It’s safe to say that most of us here will *not* be having a white Christmas. But a lack snow isn’t going to stop us from parading in winter’s best shades of ivories and ecrus, right? As easy as it is to recede into dark wool coats and dull coloured separates this time of the year, there’s nothing as refreshing as styling an outfit comprising only of Winter whites. Think of it this way; you’ll be the proverbial light at the end of a tunnel abounding with gloomy ensembles and black party frocks (yawn).
So how do you rock an all-white look without appearing archaic? The key is to anchor your crisp white look with modern cuts and tough-girl shapes like moto jackets, tailored tuxedos, and flattering slim cigarette trousers. Ahead, we show you how to work the all-white look into a number of outfit combinations for the holidays.
JW Anderson oversized shirt, $437.58; Simon Miller bag, $991; Ann Demeulemeester sweater, $444.04; ASOS earrings, $15.09; Off-White boots, $905.40; Rachel Zoe flared pants, $441.64
Add dimension to an all-white look by mixing varying shades of snow white and cream. Don’t be afraid to reach for contrasting textures and pair heavy knitted wools with sharp poplin shirts — the juxtaposition of textures and form will add to your gripping ensemble. Wear an oversized crisp shirt over a pair of slim flare pants (make sure they sit well on your hips, white emphasises everything. We repeat, the fit has to be impeccable.) and pull on a cropped sweater for a toasty night in with the family.
Christmas Eve partying
Zambesi tube dress, $337; Topshop obi belt, $46.90; MM6 Maison Margiela boots, $565.14; Manokhi leather jacket, $1,391; Manu Atelier bag, $581; Carolina Bucci earrings, $1,003.73
Switch up the glam factor in your party look by opting for a textured silk slip dress and pairing em’ with a very 70s’ ankle boot. It’s always a good idea to ‘tough girl’ silhouettes, and there’s no exception when it comes to all-white outfits. Look to white leather jackets and obi belts to give your look some character, and finish off the look with a statement boxy shoulder bag and classy hoop danglies.
Christmas cocktail events
DSquared2 blazer, $2,060; Sies Marjan shoes, $651; Proenza Schouler leather clutch, $867.06; Rouland Mouret jumpsuit, $1,783.03; Kenneth Jay Lane earrings, $19
Keep your white outfit elegant as can be with a pristine tailored jumpsuit, and a single-breasted blazer. Colorless as white may be, opting for a head-to-toe look in it is a fashion statement all on its own, so—when in doubt—keep your look refined and simple in modern cuts that veer towards tuxedo dressing. Throw in a statement bag, like this one with a marbled pebble clutch, and loafer-style heels, and you’re set for the evening.
A “Winter Wonderland’ date
Caroline Constas top, $391; adidas Originals Stan Smith, $75.45; Charlotte Olympia bag, $624; Oscar De La Renta tassel earrings, $465.96; Oscar De La Renta dress, $4,867
The tricky thing with monochromatic outfits is that it can sometimes look like a total Snooze Fest, but the trick in advoiding said territory is to splice up your look with tiny dashes of colours thrown in. Be creative; go for colourful tassel earrings, an interesting clutch (this one’s a bowl of fruit, for heaven’s sake!) and pastel-hued sneakers.
