Winter white is as beautiful as freshly fallen snow. Yet, unfortunately, just like freshly fallen snow, winter white can also get dingy, dirty and messy. Let’s all agree, wearing winter white comes with its fair share of challenges. However, if you are feeling up for the challenge, I am going to give you my tips on how to wear winter white, as there quite a few differences between winter white and the white you would wear in the summer.
First, some tips on winter white
Color: The color of winter white is rarely stark white. Instead, the shade is more of an ivory or a slightly greyed out white, like ecru. Before you wear your white jeans in January, know that the crisp, clean, bright shade of summer white is not winter white.
Fabrication: Winter white is usually found in fall and winter fabrications, like wool, flannel, heavy tweeds, cashmere and fabrics with more heft. Summer fabrics like linen and lightweight cottons don’t work in the winter unless you live in a warm climate.
Silhouette: Winter white silhouettes are suitable for fall, like tailored pieces, pants, skirts and dresses, whereas that white sundress isn’t. Also keep in mind that crisp white shirts and white t-shirts are year-found styles. They don’t have to be in winter white to work. Typically, winter white applies to hard pieces, or tailored items. Lastly, winter white often comes with the same body challenges that summer white does. If you don’t like white pants in the summer it isn’t likely that you will like them in the winter either.
Keeping winter white clean: It goes without saying that if you are accident prone, avoiding winter white is probably a good idea. It’s not worth the hefty dry cleaning bill just to keep it clean. Winter also tends to be messier than summer, which means that you will probably be navigating messy sidewalks and inclement weather. Even though winter white pants can be really pretty, if you walk a lot watch out for stains on the hems of the pants and consider winter white skirts, dresses and jackets instead. Unlike summer clothing, which most of us don’t invest in as heavily, permanently staining a pair of winter white pants can be devastating. Another good thing to have on hand- a Tide stick.
How to wear winter white
Below are three work outfits using winter whites along with additional tips on how to wear this sophisticated winter fabric.
Outfit #1
These winter white wool/viscose pants from Reiss work well because they are slightly cropped. While you may not wear them in February, they are great for fall. What is also great about the cropped leg is you are less likely to get the hems of the pants dirty. Another important tip for wearing winter white is to anchor the color with rich hues, like I am doing here with this J. Crew sleeveless cashmere shell in grey and black jacket from Alice + Olivia. Early fall is also a great time to break out the peep-toe booties, like this burgundy pair from Coach that add a autumnal pop to the outfit. Lastly I used a statement necklace from Stella & Dot, a black and gold art deco bracelet from Anny Taylor and gold pyramid stud earrings from Nordstrom.
Outfit #2
In this next outfit I am using this winter white skirt from J. Crew. Having seen this skirt in person, I will tell you that it is in a wintery thick flannel and nothing about it is summery. Here the anchor color I am using is navy through this top. Next, to add some warmth to the outfit, I added a cognac colored belt, bracelet from Banana Republic, Ann Taylor earrings and scarf. Lastly, a pair of shoes, like this houndstooth fabric pair, makes a great fall/winter look for the office.
Outfit #3
Lastly, this winter white dress from Boden. The tweed fabric is totally seasonal and perfect for fall and winter. In this outfit I am adding brown, including a pair of Ivanka Trump boots, Modcloth belted cardigan and bib necklace in brown and ivory. The boots give this dress a fall/winter feel. The components you wear with winter white, and that they are fall/winter weather appropriate, is also important.
Winter white can be worn past winter
The first spring thaw does not mean you have to pack away winter white. As the season gets warmer again you’ll know when it is the right time to pack these pieces away.
Shop for winter white
Looking to add some winter white to your wardrobe? Check out these additional styles
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