Shine Your White

Tuesday, May 3, 2011






Top - Banana Republic  /  Jeans - Express  /   Earrings, Ring, Sunnies - H&M  
 Shoes - BCBG  /  Belt - Borrowed from Husband 


The sun came out this weekend and it was absolutely thrilling. (Just in time to participate in the PSS Bloggers Do It Better linkup featuring one of spring's hottest looks - head to toe white.)  Besides the fact that my toes were itching to peek out of my new sandals, (DSW clearance rocks!) the weather was still a bit chilly at times and I didn't feel quite ready to full on white out just yet. Opting for peanut butter brown accessories grounded the bright white.  And you know how bad I wanted feathers...so far I'm content with these pop of peach earrings that, combined with platforms, feel very hippie glam.

White is chicer than ever. Worn crisp and cool in the form of a white suit or crinkly and comfy in a linen pant version, this trend is truly timeless.
Do White Right:

  • When considering undergarments, nude is a better choice than white or cream. And did you know light gray can work just as well? It creates a shadow effect, nearly disappearing below the surface. A good rule of thumb about visibility - if you think we can see it, we can probably see it ;)
  • The fewer seams underneath, the better. This goes for VPL, bra straps and/or cami's. White reflects light and any bump, groove or lump is only intensified. That being said, some white's are purposely thin or sheer (like my top above) so a visible tank is expected. However, more substantial fabrics (like my denim) calls for coverage...a polka dot thong would be unsightly. 
  • To avoid the Michelin man look, find ways to add depth or dimension with accessories like long necklaces, a belt or additional layers to break up the monotony. 
  • White (and it's many versions) is extremely versatile. It's accented well with warm or cool tones, looks fabulous head to toe or in pieces. 

Here are a few of my favorite white combos.



Finding the Right White:

Skins tones are like snowflakes, no two are exactly alike. Hair color (natural or otherwise), eye color, even the brightness of your teeth affect the overall way color can enhance or diminish your appearance. Finding the right white can be as simple as asking yourself a few questions:

             What's my skin tone? Are my undertones blue-ish, pinkish, or am I more olive or yellow? 
           What colors am I wearing when I receive compliments? Are they in the warm or cool family? 



There's the scoop. Go forth and rock the whites! Still want more? Check out my Winter White Out.

How do you wear your whites?? Comment, Tweet me or join the chat on Facebook!





36 comments:

  1. Is that Chicago in the background? Nice! I loved this post. I always have a hard time wearing white because I am so pale but this made me reconsider my wardrobe!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Loving your take on the White Out assignment! You look adorable! :)
    xo Lynzy
    http://sparklingfootsteps.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. So many great tips! You convinced me that maybe even I can dabble in white.

    xoxo ~ Courtney
    http://sartorialsidelines.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. White as much as possible! But only after Memorial Day for my favorite white jeans and white dresses!

    How tall are you? You look gorgeous, per usual.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Gorgeous! I'm enjoying your blog, and I see we have kitty twins. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Johanna - yes, it's Chicago by a wall in our condo courtyard. The lack of greenery is really wearing on me!

    Amanda, thank you! I'm about 5'7" and I love a 4" platform ;)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh how I wish I could wear white. I'm just a teensy bit too messy and clumsy though!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love your earrings paired with your white on white! I love it! Found you through my PSS submission! Did you see my look?
    xo your newest follower,
    http://www.justdandy.org

    ReplyDelete
  9. Fabulous post! Goodness you look amazing and I love how thorough and detailed you are with everything. FABULOUS!

    ReplyDelete
  10. LOVE you in your whites, and your perfect advice on how to! I'm a sucker for tennis whites-I wear them like real clothes!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Gorgeous outfit!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Love this post! Your white outfit is so fun! love the orange feather earrings.

    Shasie
    Live Life in Style

    ReplyDelete
  13. Great Post!!! Love your outfit and the earring are gorgeous! :)

    ♡ from © tanvii.com
    Apothica Giveaway

    ReplyDelete
  14. Love this girl...you are seriously working that white and have paired it perfectly with the brown accents! xo

    ReplyDelete
  15. love the pop of color from the earrings!

    xx
    www.westmountfashionista.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wow! Great content ;) No, really, all joking aside, you have some great tips. I think I like your style :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Looks great! I'm moving up to Chicago this weekend :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Love it! You look gorgeous :) I'm so happy with this challenge; it was fun to participate and SO fun to look through everyone's awesome outfits!:)
    I think your tips were right on!

    Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting on my blog!So happy to have found yours;
    your newest follower

    ReplyDelete
  19. lol. the michelin man. hahahaha. this is SUCH a great breakdown of the color white--girllllll you should be a painter :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. great outfit! the earrings a belt are perfect compliments!

    ReplyDelete
  21. i LOVE the tips you gave! very much appreciated :)thank you!!!
    http://www.lovemins.com
    xoxo, Saskia

    ReplyDelete
  22. Great look! I love it with those earrings.. and the whit color combo options are so convenient! Thanks for posting, come by and see my whiteout!

    xx Kara
    Sprinkles in Springs

    ReplyDelete
  23. just the post i needed! i need some white pants! super cute blog and lovely post! make sure to follow me and checkout what im wearing for wardrobe wednesday tomorrow!
    xoxo

    kelseyannesmith.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Model Perfect! Very very nice!

    Would love it, if you would stop by and see how a 45+ year old handles “White Out”—you might get a good chuckle anyway! See you there! http://stillblondeafteralltheseyears.com/2011/05/white-out-change-it-up-outfits-modeled-by-women-over-45/
    The Chief Blonde

    ReplyDelete
  25. I didn't know about your blog! Would love it if you made it to the next event. Email me your info -- danielle.moss@gmail.com

    Would love it if you could come to the event in June!

    D

    ReplyDelete
  26. I love this post! I am obsessed with white and have way too much of it in my closet but it's such a fresh color to pair with anything! great advice and great outfit :)

    xo
    http://littlelivingthings.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  27. You look great, and your shoes are amazing!!
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  28. what a great guide to wearing white! never tried light grey under my whites, but def agree that nude works best. also love the palettes you chose! def linking to this post on friday :)

    xo.ashley

    ReplyDelete
  29. I love your white look and tips. The brown accessories really make the white pop, and the orange feather earrings make it so fun!

    ReplyDelete
  30. great look! white looks really good on you! i also love white with champagne and i also like it with deep blue!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Love your White Out look! You accessorized it perfectly. And thanks for the tips!

    Here's my white out look if you want to check it out! http://prettyshinysparkly.com/bloggers-do-it-better-white-out/

    ReplyDelete
  32. You are so right, white is a chic colour to wear. Plus your outfit shows how wear it perfectly

    ReplyDelete
  33. I love your white-out look, you look so crisp and put together! I think it was a great idea to balance it with neutral accessories and I love the pop of color with your earrings =)

    star-crossed smile

    ReplyDelete
  34. i love an all white outfit! adorable :)

    ReplyDelete
  35. Loving this post - so chic!:D

    ***** Marie *****
    allthingsmarie.com

    ReplyDelete

You want to leave a comment? How very sweet of you!