The White Dress: how to look white-hot with this season's coolest trend

Lighter and brighter shades never fail to pop up this time of year, and there's no denying that white is having a moment this spring/summer season. Nina Ricci, Chanel and Matthew Williamson were just some of the designers to debut an array of stunning white dresses at the SS14 fashion shows, which triggered a white trend craze. As always, a hot new trend carries the ums and ahs of how to style it, and lets be honest, white isn't the always the easiest or most flattering of shades (unlike our BFF the LBD), so we spoke to celebrity stylist Alex Longmore, who's star-studded client list include Claudia Schiffer, actress Emilia Fox and singer Jamelia, to find out her hottest tips on getting white just right.

Is the white trend just for dresses?

White is one of the biggest trends of the season, in everything from suits and dresses to shoes and bags. I particularly like the monochrome take on the trend and the chunky white sandals that are out.

Do different rules apply for different body shapes when wearing a white dress?

I think choosing the most flattering dress is all about getting a cut and shape that suits your body type, it's not really to do with colour. But if you are an hourglass and curvy, go for something that nips in at the waist, but if your chest is your favourite asset, then wear something low-cut. I always advise my clients to dress in proportion; I think it is the most important aspect of styling. So if you're tall, opt for a floor-length dress, and if you're short then choose something knee-length and floaty.

Are there any celebrities we should look to for a perfect white look?

Cate Blanchett, Angelina Jolie and Gwyneth Paltrow - especially when she is rocking a tan!

Can pale girls wear white?

Absolutely! Cate Blanchett at The Royal Marsden Hospital Gala dinner hosted by Prince William looked divine wearing a white Ralph Lauren dress. I think it gives a more ethereal look if you have pale skin, but what is really important is to change your make up to suit the soft hues of your dress. Wearing heavy eye make-up and a bold-coloured lipstick just won't work, you should opt for soft tones and this goes for accessories too; less is most definitely more when pale girls wear white.

Would you recommend wearing Spanx with white dresses?

Oh yes I am a massive fan of Spanx, it's my secret red carpet tip for all my clients! Their products hold everything in just the right place, plus all bumps and lumps instantly disappear.

Do you regularly style your clients in white dresses?

I don't so much for magazine shoots because white isn't the best colour to come out on camera, but with my private clients, yes. This trend is so big at the moment that all of them have gone home after an appointment with me in something white.

Have you ever had any white dress dramas?

Oh yes! When I styled Tamara Ecclestone in a white short sequined dress, the zip got stuck and we had to cut her out of it.

What are the white dress dos or don'ts?

1) I don't think a white dress should be worn to a wedding unless you are the bride. 2) Nude tights are important if you suffer from uneven skin tones as they balance out the legs and give a more even tone. 3) Make sure your white pieces match in shade, because different designers use different shades of white. 4) Avoid anything that is too short when wearing a white-dress, as it can instantly make an outfit look cheap. Shop our range of white dresses here, and take a look at some of our favourite styles: