I have a very chic friend who wears exclusively black all fall and winter. You’ll know spring has hit because one day she shows up to lunch (or when we worked together, the office) in head-to-toe white. Crisp linen tops. Back-button blouses. Straight-leg jeans. Swingy skirts. Stacked-heel sandals. All white. It’s magnificent and daunting at the same time. No, she doesn’t have children.
I’ve been thinking about this impossibly chic friend a lot as the last of my pregnancy weight has disappeared and I am ready to invest in some pieces for the season ahead. In an effort to channel her grace and aesthetic, while keeping it real as a mom of a drool-covered, five-month-old poop machine, I’m reaching for affordable enough to be replaced in a pinch. That and machine-washable. Here’s what I’ve got:
Bottoms up. Build your outfit upon the base of. LOFT’s range from $55-$70 and fit like a glove. Don’t be afraid to live in these — just invest in a hard-working spray stain remover like Oxy Clean and sub them in wherever you’ve been wearing your black pants or favorite jeans. I adore the pairing with a lightweight white sweater here, too. Monochrome is an absolute “do” when it’s white-on-white.
Top it off. Add some fun textures with a light sweater, cardigan, or knit top that’s white-on-white like the above example from . This one offers a light, gauzy feel that’s just gorgeous for this time of year. She’s got it paired expertly with a white pocket tee and some comfy boyfriend jeans, but a cardi this detailed is just as lovely over a spring frock. Ditch the florals and try white-on-white there, too. Ethereal is the name of this color game.
Peek-a-boo. There’s no need to do all short dresses this summer, though I love those, too. You can amp up the sexy factor on a maxi-length, semi-shapeless dress with a style that shows some unexpected skin. This slip dress is now 30% off at ShopBop — currently only $90. Look for similar styles at Bloomingdales and ASOS, too. Remember, a hint of skin is all you need to make a splash and still feel super-comfortable.
White-hot. Bring the trend to the beach and no one, least of whom your husband, will be disappointed. Looking hot in swimwear is much more about attitude than anything else, so find a suit that fits your shape and makes you feel comfortable. I personally love the flattering ruching in the midsection of this , as well as the structured, bra-like cups up top. Any all-white suit, whether in one or two pieces, is a definite win this season.
Are you digging the all-white look this spring?
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