little white dress, LWD, kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

Little White Dress

July 13, 2020 / 27 Comments
little white dress, LWD, kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
little white dress, LWD, kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
little white dress, LWD, kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
little white dress, LWD, kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
little white dress, LWD, kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

The little black dress (LBD) has been a closet necessity for most women over the past century since Coco Chanel introduced a photograph of a simple short black elegant dress in Vogue in 1926. Vogue called the dress “Chanel’s Ford” drawing a comparison to Ford’s Model T, in that a little black dress provided a simple, accessible, and affordable option for women of all social classes. The LBD has become an iconic representation of a classic, long lasting, and versatile wardrobe essential for women worldwide.

But what about the little white dress? Once reserved for brides (or young girls receiving first communion), the little white dress (LWD) has taken on a life of its own as another closet essential to rival the little black dress.

little white dress, LWD, kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
little white dress, LWD, kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
little white dress, LWD, kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
little white dress, LWD, kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
little white dress, LWD, kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

As much as I love an LBD, white is so much better suited for the warm months of spring and summer. I do also love a vibrant white dress in the winter, too. Basically, you can never go wrong with either an LBD or an LWD. They both provide the perfect baseline to create an endless number of styles and looks for most any occasion.

At the end of last summer, I picked up a few new LWDs on clearance to add some more versatility to my little white dress game. I have a plethora of little black dresses and frankly, I was getting a bit bored with all that, so it made sense to add a few more neutral colored dresses on the opposite side of the color spectrum. The fun thing about the LWD is that you really can style it exactly the same way as you would an LBD but you will end up with a drastically different look.

little white dress, LWD, kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
little white dress, LWD, kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
little white dress, LWD, kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
little white dress, LWD, kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
little white dress, LWD, kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

This particular dress I found in Burlington Coat Factory for under $20. I love the style of a flowing bohemian lightweight dress in a gauzy fabric to beat the summer heat and humidity. I also love the shirt dress style with buttons down the front because it adds another level of styling options. You can wear a dress like this as a vest/jacket layered over another dress or even over pants or a skirt.

I went for a more classic styling and one of my favorite ways to wear dresses this summer by layering a kimono on top and a pair of comfortable and practical booties on my feet. You know, festival style. That’s my summer jam this year even though I am merely sitting at home (or climbing rocks in a dress at a very nearby location). Lightweight kimonos add the perfect sun protection as well as a little bit of dramatic flair to a basic dress.

little white dress, LWD, kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
little white dress, LWD, kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
little white dress, LWD, kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
little white dress, LWD, kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
little white dress, LWD, kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

Sticking with my boho, festival style, I opted for braids and one of my favorite summertime crocheted slouchy hats by Linda Gibbs Handmade. These are my favorite hats ever for summertime hair. They are lightweight and cool, have a really fun design, and are perfect for covering gray roots and greasy hair! Plus Linda’s products are quality, hand crocheted apparel and accessories made with eco-friendly fibers and materials. And her slouchy hats come in a multitude of colors. I have 7 different colors (white, ivory, black, gray, teal, denim, and pink) and really kind of want more because they are my favorite head wear for summer.

If you are interested in Linda’s gorgeous hand made crocheted items, visit her on Facebook to see what she has in store now. Give her a page a follow as well because it is so important to support each other in our small business endeavors. That little bit of kindness really goes a long way.

little white dress, LWD, kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
little white dress, LWD, kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
little white dress, LWD, kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
little white dress, LWD, kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
little white dress, LWD, kimono, boho style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

Tomorrow, I am sharing the same dress from the same photo shoot and location but I changed out my kimono and added an obi belt. I would love for you to stop by then and let me know which way you like this LWD styled.

In the meantime, be sure to enter my Organic Aromas Giveaway. Just click here to get to the Rafflecopter entry form. The giveaway will remain open for entries until midnight on July 21, 2020. The winner will be announced and notified that day.

Also, do you prefer a LBD or a LWD? Or perhaps you are like me and need the options of both?

Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.

Shop my look…

Outfit Details: Dress-Burlington Coat Factory / Kimono and Earrings-Shelbee’s Shoppe / Boots-Matt Bernson (Poshmark) / Hat-Linda Gibbs Handmade / Necklace-c/o Zaful

I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

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