Angelina Jolie and Gwyneth Paltrow rocked this genius summer basic

I’ve never particularly enjoyed dressing for the summer, and most of the time I’ve taken the stance that it’s too hot to look cute in it. But then I discovered some genius basic styles that make you look put together while still feeling like you’re wearing nothing, and now I wear these effortless styles all the time. So do celebrities.

The white maxi dress is a timeless trend that stars like Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Jennifer Aniston have been wearing all summer. This style has a breezy silhouette, is super comfortable, versatile, and effortlessly chic. Wear it casually with sneakers or sandals for a laid-back vibe, or add heels and jewelry to instantly elevate the look. This dress is perfect for any occasion, from the office (just throw on a cardigan), to the beach, to a dinner party, and more. Once summer is over, you can adapt this classic dress for fall with just a blazer and boots.

Below, you’ll find simple yet luxurious wardrobe essentials starting at just $31.

8 White Summer Dresses:

Anrabeth Maxi Dress

You can pick up this celeb-favorite style for cheap on Amazon, where the Anrabeth maxi dress retails for just $40. Like Jolie’s style, the dress features thin spaghetti straps, a straight neckline, and a super loose fit. But what really sets this dress apart is its tiered design, which actually gives this loose dress a more elegant look, in my opinion.

GAP linen blend midi dress

This creamy white dress from Gap is 50% off, so add it to your cart ASAP. This style is big on lightweight linen blend fabric and a flattering, timeless empire-waist silhouette, making it a bit more dressed up than the shift dresses we’ve seen stars wear. Plus, we love that the straps are detachable, a small but important detail that instantly takes this dress from day to night.

Luxely Solstice Racerback Midi Shift Dress

I love how simple yet chic this dress from Luxely is. The racerback style is subtle yet form-fitting, and it features a scoop neck and wide straps that make it versatile. Don’t get me wrong, I love a super flowy white dress, but sometimes you need something a little more sophisticated, and this is it.

J.Crew Drop Waist Midi Dress

J.Crew’s drop-waist dress may not look like Paltrow or Jolie’s, but it’s a great choice for anyone looking for the comfort of classic style with a more polished look. The dress features cuffed cap sleeves, a drawstring waist, a mid-length hem, and an adjustable zipper detail on the V-neck for an understated look with a modern touch. One fan of the style described the dress as having a “vintage Italian movie vibe,” while others raved about the perfect fit. “It flatters[your]curves,” one person said, pointing out the high quality. Best of all, you can get it now for just $89 with code EXTRA.

A lightweight white dress is a smart summer staple that every fashion girl needs in her wardrobe. Check out more styles below.

Ostow tiered maxi dress

Banana Republic Factory Linen Blend Draped Midi Dress

Caslon Cami Midi Dress

Madewell Embroidered Poplin Tank Midi Dress