Simple, Chic White Outfits for Yom Kippur

Whoever made up the rule about not wearing white after Labor Day was clearly not Jewish.

In the Jewish community, it’s a tradition to don white clothing on the Day of Atonement, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. “White symbolizes purity and harkens back to the biblical High Priest who dressed in white linen on Yom Kippur,” My Jewish Learning explains. “In Judaism, white is also a color which represents death, and by wearing white we are reminded of our mortality, motivating us to repent further.”

And not only is wearing white for Yom Kippur a beautiful tradition, it also has an oh-so-Jewish flair for the dramatic. Nothing hits quite as hard as entering the sanctuary on Yom Kippur morning, ready to confess your transgressions, and being surrounded by a blinding sea of white. There’s just one catch… Finding not just one perfect white outfit but two (one for Kol Nidre, one for day-of services) can be tough.

That’s why Hey Alma’s got your back.

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Below is a curated shopping list of simple, chic white clothing options for Yom Kippur. Whether you’re feeling linen pants or a wrap dress, whether you go to a conservative synagogue or egalitarian minyan, there’s an outfit here for you. (Please note: all shoes on this list are described as having faux leather elements, but I cannot independently verify if they are 100% faux leather.)

Everything we recommend below is independently selected by Hey Alma’s editors. If you buy a product through our links, Hey Alma may earn an affiliate commission, which goes to support our nonprofit media organization.

Women's Bell Elbow Sleeve Mini A-Line Dress (Target)

$18

This dress is basically everything you want for Yom Kippur services: It's a clean look without being too fancy, and seems pretty comfortable. Just consider whether or not the shorter hem works for your synagogue.

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Women's High-Rise Wide Leg Poplin Trousers (Target)

$24

High-waisted pants will always be in fashion, in my humble opinion. Plus, they have pockets!

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Elsa Eyelet Mary Jane Ballet Flats (Target)

$29.75

Who could resist these adorable eyelet cut-out ballet flats?

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Women's Off the Shoulder Midi A-Line Dress (Target)

$30

Is an off-the-shoulder dress appropriate for synagogue? It really depends on your specific shul and relationship with Judaism. If it's not, a cardigan is an easy fix.

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