How To Make White Look Anything But Bridal

Navy may be the new black according to Christian Dior, but white is the hottest neutral of the new season. This year, it’s not about when you wear white, but how you wear it, and designers have dictated head to toe. Now, a trend like head-to-toe white can seem like a chilling prospect, but worn with care, it offers a softer, more relaxed approach to modern dressing. Although a palette-cleansing, back-to-basics aesthetic, it is, nonetheless, probably the one look of the new season with the most rules. The trick to looking pale and interesting, rather than bland and boring, is to mix tones and textures and opt for a streamlined or sporty silhouette – both feel modern and grown-up and have no Holy Communion or bridal associations. Look to labels such as Daks, Jil Sander and Jacquemus for inspiration. There’s nothing saccharine about these clean-cut shapes and sharp detailing.

Daks SS18

Jil Sander SS18

Jacquemus SS18

Isabel Marant SS18

Layering tones of cream and sugar, biscuit and vanilla will add interest and defnition to your outfit, as will a mix of textures – butter-soft leather with cashmere, velvety silk with earthy linens. Then throw in a couple of spring’s favourite micro-trends (cut-out details, fringing and asymmetric hems) and you’ll be white on for spring.

Shop the look

Cable knit sweater, €79.95; ecru pleated skirt, €39.95 (reduced from €99.95): both at Massimo Dutti

High neck wool jumper, €50 (reduced from €99); wool skirt with folded detail, €50 (reduced from €99); both at Cos

Short sleeve sweatshirt, €9.99 at Zara