Style Lab: How to Wear White on White

Image: Jerimee Richir

 

From the runway to the red carpet, Hollywood’s hottest are all decked out in white. But how do you rock the trend without mimicking Madonna’s 1984 appearance at the MTV Video Awards?

 

It all began when Dolce & Gabbana showed their Spring/Summer 2011 collection—a montage of white lace in shapes ranging from cropped baby doll dresses to demure, Victorian PJs.

 

Then, in May, Uma Thurman stole the style spotlight at Cannes in an ivory Versace gown and Rachel McAdams, also in all-white, ranked a close second. Meanwhile at the Billboard Music Awards Rihanna made headlines by appearing in a white Max Azria suit—a sartorial maneuver Halle Berry and Mila Kunis have both recently attempted.

 

Head-to-toe white is obviously here to stay for summer. But if you’re not strutting on a shaggy red rug, stage, or runway, how do you rock the trend without looking like a 1980s Madonna?

 

My first tip is: never wear white lace mitts. Ever.

 

Click through the images to see more of the look and where to buy in Vancouver.

 

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Image: H&M

 

Monochrome color works well with intricate textures and detail. I like the high neck on this cream tank-blouse and with snowy lace inlays. H&M tank, $49.95.

 

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Image: Joe Fresh

 

Every girl needs pleats in her Spring/Summer wardrobe. Here’s a bargain on a pleated day dress from Joe Fresh. Joe Fresh white pleated dress, $69. When it comes to pleated skirts, go long with Aritzia’s T. Babaton Taylor long skirt in whitecap, $135.

 

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Image: Gap

 

Remember, white-on-white includes the full spectrum of white tones. Mix basic white with ivory, fair peach, frosty grey, super pale denim and more. Gap sheer pocket blouse, $59.95 and 1969 cropped kicked flare, $69.95.

 

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Image: Aritzia

 

White tailoring doesn’t have to mean sharp lines. Try tapered, slouchy trousers or shorts on the bottom. If you’re not feeling the full blazer, opt for a tailored vest. Aritzia A Moveable Feast Commodore pant, $155. For shorts, Aritzia Wilfred Free Maxime shorts, $95.

 

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Image: Banana Republic

 

Banana Republic’s white maxi dress is grown-up eyelets at their best. Banana Republic Eyelet maxi dress, $150.

 

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Image: H&M

 

Monochrome color also allows you to test those experimental new silhouettes you’ve had your eye on. Palazzo pants are the rage this summer, paired with a cropped top. H&M pleated palazzo pants, $34.95.

 

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Image: Aritzia

 

Lace detailing is sweet, but if you’re going to get one all-lace piece, go with the lace dress. Make sure it’s lined like this Battenburg lace dress from Aritzia, in order to avoid the “Like a Virgin” look. Aritzia, Le Fou by Wilfred Verite dress in birch, $295. If this breaks your summer budget check out this similar $79 steal.

 

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Image: H&M

 

The perfect white blazer is a super useful styling piece. I like this budget-friendly, eco-friendly option from H&M’s Conscious Collection. H&M Conscious Collection Tencel Blazer, $59.95.