How to Dress Down a White Lace Dress

You don't need to change outfits to make your white dress casual.

A dress is an incredibly versatile piece of clothing that lets you dress up or dress down. Yet, unlike a dress made from pink gingham or cobalt taffeta, a white dress made of lace connotes tradition and formality. Accessories and additional clothing transform your traditional ensemble into something carefree and casual. Making this transformation isn't difficult, but it does requires combining techniques for an optimal dressed-down effect.

Denim Jacket

A denim jacket turns a white lace dress into a casual-chic ensemble while keeping you warm during cool summer nights. Wear dark denim for an appearance that's dressier casual or slip on a faded denim jacket for a modern and trendy look. During warm weather, tie thick denim jackets around your hips. Denim jackets made of thin or worn material knot smoothly around your neck.

Casual Shoes

You don't need to don grungy sneakers to make a white lace dress appear less dressy, but definitely lose the heels. Flip-flops immediately soften a dress by changing it from formal outfit to something young, carefree and comfortable. Choose leather or embellished flip-flops that would be appropriate for an upscale outdoor restaurant. Skip the rubber flip-flops or anything that suggests you just left the swimming pool. Dressing down a white lace dress requires subtle alternations, not stark contrasts.

Vibrant Jewelry

Replace pearls and delicate gold beads with bright, chunky pieces that offset the conservative style of a white lace dress. A large strand of coral or turquoise beads adds vibrant color to an otherwise pale ensemble. For those who prefer metal jewelry, wear intricate, dangling silver or gold earrings and pendants. Complex designs and longer lengths complement the details in your lace while adding a modern, casual edge.

Bright Bag

Balance the formality of a white dress with a bright, bohemian-style bag or tote. A white lace dress is delicate and reserved, but a colorful cloth bag dresses down your outfit by screaming fun-loving and comfortable. Combining vibrant colors with textured fabrics such as corduroy or denim dresses down your appearance. A large tote or wide bag tones down your white lace dress more effectively than a colorful, dangling wristlet.

References

• My Style: Dress Down a Dress With a Denim Jacket
• Bridesmaids Dress, Brides Dress Shop: Selecting a Cocktail Dress for Any Social Occasion