Winter whites. The simple way to brighten up your True Fashionista wardrobe, and possibly your outlook, when its cold and dreary outside. And in warmer climates like here in Naples, Florida where we may or may not dip down to 70 degrees, it’s another reason to enjoy a tailored shirt and linens. However, fashion is fashion, and rules still apply regardless of the region where you winter.
Just because we’re talking white, please don’t automatically picture stark white, the given shade of summer. Bridgette Raes, one of the most seasoned personal stylists in the country with a career in fashion of over 25 years, shares that the actual color of winter white is more of an ivory or slightly greyed out white, and can be found typically in wool, flannel, heavy tweeds, cashmere and thicker fabrics. Tailored pieces like pants, skirts and dresses work well. Tuck away that white sundress for warmer climates or times of the year. A white or cream turtleneck is always a winter go-to.
Winter white works in outfits where other colors bounce seamlessly off it, like in an outfit suggested by Bridgette featuring slightly cropped white wool pants from Reiss, a grey J. Crew sleeveless cashmere shell, and black jacket from Alice + Olivia. The outfit can finished off by your favorite brown peep-toed booties and accessories like a Stella & Dot necklace, gold art deco bracelet from Ann Taylor and simple gold pyramid stud earrings found at Nordstrom. Whowhatwear says this season its all about the statement coat, and nothing says it like a white faux fur by Clairene Jackson, balanced off by iridescent sneakers.
There are absolutely some winter white staples you should keep around, a subject important enough to warrant a segment on the Today Show. White skinny jeans are a must, provided that you find the right cut and fabric. In the segment, style expert Denise Caldwell recommends a mid-rise pair in a stretchy polyester or spandex blend to appear smooth, not sheer. A slimming pencil skirt in a study, yet stretchy fabric will accentuate your curves. Pair it with a blouse in pastel or grey and belt the skirt to create a nice waistline, and winter whites are yours! Caldwell offers a couple more tips to complete the look: belt the skirt to create a nice waistline and pair it with a pastel-colored or gray blouse. Perfection!
In warmer climates, the white shift dress is a winner. Pair it with a a classy piece of outerwear in a style to create a sleep silhouette. For your extended winter warm climate stay, try cropped capri pants; just make sure they hit the middle of your shins. Mix with taupes, grays and beiges for a fun, nautical look. Babble recommends the booties with a utility jacket and fun scarf to dress up and “winterize” your lightweight white dress. Another outfit they suggest around your white dress are burgundy tights, leather jacket and red lipstick. Black pumps finish off this look stupendously. An oversized cardigan works well here too.
From up yonder in Canada, where winter is much more a state of mind, come suggestions courtesy of CBC’s Life section, such as pairing true white with off-white. Don’t go overboard on the accessories, but that one killer leopard bag will really make this outfit pop. Straight up pairing white with its polar opposite black provides a no-brainer contrast. Adding a silk scarf in just the right pattern can tie it all together too.
Whites can definitely hold their own all year long, so be your True Fashionista self even after Labor Day, and show those whites to perfection! Visit True Fashionistas Resale online or in-store for a constantly-updated selection of whites for all year and all climates.
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