Wednesday, July 19, 2017

How to Wear White

Summer is the best -- and some would say only -- time to wear white. While white is definitely a lighter, cooler color to wear in searing summer temperatures, white clothing does have a few drawbacks.

Here are a few tips for how to wear white:

Find a Cut That Accentuates the Positive

There is no slimming effect when it comes to white clothing. In fact, white can actually make you look wider. White tops will work well if you have a small chest and want to make it look larger, but most women won't want anything on their bottom half looking too big. The best option is to find a cut that can mask your flaws; for example, a fit and flare silhouette will downplay larger hips.

Beware the Spill

I am something of a klutz, so I try to stay away from white dresses for fear of destroying them with coffee, iced tea, or any number of things. On days when you wear white, just try to stay extra cognizant of what (and how) you're eating and drinking, brushing past, etc. A small stain can make all the difference and disrupt your all-white effect.

Effectively Use Accessories

If you want to draw the eye away from anything on your body, using colorful accessories -- bright shoes, bag, earrings -- is the best way to do that. You can also stick to a neutral palette if you want the dress to stand on its own.

Today's Outfit

This dress, to me, is the centerpiece of today's outfit. From designer Alice + Olivia, this white shirtdress is decorated with a confection of small white hearts for a super sweet (and subtle) print. The dress looks completely white in the photo, but there is actually a nude lining underneath that gives it a slight beige tone, which really helps the white hearts stand out. Combined with the collar, it's a very feminine look that still works on any age.


Dress: Alice + Olivia White Heart Shirtdress

You can find the dress at Gilt or Nordstrom Rack in very select sizes only. The dress fits me perfectly at the waist, but gapes a little on the sides and is tight in the bust. It's a very odd fit, so I may need to have it altered. The top just isn't built for women with large chests, so I do find the buttons gaping at times. I've noticed this problem with other Alice + Olivia dresses only when buttons are involved.

Sandals: Jimmy Choo Nude Tallow Sandals

With white, you can really wear anything. I had my choice of shoes today, but decided on nude sandals for two reasons: to help elongate my legs a bit, and to match the nude undertone of the dress. I didn't want to detract from the print with a pair of blinding bright shoes in a red or blue, for example. Hopefully, the look works!