"Wear to Where" on Greer's OC | Winter White

 

Forget the old adage that you can't wear white after Labor Day and brighten up those classic winter pieces like black, navy and grey clothes you already have hanging in your closet, and consider the chicest color of the season - Winter White.

Here are a list of rules to help you conquer white in the most stylish ways...

1. Dress for the season. I'm not too keen on people showing too much skin in winter or overdoing the layers in summer. If you're going to wear a white dress in winter, pair it with opaque black tights and heels or boots, or a dark cardigan on top, or even leggings underneath. No tank tops or sundresses allowed.

2. Mind your texture. A rich fabric makes all the difference when you're wearing winter white. Cashmere, wool, tweed, cable knit, angora, even denim and corduroy all have a depth of texture that make them total Do's for winter white. They're cozy enough that you'll look pulled together, while light summer fabrics like cotton, linen, or chiffon make you look terribly out of place in the chilly winter months.

3. Go one shade off. Pure white (I'm talking lily, wedding dress, white-out white) is best left to a time when you've got a tan. Choose a color that's slightly off-white, in the cream, ivory, or the ecru family for maximum winter white effect. Still feeling self-conscious in such a light color? Give it some weight with a chocolate brown boot or a dark leather accessory, so people know you're aware of what season it is.

"No white after Labor Day" is about as current a rule as "women have to stay home and take care of the house and children." Things are thankfully a bit more flexible these days, so don't be afraid to have fun with seasonal dressing.