You’re engaged!
You comb through every white blouse, dress, pump and clutch in your neighborhood boutique and on Shopbop. At least that’s exactly what I did last summer, even before gawking over wedding dresses.
The push toward such a clean and fresh color is quite exciting, but also intimidating.
White isn’t the kindest shade for a silhouette and many women are timid to breakout winter white or debut the hue before Memorial Day (and for the record, that’s just plain ridiculous). Professionally, you can’t scream white from the rooftops. Personally, your friends will probably be less enthused to toast if you wear your badge at every outing. However, you can make it work day-to-day.
When it comes to embracing your new role it’s easy to mix and match, and that’s precisely where I found my comfort zone.
The head-to-toe white of your dreams can be plastered all over your social channels and fill-up every inspiration board but you need to get a little more experimental in reality.
To Party
Embracing a trend is a great way for a bride-to-be to modernize white. Last year we saw bold black and white splashed all over the runways. To make the look classy but keep white as the focus, start to mix your metals. Pairing gold and rose gold feminizes the look while also softening the contrast of the black and white. Plus, purchasing a timeless dress will last you from season to season.
To Stroll
There may be no better “old faithful” than the chambray shirt. I wear mine year-round and place it over, under and tied to any outfit to add a bit of dimension. A summer staple, pairing the chambray with white skinny jeans is a no brainer, but lending some sophistication with an ivory patterned scarf makes the look a bit more romantic. Add a punch of gold with some sweet flops and you’re good to go!
To Hold
Here’s where it gets interesting. We’re heading into warmer temperatures here in the District but that doesn’t mean your clothes are the only rotating ensemble. A statement satchel may be no more appropriate than for the bride-to-be. Envision trotting to brunch, sunning at your bachelorette party and packing in your treasures for your honeymoon – all with a celebratory punch of shimmer. I’m also fond of subtle sparkle and the sheen of a quartz-like color on your nails, or a gem statement on your other hand, which adds just the right touch.
(More “lookbook” inspiration can be found on my Pinterest page.)
In the meantime, we can all still dare to dream:
Chanel Spring 2009 Haute Couture via Popbee // Collage copyright of the author via Polyvore: rag & bone dress / Madewell chambray blouse / AG Adriano Goldschmied skinny fit jeans / Fendi shoes / Kate Spade shoes / Rebecca Minkoff studded tote / Kate Spade necklace kate spade / Blue Nile smokey quartz ring / Mawi studded earrings / Hermès silk shawl / Chanel quartz nail polish // Natalie Portman photo by Peter Lindbergh in VOGUE