Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Alexandra Saint Mleux Leclerc: the white dress that’s emerging as the must-have piece of summer 2026
This summer of 2026, one piece stands out with almost disarming obviousness in wardrobes. The white dress is no longer just a seasonal classic: it has become a true style statement, worn by today’s most talked-about women.
From runways to red carpets: white is everywhere
The Spring/Summer 2026 fashion shows made this abundantly clear. From Valentino to Bottega Veneta and Dior, the major fashion houses competed to outdo one another in creativity as they reinvented the pristine dress. Playful use of sheer fabrics, lightweight materials, and sophisticated layering transform the dress into something decidedly modern.
In an age of visual overload, white has a calming effect. Thus, in contrast to saturated prints and busy silhouettes, a minimalist color palette emerges as a sensible and appealing solution.
Yet this apparent simplicity does not mean it goes unnoticed. Whether on the red carpet or in the paddocks, the light-colored coat catches the light and draws everyone’s attention.
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Bella Hadid wore it as she walked up the red carpet in Cannes, in a replica of the famous crochet dress worn by Jane Birkin in 1969. The nod to the French icon was striking.
For her part, Alexandra Saint Mleux Leclerc looked radiant in a head-to-toe Jacquemus outfit in the paddocks at the Monaco Grand Prix. With a more urban yet equally desirable look, Kendall Jenner was spotted on the streets of New York in a minimalist ensemble heavily inspired by the clean lines of the 1990s.
“She doesn’t impose anything; she reveals everything.”
The white dress, the star of a unique summer
While the little black dress celebrates its centennial this year, its pristine counterpart exudes the same stylish aura. Today, it moves from the altar to the red carpet with disconcerting ease.
No longer reserved just for brides or young women, the white outfit is now a staple for any occasion. From a sunny terrace to a chic dinner, it adapts effortlessly.
What’s more, this versatility is largely responsible for its strong comeback. A single piece is all it takes to create a memorable look, without having to overdo it.
- Bella Hadid in a crochet dress at Cannes, a nod to Jane Birkin and 1969
- Alexandra Saint Mleux Leclerc in a head-to-toe Jacquemus look at the Monaco Grand Prix
- Kendall Jenner in a minimalist, ’90s-inspired look in New York
- The Spring/Summer 2026 Fashion Shows at Valentino, Bottega Veneta, and Dior
- The Farm Rio linen midi dress with decorative pearls, available on Mytheresa for €340
The Farm Rio piece that says it all
If any dress embodies what the white dress promises this summer, it’s Farm Rio’s linen midi dress with faux pearls, available on Mytheresa for €340. The Brazilian label, known for its sunny aesthetic, has created a piece that plays on contrasts.
Raw linen, a noble and natural fabric, is adorned with exquisite details: a shell-shaped neckline embellished with a decorative pearl for a mermaid-inspired look. The result is a rare balance of natural elegance and refined sophistication.
How to Wear the Easiest Summer Dress of the Season
The appeal of this white dress lies in its versatile style. Pair it with a wicker bag or a pair of gold mules, and the look is complete. No need for multiple accessories or complicated layering.
On the other hand, if you’re going for a more formal look, a single piece of gold jewelry is all it takes to make a difference. The pristine dress complements any accessory without ever losing its visual cohesion.
As a result, it’s the perfect piece for those times when you’re not quite sure what to wear. It handles almost any situation with the same effortless ease.
That said, caring for it requires a few precautions: linen wrinkles easily, but it is precisely that natural crinkle that gives it such a charming summery feel. A white linen dress wears its imperfections like a badge of honor.
