Just Add White
Inspiration for adding white to your fall wardrobe
Before the spring shows begin next week, I reviewed the pre fall and fall shows to see what jumped out and spoke to me as I plan my fall wardrobe. The key word here is plan. When building a seasonal wardrobe it’s important to assess what you have, what you need and how you want to look.Â
As a stylist I hear all too often of clients buying random pieces on impulse that don’t serve them or expand their options. Or they buy the same thing over and over again out of habit. One client had a penchant for colorful blouses amassing a ton of them. When I asked to see her bottoms she had only a handful. My point is it’s important to have balance if you are to achieve a functional wardrobe, and that requires planning.
But what does this have to do with adding white for fall? Everything! Looking back at the pre fall and fall collections I couldn’t help but notice the amount of white shown in many of my favorite collections. The addition of white looked so fresh particularly when paired with black. Going back to my existing wardrobe I realized I didn’t have any white for fall with the exception of a couple off-white sweaters and white jeans, which I wear year round. I don't count white shirts, they’re a seasonless staple, as are white tees. A fluid white woolen pant, a white jacket, a white lace blouse or white silk dress would immediately chart new territory for my fall wardrobe while working off the ton of black I already own.
To illustrate my point I’ve made boards for different ways to inject white into an existing wardrobe. My inspiration comes from major designer collections. When gathering inspiration I always go to the best even if the price is beyond the budget. Thankfully inspiration is free and probably the most important element to developing your personal style.Â
In future posts I’ll share sources for pieces relating to this story. In the meantime I hope you’re inspired to add a bit of white to your own fall wardrobe.
Fluid white pants are at the top of my list for fall purchases. They must be made with a drapey fabric, preferably wool, to get the same effect illustrated here. I want a classic trouser style that spills over the shoe. A black jacket I bought last fall with a black cashmere turtleneck, a staple in my fall wardrobe, and black Celine slingbacks is just one of many striking outfits I could assemble with the addition of this pant. I also love mixing them with neutrals as in the Co and Toteme example.
For years I’ve been looking for a perfectly tailored white jacket for evening. It could solve so many evening conundrums such as when you want to be dressed up but also want to retain a sense of comfort with a cool vibe. I love how Altuzarra paired his with delicate black lace, black hose and black flats. A thoroughly modern way to look for evening. The addition of a white lace top or a sculpted white top would instantly elevate the black pants you most likely already own into a memorable outfit.Â
This is the holy grail of all fall finds; the perfectly proportioned white wool suit. Unfortunately this Dior suit, at nearly 7K, is beyond my present means. What I will be looking for is something similar, predominantly wool with the same proportions of easy but not oversized, which is hard to pull off unless you’re a model. The jacket and pants would do double duty on their own as well!
To bring a white silk dress into fall I would pair it with sheer black hose and a black pair of heels. A voluminous white chiffon top, as the Chloe one above, looks of the moment without being trendy and would look great with everything from jeans to tailored pants. A delicate white silk dress or skirt under a more masculine leather jacket puts a new spin on evening.
Years ago I had a white wool coat that I loved, though it had to be dry cleaned so often it eventually turned yellow and I swore never again. Well, never say never. Any of these examples would brighten even the dreariest doldrums of winter. I especially love the Dior coat in the center paired with black boots and accessories. Or imagine any of these over black trousers and a black turtleneck. If you like the idea of standing out in a sea of black and grey consider a white coat, jacket or cape.
The idea of treating white as any other neutral and placing it under the usual fall hues of gray, brown, navy and black I find very appealing. It lends a new crispness to an otherwise expected fall mix. Here masterfully done by Mui Mui and Khaite.
More to come on this subject as I initiate my own search and on fall wardrobe building in general. What items are you looking forward to for fall?
Thanks for reading, until next time,
xxx Jolain
Another great article, thank you! Love the line "inspiration is free."
I have not yet achieved Peak White Pants- still searching for the perfect pair (in thrift and consignment shops, of course). I love the idea of incorporating white into my fall/winter closet, thanks for the inspiration!