You CAN Wear White All Year Long
Once only a summertime staple, white may just be the new black for fall.
At the fall 2005 fashion shows in New York City, many of the most talked about pieces were all one thing: boldly and beautifully white (think Marc Jacobs' multi-textured long, satin-trimmed flannel skirt, Balenciaga's military-inspired coat with sleek gold hardware, or Stella McCartney's voluminous tulip skirt in luxurious satin). For Stephanie Wong, who heads the up-to-the-minute online shopping resource stylemaven.com, the color choice comes as no surprise. "The notion of wearing white only after Memorial Day and before Labor Day doesn't hold true today," says the former fashion designer, whose job it is to find the must-have apparel and accessories of the moment. "Women can wear white any time, all year round, as long as it's occasion and weather appropriate."
Consequently, white is more popular than ever. "It's all over the runways and in magazines," says Angelique Kouris, the Northeast regional coordinator for the ultra-hip Elie Tahari stores. Besides being the color du jour, the neutral hue is ultra-versatile and always gets noticed. Heather Fullmer, who handles web sales for melange4women.com-an amazing online boutique featuring both established and up and coming designers-agrees. "White is always feminine and pure, girly and elegant," says Fullmer. "People are drawn to women who are confident enough to wear white, and women want to incorporate that confidence into their wardrobe."
Luckily, it's easy to do just that. Better yet, some white pieces work year round. "A white t-shirt or tank works all the time," says Jessica Moriber, a New York City-based fashion stylist whose work has appeared in catalogs, magazines and advertising campaigns. "It's a classic, simple look. You can layer it. You can build around it." For instance, pair a form-fitting white tee with dark denim jeans and a knit shrug or a great shrunken velvet blazer. Somewhat surprisingly, white jeans are seasonless, as well. "I love white jeans tucked into boots with a white button-down, blazer and scarf" she says. While not every summer white translates to the next season, some pieces can be tweaked. This fall, Moriber plans on wearing her knicker-length corduroys, which she wore all summer, over a textured tight with a white button-down and hip-slung wide belt.
If you're in doubt, however, check out the weight and texture of the fabric. "That's the most important indication," explains Moriber. For example, a white eyelet sundress doesn't work in the winter, just as a heavy wool trouser is all wrong for summer. The exception to the rule, however, is if you live in a warm weather climate. "In Miami, Los Angeles and Maui, white is a warm weather staple," says Wong. "A beautifully tailored white linen suit can look smart all year round in these tropical climates. It looks cool, clean and crisp."
While wearing white from head to toe can be challenging-"You don't want to look like a doctor," warns Wong-if it's done correctly, the look is subtle yet unforgettable at the same time. "It's all about mixing different tones and textures," says Moriber, who loves an oversized cashmere sweater with white corduroys. "Winter whites have a certain warmth and sophistication, a refined quality. And it's uplifting when everyone around you is wearing the customary all black." You can also add a punch of color with a long wrap (worn as a shawl or scarf), a velvet scarf tied at the waist, or a delicate necklace, like a gold piece tied on a leather strap. "Remember, something simple can be very bold against white," says Moriber. "It definitely won't get lost."
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Jennifer James is a freelance writer for national magazines, newspapers and corporate clients. The former beauty and health director at Teen People, James has written for Shape, Lucky and The Washington Post and has more than five years experience reporting on beauty- and lifestyle-related topics. |
