THE LITTLE WHITE DRESS

First of all darlings  it's hot ,summer seems to have arrived in a big way. Here in Vancouver the days have grown longer and hotter . As a matter of fact we have been having a little heat wave . As a result it's  time to look at your summer wardrobe. The sesonal cousin of the little black dress is the little white dress. Little white dresses have really become a summer staple. 

LITTLE WHITE DRESS TAKES CENTRE STAGE

While wearing  little white dresses today is commonplace at one time it may have been a little white scandal. Ironically you may think of wearing black as scandalous, but little white dresses may also hold a place in notoriety. Since white dresses are often associated with purity and virginity. what happens when they become sexy little white dresses. 

Of course for me as a costume designer , I look to film to illustrate this point. No doubt those of you who know me are aware that I love film. I love all films and have a huge knowledge of film costume . Therefore it is my premise that film is the reflection of our world .Film is the best record of fashion we have . Look to film to find  the first  little white dresses..

LITTLE WHITE DRESSES IN FILM

Since we know little black dresses, it's not much of a stretch to little white dresses. Since Victorian time's  white dresses were associated with baptisms, comfirmations , virgins and  brides. White was never a color that was thought of as sexy.  In fact  some of the first modern media images of a sexy white dress were in 1955. This is when Marilyn Monroe  in a low cut white dress stood over a subway grate .The film was "The Seven Year Itch ". The scene was shocking at the time . As a matter 0f fact it's rumoured that this scene lead to Monroe's divorce from  Joe DiMaggio .Society was changing and sexuality was front and center.

Strangely enough this scene in "The Seven Year Itch " was really about the dress . In my opinion the best little white dress is actually a little white slip and could be responsible for the slip dress. In fact the little white slip is worn by one of my all time favorite actresses Elizabeth Taylor in "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof". Darlings if you haven't seen this film you must. Arguably the sexiest on screen couple are Liz Taylor and Paul Newman in this  film. Similarily one of the sexiest costumes in all film is this white slip that Elizabeth Taylor wears for half the picture. Here again now in 1958 we see white being sexualized.

LITTLE WHITE DRESSES ARE HERE TO STAY

The little white dress is now part of the modern wardrobe. All things considered wearing white that is slightly see thru is nothing daring today. We see completely sheer dresses and dresses that expose the hips , buttocks or nipples . This is the evolution of fashion. whether we actually see these developments in street wear or not, time will tell. Of course the evolution of clothing can take decades .  Changes do not occur over night.

THE EVOLUTION OF THE LITTLE WHITE DRESS

White was daring in the 1960's as you can see from the photos of Nancy Sinatra and Jane Birkin. White mini skirts were the epitome of the backlash against purity . Gone was the pristine white of chastity and here was a new white, risky and sexy. The 1960's saw the sexual revolution and changes were radical.

Pictured below is Faye Dunaway(Network 1976) in a clingy  white dress, that summed  up the  use of white in the 1970's. At this point the 1970's  saw the further progression of wearing  white.  Clingy and more body conscience clothing developed and is here to stay.

The 1980's thru to the present day has seen each decade interupt wearing white in it's own way . The liberation had already occured and the once virginal white is as common as any other color .

                                                                                   ABBA 1970's

THE LITTLE WHITE DRESS TODAY

By now we have explored how wearing white is commonplace.  There seem to be few restrictions on clothing today in western culture . Just don't wear white to a wedding and pretty much everything goes. I have scoured my affliates to bring you the best white dresses for summer . So learn your fashion history as it gives you the liberty to wear what you choose today. I have another post on "Wearing White " , just follow the link.

LITTLE WHITE DRESSES

White petal dress from Christian Siriano.This elegant white dress is a summer dream , the strapless cut gives ths dress a sexy look and a elongating silhouette.
FARFETCH $980 | 75% off $245

Edgy ring embellishment accentuates the figure-hugging silhouette of Mugler\'s ribbed knit dress * White ribbed knit, round neckline, lone sleeves, give this dress a sexy look , wear your highest
STYLEBOP USD 461.00 was USD 769.00

Soft creamy white macrame lace completes this ethereal Giambattista Valli piece. Conscious of the female figure, the fit-and-flare silhouette is brimming with elegance.
STYLEBOP USD 1,679.00 | WAS USD 2,799.00

This Proenza Schouler dress, shown here in crisp white cotton and modestly revealing a touch of skin with its off-shoulder design, is the summer staple you've been dreaming of.
FARFETCH 1,015 | 45% off $558

White cotton one-shoulder dress from No21.This sexy little white dress is ideal for days at the beach or a weekend vacation.
FARFETCH $534 | 30% off $374

Cool glistening dot appliqués adorn this modern cut sheath from Jil Sander . A true summer classic dress up or down .
STYLEBOP USD 566.00 WAS USD 1,889.00

Colored in classic black and white, this slip-inspired dress from Giabattista Valli is a chic indulgence with tactile lace trims. The close fit keeps it flattering and youthful - just add sandals and a clutch.
STYLEBOP USD 986.00 | WAS USD 1,409.00

Diaphanous tiered silk informs a bohemian-inspired breezy maxi dress from Emilio Pucci. Style with strappy stilettos and a fringe shoulder bag
STYLEBOP USD 1,984.00 | WAS USD 3,969.00

Ooze an undeniable sophistication in this pearl white slip dress from Golden Goose Deluxe Brand. The classic no-fuss dress features a sleeveless design, a v-neck, a mid-length and a fitted silhouette. Wear with a brightly coloured mule for an on-trend look or equally, wear with the Golden Goose Deluxe Brand Superstar trainers to give your daytime look a contemporary elegance.
FARFETCH $455 | 50% off $228

White cotton fringed asymmetric dress from Vivienne Westwood Anglomania. This fun fringed dress is a unique show stopper
FARFETCH $461 | 25% off $346

LITTLE WHITE DRESS ; FIND ONE YOU'LL LOVE AND CHERISH.

In conclusion darlings I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I enjoyed writing it. Hence ladies you can't be a total fashionista without some knowledge . Therefore girls I'm always willing to share what I know. At the same time. I hope you all feel the same and share your comments here.  While I would like you all to order all these dresses , please look and find at least one you'll love and cherish. I have selected all sale items  for  this post .Enjoy and Ciao for now Jandrew.