East Hampton - The simplicity, sexiness, and strength of a perfectly fitted white summer dress is enough to make any woman feel divine. It instantly makes us feel pulled together, fresh, chic, feminine, sophisticated - and tan. Not many pieces of clothing have that ability. You can even trigger your inner stylist and add accessories to recreate the dress every time it's worn. However you choose to style it, I recommend you invest in at least three this season - or five. They can literally carry you through any event in the summer, and most can go from Main Beach to the Talkhouse with just a change of shoes.

The first two, three or six (who's counting) L.W.D. you need should be made to layer upon. Linen and cotton dresses work best since the fabric is appropriate for a summer day or night. Take a white cotton knee-length shirtdress, for example. For the beach, pair it with a great pair of sandals, colorful sunglasses, and an oversized hat. When you're ready for Cyrils, tie a brown belt around the dress, add a cardigan or light scarf, and throw on some jewelry (I'm a fan of the Chan Luu bracelets available at Obligato). Wedges also work with this look. As for the bag, your best bet is a slouchy tote to take you from beach to cocktails

My Picks
 • Alice by Temperley Long Cali Maxi Dress - $575 - Skip the wedges for this one - flats work best.
 • Calypso Button-Down Tunic - $350
 • Milly Cotton/Lace Tunic - $265 - No need to add too many accessories - the pattern has a subtle allure that speak for itself.
 • Calypso Tawny Dress - $165

I also love the way Stella McCartney did it this season - Silk Faux-Pearl Tank Dress $1,065 - tres chic.

Lastly, be sure to invest in a white cocktail dress this season. It can be worn with nude, printed, or solid colored shoes (depending on your mood and the occasion). Gold jewelry always shines against white and will enhance your summer faux-glow, but feel free to add some colorful pieces if you prefer.

My Picks
 • Michael Kors Cutout Dress from Spring/Summer 2010 Collection
 • Ashish Knot-Back Sequin Mini Dress - $1,145
 • 3.1 Philip Lim Cotton Blend Pencil Dress - $575

We've covered the L.W.D., so now I'll give you my pick for a L.W.B (little white bikini) and everything in between:

Stella McCartney Silk Faux-Peal Tank Dress. (net-a-porter.com)

Blazer: (trend alert - ditch the cover-up and try a white blazer over your bikini)
 • Smythe Bellows Linen Blazer - $735
 • Bop Basics The Fiance Blazer - $189

Shirts
 • Alexander Wang Burnout Cable-Knit Tank - $345
 • Calypso Sequined Tank - $225
 • Carven Cotton-Jersey Cropped Tank - $100
 • J-Crew Oversized Cotton Button-Down Shirt - $65

Pants
 • 7 For All Mankind Roxanne Low-Rise Crystal-Studded Jeans - $200
 • 7 For All Mankind Ricky Low-Rise Boyfriend-Fit Jeans - $190
 • J Brand Mid-Rise Bootcut Jeans - $165
 • Citizens of Humanity Amber Mid-Rise Bootcut Jeans - $150

Shorts
 • Current/Elliot The Boyfriend Shorts - $145

Lingerie
 • La Perla Seamless Lace Corset - $330
 • Mimi Holliday By Damaris Adorable Underwired Plunge Bra - $90
 • Calvin Klein Perfectly Fit Plunge Bra - $44

Bikini
 • Vix Bia Bikini - $155

Bags
 • Burberry Oversized Python Tote - $4,000
 • Jimmy Choo Odette M Leather Tote - $1,895
 • Miu Miu Croc-Print Leather Clutch - $475

Other Accessories
 • Eugenia Kim Liliana Rosette Hairband - $265
 • Michael Kors Chronograph Watch - $195