long formal white dress Off with Multi-Way Ties Off White / 18 See long off Abbie White Maxi Formal Dress

The Gingham Dress Faithfull Gingham Cotton Midi Dress Faithfull Gingham Cotton Midi Dress A timeless option made from cotton, you'll reach for this gingham dress day after day

Keep it colorful for something with lots of visual interest

A lovely train and truly unique neckline make this simple satin dress stand out

Michelle Williams at the Oscars, 2006 This Vera Wang gown is technically a rich saffron color, even though it's stored in some people's (read: my) memory as "that gorgeous custom-made yellow gown Michelle Williams wore to the Oscars." It's got the old Hollywood glamour of the ruffles and knotted fabric at the waist, but the distinctly modern touches (the red lipstick, the deep neckline) make it the perfect fusion of traditional and contemporary