How to wear white at night

Telegraph

11-04-2025

Call it a knee-jerk reaction to the dominance of gothic black on the recent awards season red carpets (as well as on the catwalks at spring/summer 2025 shows), but the A-list are now championing shades of white, ivory, champagne and cream for evening dressing.
Take last Sunday's Olivier Awards, for example, where actresses Elizabeth Debicki and Lara Pulver stepped out in beautiful white gowns. Showcasing the diversity of the look, Debicki opted for a draped Grecian-style Dior gown with a small train, playing up the connotations with flat sandals, pearl-drop earrings and a general ethereal air. In contrast, Pulver went for a sculptural silhouette in a long-sleeve cape dress by cool-girl brand Tove Studio. Both looked stylish and grown-up, despite the youthful connotations of the shade.
For more evidence of its versatility and appropriateness, then may we direct you to Los Angeles, where two more midlife style icons, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jessica Chastain, have also recently flown the flag for the white-at-night look. In contrast to Debicki and Pulver, who had to contend with our fools' spring, Paltrow and Chastain were able to go for more revealing styles. While Paltrow chose a classic floor-length strapless dress by Donna Karan (the queen of American minimalism), Chastain rocked a backless, cut-out Gucci dress featuring silver beading detail.
And if you really need an exhibit E, then on the other end of the spectrum entirely is Uma Thurman, who made the case for matching white separates while at an event in New York last week. Teaming a silk Prada maxi skirt with a coordinating blouse, she broke the monotony of the look up with the floral tie detail at the neck and pleats on the skirt.
Tempted to try a white dress for your evening or formal events in the coming months, but not sure where to start? Firstly, it's about finding the right shade for you. After all, white can feel intimidating if you're of the pale and interesting variety complexion wise, but that doesn't mean you can't wear it.
'White can feel scary, but it's actually super versatile, it's all about finding the right shade,' explains Rhea Francois, a red carpet stylist whose clients include Sabrina Elba and Maya Jama. 'For fairer complexions, I usually recommend creamier or off-white tones because stark white can sometimes wash out the skin. Warmer, softer shades tend to be more flattering.' Good news for darker skins: most whites will work well for you.
Of course, another issue with white dresses is that they can very quickly stray into bridal territory – particularly when combined with the sorts of detailing that you typically associate with a wedding dress, like ruffles, lace or beading. Warmer, creamier hues will help you to avoid looking like a runaway bride, but so too will choosing more structural, modern silhouettes and details, much like Pulver's cape-sleeves and Chastain's cut-outs.
There's also the danger that anything too casual – or oversized – could start to look like you're wearing your nightie out of the house. 'If you're concerned about the dress leaning too far into nightwear territory, avoid too much lace, or overly loose silhouettes,' advises Francois. 'Instead, go for dresses with structure – think tailored and even look for some subtle boning.' A tuxedo dress is a good option, or something that is corseted and nipped in at the waist – just so long as it's not so structured that it looks like a wedding dress instead.
If you are keen to tap into the current vogue for all things 1990s and want to channel your inner Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, then one great way to do white for evening is to wear a cream slip dress. And before you say it – yes, we know that slip dresses can look like nighties. But that's why you need to carefully choose the rest of your outfit so that it both smartens and toughens the look up a little – as Francois explains. 'A slip dress paired with a blazer is one of my all-time favourite looks – it's chic, super comfy and it works across all ages and body types,' she says. 'My tip would be to get a good match for the colouring – make sure your blazer and dress aren't too different in shade, or it will look strange. Finish the look with a statement earring and a standout handbag.'
As all the A-list examples show, keeping your accessories minimal or classic is often a good idea when wearing white evening wear, it ensures that the look remains sophisticated rather than – gulp – cheap. Fabrication is obviously king here too: avoid synthetics where possible or anything too clingy or sheer. While it can work for black, white just isn't as forgiving and you're one poor choice away from looking like you stepped out of Jane Norman circa 1999.
One final piece of advice: always factor in the occasion. A glamorous daytime event, with a formal dress code, but which takes place largely in a field, is probably not the time to break out your white dress. Ditto anything where you will also be taking your young (mucky pawed) children. And we don't need to tell you the rule about wearing white to weddings, do we?
How to get white right
Be stain vigilant
Always carry stain removal wipes: 'I carry them around in my kit for my clients but also my handbag – there's nothing worse than an accidental food or make-up stain,' shares Francois. 'The Shout Wipe and Go ones are super handy – they fit perfectly in a small bag.'
Beware suede
Don't wear a suede jacket: there's a risk that the fabric might rub off onto your dress and give you an orangutan aesthetic.
Consider the temperature
Think about the weather: yes, white reflects heat, so it's more likely to keep you cool. But remember, if it does get too hot, you may end up with unsightly yellow sweat stains – even in silk. Not a good look.
Regular dry cleaning
'Another tip would be to take your favourite white pieces to a dry cleaner – it keeps your clothes fresher for longer,' says Francois.