Trend alert: The complete white on white look!
updated the 7 October 2015 à 00:04
Want to wear this winter’s ‘total white look’? You might need these tips to avoid a faux pas on this hard-to-pull off hot trend.
“Chic”, “refined”, “elegant” are just a few words we use to describe this colour, which can also be described as ‘a lack of’ colour. Jane Austen once said, “a woman can never be too fine while she is all in white.” This is certainly true for the delicate English cotton that adorned her heroines in spring but what about today’s times and especially white in winter?
This season, white is everywhere on the catwalks, and especially as a full white look, more precisely it was white and ecru. White has been a resounding success among both designers and fashionistas. We understand our irrepressible cravings for white dresses in the summer, but why has that trend latched over onto winter?
First, white has a way of evoking brightness, especially when worn from head to toe. It gives a much-needed breath of fresh air amidst the tide of black coats and gray skies of winter. Then, the colour white exudes a certain softness. It is exceptionally hard to resist the appeal of a sweater knit and soft ecru, so reminiscent of a soft blanket. The softness is further reinforced by the cocoon of winter materials, namely wool, mesh or terry angora.
White also gives an air of elegance with its refined and fragile side, perhaps because white is difficult to maintain or well keep clean. In short, we are completely armed to fight against the sad and dreary winter as long as we don a total white look. White is gorgeous but in real life, there is the risk of getting it dirty or messy. Hence, we recommend keeping a beautiful cream or white coat for special occasions only.
Nonetheless, the desire to own a white coat is far greater and we it completely fine to splurge on a white coat, as long as it is offered at a reasonable price. That way, you would have lesser qualms about wearing it out everyday.
Remember to choose materials that are easy to maintain: cotton twill instead of corduroy for pants, poplin instead of silk for a blouse. Avoid dark scarves because throughout the day, you may run the risk of the colour fraying onto the white apparel and lastly think of using anti-stain patches to protect your white blouses.
On the runways, white was worn as a full look right down to accessories. You can however also create a contrast with shoes and bags such as the gray-green boots that fit so well with the raw look of Celine. We also like the idea of flat black boots to complete a white top and skirt combination. You can choose among one bright colourful accessory, glasses or even a collar, which will aim to immediately create a unique touch. Finally, always keep a light hand on lace.
Cécile Baraize
