Summer Whites

There is nothing I like more in the summer time than summer whites! Whether head to toe or one main piece nothing looks more crisp and cool against a summer background.

Keep your summer whites light and airy with fabric and texture, cotton, linen, and crochet are definite must haves.  Also don't be afraid to blend bright whites and off-whites together, because they're in the same color family it still works and creates subtle contrast in your look!

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

So it may not be Memorial Day yet, but for all of those who think you can't wear white before, cast your fashion faux pas fears aside! It may not feel right to wear all white just yet, but that doesn't mean you can't start working this silent yet stately shade (or lack there of) into your style.

The Cure: Half & Half

Nothing is more clean and crisp than pairing whites with dark denim.  Make your whites stand out with texture and pattern.  This crochet blouse under a cropped leather jacket says you're ready for the spring white out to begin, but are still a rooted in reality when it comes to the constant teetering temperature.  Balanced on top of dark denim, a neutral wedge, and white accessories you have an ensemble that is pure and polished.

Side Effects: Watch your coffee when you wear whites, wouldn't want to stain those pearly pieces.

WhiteOut

It's time to move on from the heavy winter white wardrobe and into something lighter and more pure.  Pieces with flow and texture and materials like lace and chiffon bring new life to a trend that is changing with the temperature.  According to this month's InStyle,

"Designers had such a passion for purity that many began their runway shows with outfits that looked crafted from clouds.  Dolce & Gabbana used white almost exclusively, concluding their presentation with a striking lingerie-clad army of models.  No matter the silhouette--peasant blouse, Edwardian cutaway, classic blazer, or minimalist gown--white was a fresh choice."

Photos from InStyle Magazine, February 2011

Chunky cable knits must be packed away to make way for light and airy whites.  Add texture by "combining chiffon with poplin or layering lace over cotton". Incorporate sleek accessories and go for a metallic on foot to avoid weighing anything down.  Let your whites waft in the wind.

What's black and white and red all over?

Your first answer might be a newspaper, but what I'm really talking about is a popular and classic color combo that has been making it's presence known this season.  Playing with red can be like playing with fire, so pairing it with basics like black and white takes the guess work out of it.  Mix and match tops and bottoms for balance or go with one statement red piece and keep the others basic.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Mother Nature shouldn't be the only one sporting snowy white this season, the oft after Memorial Day shade is wearable now too! Lucky magazine suggests choosing soft and relaxed shapes, adding shots of camel and heather, and mixing and matching textures like silk and faux fur.

Neutrals, metallics, and chocolate brown hues to warm your toes help create depth and don't be afraid to mix white and off white shades together.  Look cool and collected wearing winter white all the while staying warm and cozy!