled sandals for a dressier look.

White pants and skirts | 40plusstyle.com

Good American Good Waist Palazzo Ankle-Crop JeansAlice + Olivia Stretch Bootcut Mid-Rise PantsSer.o.ya Monte Bermuda ShortsFRAME The Midaxi Angled Seam Denim Skirt

Waistcoat and shorts outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Kobi Halperin June Satin Longline VestCinq à Sept Marta Silk Cowlneck Cami TopSer.o.ya Monte Bermuda ShortsNaturalizer Vera SandalsReformation Mini Luciana Frame Handle Bagst. Moran Aragon Freshwater Pearl Necklace

white dresses

A white dress is perfect for a white party. You don’t need to worry about separates, and can simply alter the formality of your accessories depending on the occasion. Choose white sandals, metallics, or other neutrals.

White dresses | 40plusstyle.com

If Only Studio Surplice Long-Sleeve ShirtdressSer.o.ya Tropez Maxi DressLilly Pulitzer® Calina Linen Midi SundressCOS Gathered Asymmetric Dress

Sylvia in a white dress and blue shoes | 40plusstyle.com

Sylvia @sylviacolella above (read her style interview here) teams her maxi dress with a chunky bracelet and blue shoes.

Steal her look with this similar dress (another option here), sandals, handbag, earrings and necklace.

White swimsuits and cover-ups

It may be that your white party is at a pool or a beach because it’s the perfect theme for summer. So, you may just need a white swimsuit, cover-up and some stylish sandals.

Bathing suits and cover ups | 40plusstyle.com

Robin Piccone Margot Lingerie Strappy One-PieceBoden Kefalonia SwimsuitChange of Scenery Gari Cotton Tiered Lace Cover-UpPoupette St Barth Amaya Cotton Laser-Cut Kaftan

White party outfits for your next summer invite | 40plusstyle.com

Souri @fabfemme_australia above (read her style interview here) opts for a maxi cover-up with her white bikini.

Check out this similar lace dress (another option here), swimsuit, sandals, bag and sunhat.

White and metallic shoes

Choose heels or flats depending on where your party is being held. White shoes will obviously go well with your outfit, but gold sandals work well too and won’t detract from your overall white look.

Sam Edelman Bay Slide SandalsNaturalizer Vera SandalsOluKai ‘Aka Beach SandalsMIA Geni Sandals

Cream dress and gold shoes | 40plusstyle.com

Ser.o.ya Tropez Maxi DressMIA Geni SandalsTory Burch Reva Metallic Leather ClutchNordstrom Freshwater Pearl Linear Drop Earrings

White and metallic accessories

Don’t forget your finishing touches. We’ve concentrated on a palette of white, cream, gold and rattan.

Accessories for white party outfits | 40plusstyle.com

EILAF Large Dom Woven Palm Straw ToteTory Burch Reva Metallic Leather ClutchReformation Mini Luciana Frame Handle Bagrag & bone Spire Wide Brim Straw Fedorast. Moran Aragon Freshwater Pearl NecklaceJules D. Beaded Necklace & Earrings SetNordstrom Freshwater Pearl Linear Drop Earrings

White and cream outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Tamera @tamerabeardsley above (read her style interview here) mixes white with cream and adds a gold belt.

Get her look with this similar top (another option here), skirt, sandals, belt, earrings and sunglasses.

Some further considerations

Wearing white can be challenging, because it shows up dirt, as well as making it harder to hide any ‘imperfections’. It’s also important to check for transparency when choosing white. Below are some tips for wearing white successfully.

Choose the right fabric: Look for high-quality, thicker fabrics that aren’t transparent and that hold their shape well.

Your underwear: If you aren’t wearing white swimwear, then be sure to choose nude underwear so it doesn’t show through.

Fit and tailoring: Make sure your white outfits fit well, so your outfit looks polished. If you’re worried about white showing any ‘lumps and bumps,’ then choose draped, cinched or ruched styles.

Mix textures: Wearing all one color can lead to a boring look. To make sure your outfit is interesting, combine different textures. For instance, leather with silk, chiffon with denim or wool with satin.

Choose the right shade of white: Not all whites are the same, and different shades will flatter different skin tones. If you have a cool skin tone, then choose bright, crisp whites with blue undertones. For warmer skin tones, you should look for creamier, ivory-tinted whites.

Your white party outfits together in one capsule

Below, you can see the clothes from above together in one capsule, so you can choose your favorite white outfit, and see how you could change the tops, bottoms, shoes, and accessories around to create different looks.

White party outfits | 40plusstyle.com

shop these white party outfits below:


Continue reading:

  1. The Most Stylish Linen Outfits To Stay Cool And Chic
  2. The Best White Jeans For Women Over 40 – Our Top Picks
  3. The Best Women’s Beach Outfits For Your Summer Vacation

Like this article on white party outfits? Share it on Pinterest

White party outfits for your next summer invite | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by Souri @fabfemme_australia

Sylvia

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

Want to get more articles from 40+style in your inbox, subscribe here.

You can also connect with 40+style on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.

Support 40+style by using the links in our articles to shop. As an associate for Amazon and many other brands, we receive a small commission (at no cost to you) on qualifying purchases which enables us to keep creating amazing free content for you. Thanks!

Leave a Comment