White: timeless, chic and beautiful. It’s one of fashion’s favourite shades. From classic, crisp white women’s blouses, to box-fresh trainers, to a long luxe gown, there’s something bewitching in white for every occasion.
How do you feel about white right now? Is it a colour that draws you in every time or one that you tend to avoid? White pieces look incredible, but they have a tendency to make some of us nervous.
Do you wonder, when can I wear white? Does it suit me? What should I wear under it? Here are the answers to all your white-related questions. Read to the end and you’ll know exactly how to confidently shop, wear and care for white pieces that will look amazing every time.
Can Anyone Wear White?
Definitely. White is an incredibly versatile colour and suits every mood and personality. Feeling bold? Then maximising the white in your outfit, maybe even going top to toe, is a confident yet highly elegant choice. White has the benefit of being bright but never abrasive.
White can be subtle and more demure, too. A white top or blouse is beautifully understated.
Also, it can be a blank canvas for accessories or other colours, which means you can express whatever you feel.
Can I Look Good in White?
Yes! White is a very flattering colour. Wear a white top and it subtly illuminates the face by reflecting light upwards.
White is perfect for highlighting sun-kissed skin, although it looks great on all skin tones, no matter how old you are. You can wear full makeup or barely any; the choice is yours because white enhances your skin and won’t make you look washed out.
It also looks light and fresh, never heavy or drab whether you wear it on top or bottom, or all over. White can brighten up or lift any outfit.
Can I Wear White All Year Round?
White works all year round. It’s cool and bright and perfect for coping with the heat of summer while still looking chic.
In the cooler months, white can add accents to outfits. A white shirt or blouse for the office instantly makes an outfit look smarter. White trainers add a nod to urban street style for casual weekend outfits.
What Occasions Is White Suited To?
White is the most versatile of colours. It can look understated and demure, or bright and bold. It’s all about texture with white.
Think soft linen and lace for a relaxed beach vibe, or white leather jackets or trench coats for an edgy urban look. Soft and sleek silk can be dressed up for evening or dressed down for the most luxurious lounge or travel wear. Tailored pieces in white are also a glamorous office look. White really is suited to every occasion.
What Colours Should I Match With White?
Any! Go for a bold monochrome look, or match with another timeless shade like navy or grey for a chic outfit. These, along with pastel shades, look very elegant with white.
Pops of the brightest colours also look mesmerising with white. Why not add a flash of bright pink, scarlet or the most vibrant yellow? If you want to make sure the white is still the star of the show, you could add colour to your look using makeup, scarves and accessories, or shoes.
Can I Wear White From Top to Toe?
Definitely. Wearing all white can look ultra-modern and certainly not bridal. Why not try a white trouser suit that is tailored and elegant? Or an all-white loungewear ensemble for travelling? Just pair with neutral accessories to make sure the white does all the talking.
How Can I Keep My White Pieces Looking Great?
This is something that makes people a little nervous. White is obviously a little more vulnerable to stains than other shades. But with care and diligence, you can keep your white pieces looking as good as they did the day you bought them.
With any white garment, it is essential to follow the washing instructions found on the garment’s label. Don’t be tempted to wash it hotter than recommended as this will shorten the lifespan of the garment and it may become shrunken or misshapen.
Always separate white garments from colours to avoid discolouration and invest in a gentle stain remover in case of emergency. Sunlight has a bleaching effect which may help remove minor marks, but beware of leaving your garment in strong light for a moment too long as this will age the fabric.
Makeup and lotions, especially sunscreen, are white’s worst enemy. To avoid mishaps, allow lotions to dry before you dress and apply your makeup after to avoid smears.
Do I Need to Invest in Good Quality Pieces or Will Fast Fashion Do?
White is definitely a colour you should only purchase in the best quality possible. White pieces need to be well-fitting and made from excellent fabrics. This is because cheaper fabrics can become very transparent in bright light or if wet.
Good designers are aware of the potential issues with white garments, so take every step to choose fabrics that are suited to the type of garment and the occasion it might be worn for. They may also add lining to thinner fabrics.
Regardless of colour, well-made garments always look and hold their shape better. By investing in a piece made by an experienced atelier, you will benefit with a garment that you can wear forever.
What Should I Wear Under White?
Avoid wearing strong colours under white garments. These nearly always show through and will detract from the outfit. Instead, choose nude colours or white as the second choice. Nude tones that match your skin tone will magically vanish underneath your outfit.
Any Final Tips?
White is a classic option, but for the most contemporary looks, go to designers that combine excellent tailoring with interesting, luxurious fabrics, like the softest white nappa leather, for example.
Why not look at this season’s catwalks for inspiration and pick out some styles that you love?
AUTHOR BIO
Kristina Fidelskaya is committed to providing an elegant and feminine wardrobe to modern women with real lives and real needs. Timeless collections based around impeccable materials and craftsmanship, each piece is unique, tells a story, and stays with you for a lifetime. Fusing traditional tailoring with modern, contemporary designs, Kristina Fidelskaya creates luxurious understated products.
