5 Tips for Wearing White
There's something cool and refreshing about white clothing that
makes it chic on even the hottest days. Since it reflects light
and absorbs perspiration, making it less noticeable than other
colors, the wearer looks cool and collected, even when the
temperature soars. Small wonder then that white has been a
long-time favorite of residents of hot, tropical climates.
Now that the Memorial Day holiday has come and gone in the
United States and temperatures are beginning to rise all over
the Northern Hemisphere, it's time to take a quick look at some
basic guidelines for wearing white. While some of the old
"rules" have begun to relax in recent years, there are still a
couple of things to remember when wearing white:
1.Always Wear Flesh-Colored Undergarments
Years ago, the rule was to wear white under white. Not anymore.
Since white bra, panty, and camisole lines tend to show through,
your undergarments will be less obtrusive in flesh tones. Look
for pieces that closely match your natural skin tone to create a
clean, seamless look.
2.Be Careful Where You Put Your White
Since white reflects light and makes anything it's put on look
bigger, don't put it all by itself on your largest body part,
like your chest, hips, or thighs, because it will only make it
look bigger. Instead, opt for white monochromatic (all one
color) ensembles, which elongate, put white on a small body
part, or use white to accentuate a figure asset.
3.Steer Clear of White Hosiery
Unless you're a nurse, a bride, or under age 5, white hosiery
has no place in your wardrobe. Yes, it was popular 20 years ago
thanks to Diana, the late Princess of Wales, because it did for
her what it does for everyone: it "chopped her up" visually and
made her look shorter. Which is fine if you're a tall princess
trying to look shorter than your prince - but not so great if
you're short, medium, or plus size, trying to look taller and
slimmer.
4.Think Twice About Wearing White Shoes
White shoes scream "summer!" and are a popular choice for warm
weather months. But since white shoes make your feet look bigger
and can also visually "chop up" your leg and make you look
shorter, they may not be the best choice for your image goals.
Look for shoe styles that elongate, or steer clear of white
shoes entirely and opt for flesh-colored shoes instead.
5.Don't Wear White to a Wedding
Unless you're the bride or in the bridal party, don't wear
all-white to a wedding. While a white blouse worn under a
different-colored garment is okay (like a pastel suit, for
example) the tradition still holds firm: white is reserved for
the bridal party. Don't try to compete with the bride on her big
day.
Finally, if you don't like the way white looks on you or if
white just "isn't your color," try an off-white shade instead
like ivory, eggshell, or oyster. Pure white looks good on only a
fraction of the population, so don't despair; try another shade
instead.
Wearing white is a great way to look chic, stay cool, and enjoy
the warm weather months. If you employ these tips when you
dress, you can look calm, cool, and collected - even on the
hottest days.