Is white a colour? We can’t give a definitive answer. It depends on whether you ask a scientist or an artist, it would seem. But we can say this for sure: it’s probably the brightest, boldest colour (or non-colour) choice there is.
Not for the fainthearted, a day in pure white takes a lot of effort to avoid even the tiniest coffee spill, makeup smudge, or rogue pet dirt. Plus, it’s not always the easiest look to get right. Unless you are actually a bride or a doctor, you’d probably prefer not to look like one.
Yet, white is still one of our favourite looks for summer. It’s bright, it’s fresh and lifts our mood every time. For those worried about white being boring; it’s all about texture. There’s crisp cool cotton, delicate broderie anglaise, soft wool, and denim.
Here are seven of our favourite white pieces this summer.
SAINT LAURENT BRODERIE ANGLAISE TANK TOP
The all-over, delicate and romantic detailing on this YSL tank easily shakes off any accusations of white being too boring. Combined with a straight neckline, shirt-style buttons, and slightly tailored silhouette it’s a piece that’ll work hard in your wardrobe, both for work and play.
Saint Laurent designs are synonymous with elegance and this piece is true to form. It’s the perfect for top lazy, hazy summer afternoons, sipping cool drinks and chatting with friends out on the lawn.
Style with high-waisted jeans, a tailored jacket, and a tote bag.
A CLASSIC WHITE SHORT-SLEEVED TEE
What could be more timeless or more gender-neutral than a classic, plain white tee?
Almost every designer has their take on this classic. We particularly love Balenciaga’s almost plain white Gender Symbol T-shirt. Cut with short sleeves, a round neck, and a straight hem, it features a monochromatic gender symbol print on its back panel.
A white tee is the perfect way to balance a bold print. Or take a dark skirt or trousers and refresh their look for summer.
SAINT LAURENT SHORT DENIM SKIRT
The slightly frayed hem on this piece makes it a bit rock n’ roll and a lot of fun. But the best thing of all: it’s easy to wear and will slot right into your existing wardrobe.
The skirt has all the detailing you’d expect from a denim piece: belt loops, a button and zip-fly fastening, and five-pocket detailing.
This looks great with black shoes or boots and a jacket for a full monochrome look.
GUCCI GG KNIT ELONGATED CARDIGAN
Perfect for cooler summer days, this is one of several Gucci cardigans that feature the classic Silvie Web styling. A red, white and blue trim is joined by gold crest buttons and the revived GG logo. The longer line and straight hem give the piece a 1930s feel.
A wool and silk mix means that it feels amazing on the skin, making it ideal for layering over shorter-sleeved summer dresses.
This cardigan will balance skinny jeans or tailored trousers for a relaxed weekend look.
BALENCIAGA CAT-EYE SHAPED SUNGLASSES
We love the monochromatic look of these glasses; dark lenses encased in pure white frames with a subtle gun-metal logo at the temple. Such a clean, modern silhouette that has the bold shape we’ve come to expect from Balenciaga.
Anything goes with these fabulous sunglasses. These are so neutral that you can accessorize almost any outfit for summer with them.
SAINT LAURENT ESPADRILLE T-STRAP WEDGE SANDALS
If these aren’t summer in a shoe, we don’t know what is. They feature an open-toed white leather upper, with generous espadrille style wedge heels. Ankle straps and gold buckles hold them firmly in place. They’re an elegant summer staple that will come out of your wardrobe for many summer seasons to come.
Style with a white tee and pleated midi-skirt.
BALENCIAGA TRIPLE S CLEAR SOLE SNEAKERS
Love them or loathe them, the Triple S sneaker is definitely one of the most iconic shoes this century. This sneaker’s been in our lives for over three years, and each and every update has sold out fast.
Balenciaga has pushed the boundaries once again, this time with an all-white upper and clear triple-stacked signature sole. They’re a little bit Wimbledon, although we’d say they’re better off the court than on.
They make the best weekend shoes. Super comfortable and worn with almost anything.
Style with jeans and a tee. Or dress down a suit with them.
HOW TO WEAR WHITE THIS SUMMER
Here are some final summer styling tips:
- Don’t be afraid of white; wearing it will clear your mind and lift your spirits.
- Break up and balance out bold patterns or block colours with white.
- Add cool, crisp white for an instant summer refresh for your working wardrobe.
- Or go all-white or monochrome for an edgy look.
- Lose any worries about looking washed out by learning some summer proof makeup tricks.
- Be bold, be brave and enjoy.