White is a warm-weather must, so designer Shana Morland shows you how to rock it all summer long.
1 Wear the right lingerie
The first rule when wearing white is to pair it with seamless, nude lingerie, rather than white, which shows through. Unless you’re making a retro statement with a vintage-style bra and boy shorts, dark lingerie can look trashy under pale colours. And no obvious bra straps or visible panty lines, please!
2 Mix up your textures
White is a go-to summer hue, but wearing it top to toe can feel a bit bridal. The easiest way to avoid this? Combine different textures and fabrics, like lace, cotton, chiffon and silk. Want a fitted look? Pair a white lace pencil skirt with a knitted crop top or a cotton or velvet bodysuit. If you prefer something less formal, try a flowing maxi dress paired with flat, jewelled sandals, a tote and Aviator sunglasses.
3 Invest in a tunic
Classic and carefree, a tunic with a high neckline and long sleeves works beautifully over a silk slip dress paired with high-waisted jeans or thrown over a bikini and denim shorts. Look for something with added interest, like floral embroidery, metallic edges or beading.
4 Show off those shoulders
Cream or white cutaway tops and off-the-shoulder dresses have a fun gypsy vibe, and they’re a leading trend this season. Wear the style with espadrilles or low block heels and add a fringed suede bag in black or brown and ornate earrings.
5 Try something different
A white tunic, dress, skirt or top is always a brilliant buy, but for something less obvious, try a pair of lace shorts. I like to wear them with a solid-coloured T-shirt and wedge heels or sneakers.
6 Wear it as an evening alternative
Luxurious fabrics like satin, silk, chiffon and velvet are wonderfully striking in white, and a slip dress or delicate blouse and trouser combination is a chic alternative to the LBD.
7 Add colour
A fabulous neutral always looks sophisticated when paired with accessories in black, tan or nude. But if you’re thinking of introducing some colour into your look, try playful watermelon or baby blue. Thinking of buying white shoes? Consider leather flatforms with soles in a contrasting colour, delicate strappy sandals, fashionable espadrilles or that great classic: white sneakers.
Looking for more great fashion ideas? Check out these 14 wardrobe essentials every woman needs in 2017 and 10 outfit-making jewels under R200.
