fashion fro pas: blazing in my winter white

Last Saturday night, I hit the town for a friend’s birthday.  We walk into this swanky Hollywood hot spot where everyone is lounging and sipping on cocktails.  We find our table, and I immediately begin taking off my overcoat. Within a few minutes the spotlight’s on me. Why?  Like a lighthouse shining threw a sea of black and grey,  there I am rocking a white blazer.

I know it’s been months since you packed up your bright whites for muted fall and winter tones. Somewhere in the back of your closet, that white jacket you never wear is still hanging and looking sad. You quickly daydream about all the cool parties you could’ve sported that jacket to. Stop your pouting and pull that white out ASAP. We’re about to debunk an old-fashioned rule.

When I was a kid, I remember my mother telling me I couldn’t wear white after September. I didn’t quite get it, but I followed her advice until I was a teen. One Sunday morning, I decided to wear my milky white kitten heels to church. Those old ladies were quietly having a hissy fit over my fashion misstep. From then on I decided not to be a daredevil and just stick to the law. I realize now that certain guidelines in fashion etiquette are archaic, and rules are meant to be broken.

Even though I do believe you can rock white in the colder months, there are still some things to keep in mind. If at all possible, avoid white pants or skirts; unless you are going for the winter white tuxedo look which is always a do. If you want basic, I like this basic winter white blazer paired with these very affordable winter white pumps if you dare for a clean and pulled together look. Wearing these can still give you a summery feel. What about white shoes? You can still dare to wear them, but try trading them in a light grey or nude heel. Steer clear of white handbags too. Make that white your outfit’s focal point. Frame it with accessories that complement and don’t distract. If white is too bright, why not try ivory or cream. These winter whites are a great alternative. You can actually wear winter white pants and shoes without looking out of season.

Wearing white can easily kick your outfit up a notch. It takes your look from relaxed to polished in just one flick. I love wearing a dark t-shirt or a stripped shirt and black skinnies, and then styling it with an over-sized white blazer finished off with some fun hoop earrings.  Pair that with a bold lip and you’ve got a look that will stop traffic.

Back to the birthday celebrations.  Even though I was initially nervous about my white jacket, people kept coming up to me all night saying how much they loved my outfit.  Win!  So, throw that old fashion rule book out the window. The next time you hit a holiday get-together try making a statement in white.

Are you a white after Labor Day girl? What are your winter white secrets? Do tell!

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Tagged as: labor day, white, winter white