Manners Monday - Seeing White - "Why It's Particularly Appealing Now"

After a weeklong of seeing white featured on the red carpet, as well as adorned on the bodices of women and men strutting the streets and beaches of sunny California, you might think the color was experiencing its last hurrah. At the VMA’s, it displayed its daring on musical artists ranging from Jordin Sparks and Jason Derulo to Nicki Minaj and Usher who flaunted various looks. It revealed its versatility at the Emmy’s with a string of actresses including Sofia Vergara, Robin Wright, Kristen Wiig, Anna Chlumsky and Laverne Cox who all jumped on the white bandwagon  looking absolutely fabulous. And when it comes down to a clean fresh look, you’d be hard-pressed to find anything that beats a spotless pair of white jeans, a sleek white pump, a crisp white button down or a tailored white tuxedo regardless of the season.  No longer chained by the stringent rules of summertime, this color on the spectrum has finally cut loose and is primed and ready to head full throttle into fall.

Historically, there were a number of reasons behind the notion of no white after Labor Day. For example, in the early 1900’s before the invention of air conditioning, white clothing was cooler and certainly more convenient for the hot summer months.  During the summer, white garments were frequently regarded as a look of leisure.  Once fall arrived, it was time to put away the summer whites and don more traditional formal work clothes. It was also a practical remedy for the approaching rainy season, especially in cities like Chicago and New York.  Years later, the fashion industry embraced the color white with open arms and has draped various shades of white on models and celebrities alike.

But why is the color white so particularly appealing now?  Perhaps in an age of oversharing, overindulgence and overloading, white symbolizes all things simple and pure.  In a complicated world where we are inundated and bombarded with endless information, it reminds us to return to a time of innocence and getting down to the very basics. During a precarious time in our history where war is prevalent, it provides us with a feeling of freedom, of lightness, of striving for perfection amidst all of the chaos.  So don’t let your white frocks slip away with summertime, here’s a few tips on how to rock white well into fall and beyond.

Daily Uniform.  You will always be fashion forward wearing a well-pressed white button down blouse or dress shirt.  Paired with anything from dark denim jeans to an embroidered ball gown skirt (think Carolina Herrera), it is perpetually fresh and stunning.

Wardrobe Staple.  A white blazer or coat is an impeccable addition to any outfit.  It lightens up your mood along with your style and becomes a people magnet as others are drawn to the brightness.

Night on the Town.  Rather than the usual LBD, choose a white sleeveless dress in a winter fabric or a sleek white pant suit that moves as gracefully as you do. These are gorgeous looks that are guaranteed to turn heads.

Don’t Be Afraid to Accessorize.  Captivated by a pair of white leather booties? Have your heart set on a white suede clutch? Going crazy for that white cashmere scarf?  Don’t let the fear of stains stop you.  These may not be everyday pieces, but they are treasures to break out for a night out with adults.

Keep it Spotless.  If you decide to don your white wears, be prepared to combat stains head on. Have a small package of baby wipes handy for accidents. The alcohol in the wipes will take out even the most stubborn of stains whether they be from red ketchup or red wine.