How to Wear White Without Looking Bridal?
When we think of how to wear white, the image that first comes to mind is probably that of a bride walking down the aisle in a formal wedding dress. While white may be dominant as a wedding dress color, it’s actually underrated in all other style areas. It’s got a simple elegance that works in a variety of settings. Don’t hesitate to wear white just because you’re afraid you’ll look bridal. If you do that, you’re going to miss out on some great style moments. Here are three ways to wear white that won’t have bystanders humming the wedding march.
Make it Sexy
White wedding gowns have dominated Western culture for less than 200 years. Contrary to what your grandmother may think, brides didn’t start wearing white as a symbol of virginity. Queen Victoria kicked off the white wedding dress trend in 1840, but there is no evidence it had anything to do with sexual purity. She was probably just a fan of the color, and it didn’t hurt that white clothing was expensive and hard to maintain. That made it an excellent choice for wealthy people who wanted to show off their status. Still, the idea that “white” equals “purity” has persisted in many circles.
To combat that, look for gorgeous white lace dresses that have low-cut necklines and high hemlines. These designs are fun and flirty rather than staid and innocent. A bright white dress shows that you’re hopeful and optimistic, which is a upbeat vibe to give off. Since white can be tough to clean, wearing it signals confidence in a crowd. In a room full of sexy little black dresses, a sexy little white dress will help you stand out.
Maximize Accessories
White wedding dresses are often beautiful, but they’re also heavy, extravagant garments. By the time you add a veil, you’ve got an ensemble that’s going to overwhelm just about any other accessory except maybe a tiara. Even then, you basically have to be marrying a prince to really pull off the tiara look.
But when you wear a white cocktail dress, you have so many more options. You can add a dark-colored belt for contrast. You can also layer some necklaces if you want to draw attention to your neckline or bust area. If you want your earrings to be big and dangly, go for it. Don’t forget a hat, too. In the summer, a straw hat is a great way to set off your outfit, while a knit hat is a great option for colder weather. There’s no need for minimalism when you’re wearing white outside of a chapel, so feel free to experiment with a lot of different accessories to find a combination that works for you.
Make It a Pantsuit
A pantsuit is a bold statement of power that challenges traditional notions of what femininity is supposed to look like. The white pantsuit can work for any woman regardless of her age or body type. Pant suits make sense for winter, as pants are naturally warmer than drafty dresses. Also, the color white is typically associated with winter components like snow and LED warm white Christmas lights, so it’ll be a festive way to ring in the season.
Good tailoring is essential for any white clothing, but it’s especially important with a white pantsuit. You shouldn’t spend as much on a pantsuit as you would on a wedding dress, but you also don’t want to buy something cheap that makes you look like you’re playing dress-up with your dad’s clothing. This look isn’t without risks, but if you get it right, you’ll find that a white pantsuit makes you feel smart, stylish, and capable.
xoxo D.
