Yes, you can wear white after Labor Day.  We’ve been over that before!  And no, it doesn’t just have to be “winter white.”  Bright white (with cool or blue undertones) is just as acceptable year round as shades of white with warmer, yellow overtones.  According to Elle magazine, white has been very popular this season.  White is great because it can be either simple or elegant; it’s so versatile!

If you doubt that there can be more than one kind of white, I dare you to find a wedding gown website.  Prepare to be boggled at the possibilities!  If you’re not sure what shade will look best on you, consider your skin tone.  ”Winter” and “summer” skin have cool tones, and look good with cool whites.  ”Autumn” and “spring” look better in warmer whites, like ivory.  The truth is that most people can pull off an ivory wedding gown, but not so many can wear a really a lot of an icy shade of white without looking washed out.  So if you’re really not sure, tend towards the warmer end of the spectrum (or ask a professional makeup artist for help!)

When choosing a white garment or accessory, make sure to match the material to the season.  White linen or cotton will look odd in winter; stick to wool, flannel, velvet, and textured or heavy silk.  White lace looks great under just about anything.  Wearing a lot of white with colorful accessories or a colorful outfit with white accessories will really show off your stuff to the best advantage.  Try a white hat/scarf/gloves set with a bright red or blue coat, or a white coat with dark gray or green accessories.

White draws the eye; it reflects light, so it makes things appear larger.  So if you have wide hips, don’t wear a white belt!  But that doesn’t mean white is only for skinny people; if you’re smart about creating outfits, anyone can rock the white.  Here’s how:

• Wear an all-white garment/outfit (with colored shoes!).
• Use a white accessory or piece of clothing strategically to draw attention to your best features.
• Balance a white item with something equally eye-catching.  If you really love that white sweater, but don’t want to appear top-heavy, pair it with a dramatically colored or printed bottom, or something full/flouncy/pleated or otherwise interesting, so that people have something else to focus on – then they see the whole outfit (and person!) instead of just one spot.  If you’re wearing white on the bottom, you can use exciting accessories around your neck or on your head to draw the eye upwards.

There’s a reason that white hosiery and shoes rarely look good; they visually “chop” you up, making your legs look shorter and your feet look bigger.  When it comes to wearing white on your bottom half, go for it – but unless you’re the bride, stick to a slim, straight cut.

Here are some of my favorite white items for this season; all but the last two can really be worn anytime!

• For those who are blessed with hourglass figures, this wide leather belt is awesome.
• The reverse of a night sky: a white tichel with black stars.
• The elegant white floral headband vs. the fun floral bandana.
• It’s not winter without furry earmuffs and slouchy wool berets.