White is the new black! When it comes to fashion, at least. While pastels have been ruling the ramps globally, the all-white/white-on-white look is just as popular. And if the fashion police are to be believed, we are going to be witnessing this trend for a while to come.
According to stylist and fashion blogger, Pranita Mehta, “It’s all about monochrome chic this season. Summer couldn’t have been more washed out. Get into a power suit with a well-fitted jacket or go back to the 70s with a relaxed silhouette of palazzos. Or, you could even indulge in some ethnic white kurtis. The choices are endless. All you have to do is carry them with confidence. And do your laundry more frequently!”
“White is an eternal colour, that can come by not just in summer, but as and when one chooses. It’s best to keep one’s look simple and classy. For ethnic wear, whites can be seen on the kurta, dupatta, or even the salwar. As far as western wear goes, a white shirt on a white trouser, even a light jacket on top, completes the look. Wearing different shades of white together too works wonders,” says Priya Vasudevan, owner of Collage.
Ashmita Raj, a freelance fashion designer points out how as opposed to popular belief, white can even be worn at night. “Play around with dressy button-downs in white. Team up chunky gold or rose-gold jewellery with your little white dress for a girl’s night out. If it’s a wedding or cocktail party you’re going to attend, get a white blouse in a luxe fabric stitched to go with your saree. Culottes in white and white shirtdresses are also very chic.”
One of the best aspects of the all-white trend is that you can experiment with different shades of white from antique and ivory to champagne and vanilla. Pranita says, “Laces, faux fur and self-designed fabrics are a huge rage in monochrome looks. Playing with fabrics of different textures is fun. Sheer is another beautiful trend to mix with whites to create interesting details in your look.”
White-on-white dressing can be tricky, and therefore, it’s important to know how to accessorise your outfit. Pranita suggests to, “choose between metallics (one at a time) or throw on some colour. A bright and colourful statement neckpiece could simply uplift the whole subtle white look. Alternatively, you could try accessorising with printed scarves, brooches, contrasting shoes and clutch.” Priya casts her vote in favour of “gold or silver for jewellery.”
The thing about the all-white look is that you can get it perfectly right or go terribly wrong, so you might want to know what not to do when flaunting this trend. “Never accessorise in multiple solid colours. Prints do very well, but a pair of red shoes, green clutch and blue jewels on a white outfit are not a good idea ,” quips Pranita, while Priya says, “If your ensemble is all-white, wear nude inners to avoid a disaster. White trousers need special attention. Also, avoid white shoes for an all-white ensemble.”
As far as make-up goes, “Make sure your face is glowing and don’t go overboard with contouring; apply just the right shade of foundation and bronzer for that sun-kissed look. Go soft on the eyes too, with neutral or pastel eye-shadows. Keep the shimmery ones for the night. When it comes to your lips, bring in that pop of colour with a bright red, fuchsia, or coral shade,” advices make-up artiste Pavitra Nair.
With these tips and tricks in hand, pulling off the ultra-feminine, pristine all-white look, effortlessly, should be a breeze.
