Summer Whites

If summer was a color, it’d be white — crisp, clean and cool white. It dominates street style from Memorial Day to Labor Day and is most everyone’s favorite off-duty color in summertime. From the deck to dinner, white also transitions from day to night and casual to dressy with an unmatched ease and sophistication — until it doesn’t. A lot can go wrong with white, in fact, so if it’s one of your go-to hues this season be aware of these white “don’ts” and try your best to avoid them:

1. Transparency
   White is notorious for being see-through, which isn’t a good look for anyone. Steer clear of thin, transparent gauze, linens and cottons and find higher quality summer staples with more weight instead. And for undergarments, wear nude only — never white — to ensure your unmentionables stay unmentioned.

2. Shade
   Like all other colors, white comes in a range of shades. While optic white seems to be the most popular go-to shade, it actually looks good on very few people. Instead try soft white for the most flattering hue. It’s lower contrast, less harsh and harmonizes with the whites of our eyes and teeth which will get you noticed over your clothes.

3. Make-up
   More than clothing, summer whites represent a lifestyle that’s easy, breezy and simple. That’s why a fresh face and summer whites go hand-in-hand, so avoid heavy make-up when wearing white. It will look out of place, overdone and unsophisticated, which is overboard.

4. Accessories
   White is beloved for its simplicity, which can also skew blah. Think of your summer whites as a blank canvas for accessories that add color, flair and fun. Think metallics in statement jewelry, sandals or a tote bag, or consider ballerina flats, a belt or a crossbody bag in a pop of color, print or pattern.

5. Wear. Replace. Repeat.
   Unfortunately summer whites have a short shelf life before they start looking tired, soiled and discolored. Keep the look fresh by replacing your summer whites regularly, even as often as every summer. When you freshen up the rotation, you freshen up your look which makes it worth the investment.

See BestLifeOnline.com press feature here.