In an antidote to the season’s neon colors, Spring 2011 also embraces white as the new black. From 70s-inspired white trousersuits and tailored jackets to white tunics and dreamy broiderie Anglais dresses, head-to-toe white has never been so on-trend.
Modern Romance
Dreamy soft whites have a very romantic feel, with peasant tops, floaty dresses in chiffon and broderie Anglais, full skirts with sunray pleats and soft white tunics.
Designers such as Oscar de la Renta, Alexander McQueen, Isabel Marant, Nina Ricci and Dolce and Gabbana, Ralph Lauren and Diana von Furstenberg all added ruffles or ladylike antique lace to their spring 2011 collections.
The 70s Trend
White continues to be a popular theme in this season’s 70s-inspired pieces, with macramé and crochet tops and dresses. Maxi dresses in soft whites and broderie Anglais take on a 70s boho theme.
A tailored white blazer is a forever piece, in sharp cuts and with clean simple lines. Chanel a 70s Bianca Jagger vibe by going white-on-white, with matching fluid wide leg trousers or white flares or a full-on 70s-style white trousersuit. The blazer also forms part of the perennial Riviera trend, a spring fashion favorite, with Breton stripe top and sailor pants.
Futuristic Whites
These stark, futuristic whites can be founding more tailored looks, with their simple clean cuts. From minimalist shift dresses to tailored summer blazers and wide leg pants. Another classic piece is the great white shirt, collars are small and pared down for spring 2011, and shirts come in varying lengths from crops to tunics. Ice white jeans are a summer staple, paired with a great tan. This season sees them updated with trim details on pockets and bell-bottom flares.
Relaxed Luxe
For a relaxed look go for long languid layers, in the guise of fluid palazzo pants and over-sized boyfriend jackets, teamed with a loose top. A figure flattering tip is to cinch in a loose, slouchy jacket with a narrow belt, as seen on the runways of Hermès.
The Little White Dress
Say bye-bye to black and hello to the little white dress. Learn to love the LWD in layered lace or broderie Anglais and toughen it up by paring it with leather or denim.
How to Wear White
- Stark whites look best against bronzed or glowing skin. This is the time to get out the fake tan.
- If head-to-toe white makes you look too washed out then team white with a classic color such as navy for a classy look. White will always look chic against a dark color but also looks expensive set against neutral tones of camel and gray.
- Alternatively, add a pop of bold color with an accessory such as a scarf or shoes, if you feel a single white color block is a step too far.
- Remember what you don’t see is just as important as what you do. Nude color underwear is the best under white, or one of this season’s leotard-like Ballerina bodysuits in a neutral shade.
- White can by tricky to carry off if you are carrying too many extra pounds. Keep the fit flowing and loose rather than clingy and tight.
The white summer blazer is a summer wardrobe must-have, along with a crisp white shirt. Whilst the season’s wide leg pants and flares may turn out to be a one season wonder, tailored pieces such as these will always prove summer staples.
Gill Hart - Gill Hart is a fashion and image professional who specializes in women's fashion over 50.
