White is a scary color.
White is my favorite color.
If you’re like me, you think twice about wearing white. Thoughts like, “Where will I be going today? Who will I be with? Is it raining? Will I be within 500 feet of children?” and “Is it worth it?!” are frequent and justifiable contemplations.
But, let me tell you something. White is so classy and classic. The whole adage of “black never goes out of style” is also true with white. A pair of white jeans with your favorite blouse whispers sophistication and a simple white tee paired with denim is a go-to no matter your age or the decade!
What’s more, white on white is one of this season’s top trends.
I had the privilege of walking the streets of 5th and Madison Avenue in New York just last week and this trend was confirmed over and over in some of these top designers, swanky window displays.(If you’re not familiar with these streets that are traditionally known for their upscale designer stores, including, Prada, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Tom Ford and home of the original Tiffany’s flagship store… Breakfast at Tiffany’s anyone?!) Not only were the mannequins styled in up-scale signature white pieces, but they were also layered head to toe in neutrals. Whites, off-whites, creams, greys and even the odd blush or light blue layered over each other in a gorgeous combination that screamed “hold the ketchup!”
One of my favorite window and floor displays was Brunello Cucinelli‘s (above & below).
Please promise me you won’t look at the price tags. I’d be homeless (albeit stylish) with the purchase of one coat, BUT these stylings, amongst the plethora of neutral pairings within every other window down Madison Avenue, couldn’t help but inspire a sophisticated and COMFORTABLE outfit that most anyone could afford.
Let me show you how:
Doesn’t this just shout comfy sophistication and SPRING IS HERE?!
The trick here is to pair shades of white and cream. Head to toe in the same tone of white is too stark, in my opinion. By combining several shades of whites (or creams/greys) you create clean lines while still constructing dimension and appeal.
Balancing this with a nude shoe elongates your body and makes the whole outfit look oh-so-sophisticated. (Please don’t pair this with black shoes. It will abruptly break these clean lines, making you look shorter than you actually are.)
Wanting to go a little more casual? The amazing thing about these combinations is that you truly only need to change your SHOE to dress up or dress down the outfit. Look again at the nude flat above. Now try pairing this same combination with my favorite white converse.
Totally different, right? And yet, still so chic. From day to night with a simple shoe change!
See how easy this is? Don’t be scared of head to toe neutrals! You’ll not only be one of the most trendy fashionistas on your street, but you’ll be keeping up with some of the top designers of our time!
I promise.
P.S. I’ve had a lot of you ask where I’ve purchased pieces from previous posts. I’ll try my best to follow each post with a list for you. Although, please remember that building a simple and versatile closet means that a lot of these items I may have had for years, but their versatility has allowed me to carry them from season to season with ease.
Slouchy Cardigan – Garage Clothing
Double-Sided Tank – Express
Destructed Slim White Boyfriend Jeans – Cabi (my Cabi stylist is amazing, if you’re interested, contact her via facebook: Stepping Out in Style)
Nude Flat – Aldo Shoes
White Converse – Converse
Gold Leaf Necklace – lia sophia
STYLISHANDSTRONG 