ColumnWhite is synonymous with a lightness and ease associated with summer; it is flattering with every silhouette, looks fresh against sun kissed skin and never goes out of style. Wear a summer white dress casual or dressy–it’s always a blank slate to accessorize. On Trend this summer, here are seven of our favorite white dresses.

1. Ingalls Dress by David Peck

Houston-based designer David Peck is a champion of impeccably tailored feminine garments, with the ease of American practicality.  This dress’ inward-collar neckline extenuates the shoulders for a subtle sexy touch.  Made from the light and luxurious 100 percent Raw Silk Noil. Socially responsible manufacturing add to the strength of this summer white dress.

$395, David Peck

2. Sheer Layered Shirt Dress by Carrie Parry

This dress is fashion forward, and the epitome of a simple staple garment you’ll want to keep forever (and even wear past summer). Made of 100 percent Bemberg Cupro and 100 percent handwoven Silk Georgette Overay, the dress is produced in New York City.  For every garment purchased a tree is planted through the non-profit Trees for the Future.

$385, Carrie Parry

3. Dickson Dress by Rae Francis

Designed and produced in New York City, this light summer white dress is effortlessly chic and fun for any occassion.  It’s made from 100 percent cotton and lined with white silk. Ariel Lilly and Christina Coniglio of Rae Francis describe their collections as ‘Desk to Dinner,’ classic and elegant for an easy going boho-lifestyle summer trend.

$281, Rae Francis

4. Scallop Dress by Loup Charmant

As if from a dream, this garment’s delicate and flowing silhouette is light and just right for summer.  Crafted with a deep V-neckline in the front, its structure was inspired by a found Victorian children’s dress.  Made with organic cotton in New York City.

$490, Loup Charmant

5. La Rambla Lace Dress by Nanette Lapore

Long time designer and advocate in New York City’s Garment Center, Nanette Lapore, mixes lace fabric with a mod silhouette for this cute summer dress.  The Mondrain-esq, asymmetrical detail adds a sense of fun to the charming lace.  Whether it’s afternoon tea or strolling on a city street, this dress gives a rich dimension of texture to the summer trend.

$378, Bergdorf Goodman

6. Clifton Pleated Dress by Lavuk

This dress’ playful drop waist and pleated skirt give a nod to the flapper of the ’20s mixed with the simplicity of modern design. Made with 100 percent cupro, a fabric with a delicate appearance but embodies a durability like cotton, it’s ethically manufactured in Los Angeles. For every Lavuk garment sold a tree is planted through the American Forest Releaf Program.

$260, Modavanti

7. Gianna Dress by Rag and Bone

Made in the US, this dress is a form-fitting take on the classic t-shirt dress.  The fabric is perforated, but it’s fully lined, so no added fuss over what slip to wear underneath. Made with 72 percent viscose, dress is up or down, it’s a sure staple for summer.

$395, Rag and Bone

Images courtesy of the brands featured

Lavuk Clifton Dress photo credit: Urban Outfitters via Wanelo

Nanette Lapore La Ramba Dress photo credit: Bergdorf Goodman

[Editor’s Note: On Trend columnist Johanna Bjork is on vacation and will return later this month. We welcome Juliette in her absence!]

The post On Trend: The Sustainable Summer White Dress 7 Ways appeared first on EcoSalon.

Five low-impact suggestions to create a smart Fall 2011 wardrobe.

Thinking about our relationship to fashion beyond conspicuous consumption is a core principle here at EcoSalon and as we all know is as challenging as it is enlightening. Identifying what fashion truly means to you is the first step to figuring out how to re-design a stylish future that better serves you and the planet. For me, the fun of fashion is in its unique ability to express the outlandish, a sense of wit and imagination, as exemplified by icons such as Alexander McQueen, Isabella Blow and Diana Vreeland.

Vreeland, Editor-In-Chief of Vogue from 1963-1971, created the fashion media as we know it today. She imparted her sparkling wit and ingenuity into the style scene, qualities that are mostly missing in these days of carbon-copy consumerism.

Vreeland began her career as a columnist for Harper’s Bazaar in 1936. Her tongue-in-cheek “Why don’t you” columns – “Why don’t you use a gigantic shell instead of a bucket to ice your champagne?” and “Or paint a map of the world on all four walls of your boys’ nursery so they won’t grow up with a provincial point of view?” for example – inspired her post-Depression readers to think outside of the box and break the rules of fashion.

It was Vreeland’s fearless, slightly madcap voice saying “Why Not” that came to mind as I watched last week’s New York runways with a view to how I could adapt my own wardrobe to reflect some of the trends. In the spirit of fashion risk taking, and with humble acknowledgment paid to a true genius (she actually invented the word “Pizazz” for goodness’ sake), here are my five low-impact suggestions to create a smart Fall 2011 wardrobe.

Why not…tie one on? Menswear is a huge trend. With Yigal Azrouel, Alexander Wang and Prabal Gurung (above) showing tuxedo inspired ensembles, the easiest way to get the look is to borrow a tie or cut a thin strip of black silk. Tie the knot a little looser and lower  than you would on your male counterpart or forget a collar completely and rock the androgynous look with a tee.

Why not…stop playing so safe? It’s not until you’re confronted with a chartreuse dress or bright orange pants that you realize you’ve essentially been weaned on a diet of safe neutrals and black. If you’re going to buy one thing for next season, choose a piece that gives your neutral ensemble an unexpected pop of color, as seen at Peter Som, Preen and Phillip Lim (above).

Why not…chop off the arms of your old trench or jacket? If this idea makes you squirm, get your tailor to do it. Make sure to save the arms to create a bias binding to neatly finish off the look. Vest coats looked fresh at Alexander Wang, Richard Chai Love and Rachel Roy.

Why not…nix the match? Clashing textures, plaids and prints is the way to go, as seen at Marc Jacobs, Rag and Bone (above) and Thakoon. Consider it  the perfect excuse to try on all your old clothes again to see what clashes with what!

Why not…make a sweeping entrance? Flowing, mid-calf and longer skirt lengths feel radical, even mildly uncomfortable, after years spent in form fitting tops and skinny pants. Dig around your local thrift store and I guarantee you’ll find some floor-skimmers left over from the early 1990’s. Pair with a utilitarian jacket to get the new silhouette, as seen at Tommy Hilfiger, Rachel Comey and Tory Burch.

All images from style.com

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