Once relegated to a beach cover-up, a little white sundress is the perfect dress-up look …

Bucolic touches are in. Think: cinched waists, gathered necklines and romantic lengths. White Balia linen dress, €348; www.thereformation.com.

Summer’s dress trends focus on details such as shirring and quilting for an artisanal look. White cotton textured midi dress, M&S Collection, €47.50, at Marks & Spencer.

Natural fabrics, like organic cotton and linen, are key. White flowing linen-blend mini dress, €79.95, at Massimo Dutti.

Seek out prairie details such as delicate puff shoulders. White Quinn cotton dress, Dôen, €290; www.net-a-porter.com.

Choose off-white or cream as an alternative to stark white. We love the decadent ruffle and skinny strap on this dress by House of Dagmar. Cream white sculpted strap dress, €294; www.houseofdagmar.com.
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