How to wear head to toe white during the summer in the big city

Confused about wearing all white during the summer in the city? You’re not alone.  Here’s the question on that subject:

Ok, Michelle, I’ll bite. This has nothing to do with your topic, but today is the summer solstice. I want to know how I can wear all white for the summer and not look like I’m attending an ashram or looking out of place when I work in a big city.

Thanks,

Lisa

Great question, Lisa! I know this is late but since the weather is finally  feeling like summer in the Bay Area,  you still have a few more months to jump in on the all white look. 

When picking an all white outfit to wear in the city, your fabric choices, silhouettes, and how you combine them will make all the difference in the world. When it comes to dressing for the city, San Francisco and most others, wearing head to toe white is the ultimate in chicness and sophistication. 

Here are my top 3 suggestions of what not to wear to avoid  looking out of place:

1. Don’t wear an entire outfit of pieces that are too oversized, sheer,  and unstructured. Save your head to toe sheer cotton floaty voile for the ashram, and your linen drawstring pants and unstructured matching jacket over loose linen Tee for when you’re vacationing somewhere tropical. 
   • Do choose pieces for an outfit that are mostly structured. City attire is all about structure especially when it comes to wearing all white. Pair a fitted linen-like white pant or skirt suit with a short sleeve silk jersey Tee. Or a cotton pencil skirt with a summer weight cashmere draped cardigan over a fitted sleeveless cotton voile button-up collared tank. Even a full skirt with a fitted jacket would work. If you want to wear something sheer keep it to one piece such as a blouse or a  summer scarf. 
2. Don’t pair a head to toe white outfit with too many red or navy accessories with gold accents. You’ll look like you just stepped off the boat – The Love Boat, that is. Don’t get me wrong, I love me a sailor girl look but not for the city. And definitely don’t wear white pumps unless you’re living in a city like LA or Florida, and even then, I’m personally not a big fan of them. 
   • Do wear neutral accessories: A skin tone neutral, tan, or snakeskin pump or sandal + belt if needed. (If you must wear a white shoe, go for a chunky platform) A matching handbag works if you’re the kind of girl who like to do “matchy matchy.” If not, go for a handbag that is a pop of color or a combination of a few different neutrals such as camel/white or camel/grey, or navy/grey/white. 
3. Don’t worry about matching  your whites. If they match, that’s fine but don’t go crazy trying to match them; you’ll only frustrate yourself. 
   • Do wear different tones of white from pure white, to off white, to warm whites and grey whites all in the same outfit. If each piece you wear is a different weight or texture, even better. The different colors, weights and textures will create surface interest in your outfit. Plus you’ll look super chic. 

That’s my two on wearing all white for a summer look in the city. Oh and PS: In case you’re wondering, yes, you can wear white after Labor Day.

*****

Now, it’s your turn. I’d love to hear from you.  Your insights and inspiration are appreciated so please share your stories in the comments below.

If you have a question also post it in the comment section below.  I check it daily. Since the topic is always about fashion or style no question that you ask will be “off Topic.” 

That means as far as I’m concerned, when you ask a question that is the topic. Everyone else who’s reading it can follow up on my answer. There will be no questions that you ask that will be too far off topic because your question will be the current topic. So…ask away!

Oh…and your email address is not “required” even though it says so. 🙂 Don’t even ask.

Blog me.

Love,

~Michelle