Whether you’re going for a casual day look or dressing up for a special occasion, the right shoes can elevate your outfit and add a touch of chic to your summer wardrobe. In this blog post, we’ll explore 10 stylish shoe options that are sure to enhance your summer dresses and keep you looking fabulous all season long.
Fast forward to adulthood and I decided to do just a little research to figure out how this fashion rule came about and realized there is actually a historical and socio-economic context to it.
Back in the 1930’s the rich would wear only white in the Summer. They would trade in their dark clothing for a full wardrobe comprised of just white clothing and either set sail or fly to warmer places for the entire Summer.
The beginning of Summer tends to coincide with Memorial Day, an American federal holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, which commemorates fallen US military personnel who lost their lives fighting for their country.
Labor Day, the holiday to celebrate the American Labor movement, is observed on the first Monday of September and marks the end of Summer.
This means that the elite would prance around in their white clothes during the summer months while the rest of the working class maintained their regular wardrobe. When the rich folks would return from their lavish summers, they would pack up their white outfits and sport other dark colors.
This is how the wearing of white outside of the summer months became a fashion faux pas. To be honest, this old fashion rule got dumped decades later and nowadays, you can see folks showing fascinating looks comprised of white year-round.
Now that I’ve given you that minor fashion history lesson, let’s talk about white looks you should definitely try, whether you’re dressing up during the warmer months or cooler months. From my previous post, you have come to learn I am a huge fan of any white look. There’s just something so fresh, clean and crisp about it.
Even if you don’t plan on rocking an all-white look, there are still ways you can partake in the white outfit fashion trend by wearing white key pieces. I’ll be showing you how to do so below so keep reading.
*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through the links, at no cost to you.
1) With white pants or jeans
Use a great pair of white jeans or pants as a clean backdrop for a clean and fresh look. To go more casual, consider a pair of distressed white jeans or shorts. For a breathable labor day weekend look, why not pair some white linen pants with a sleeveless white blouse and some white sneakers? If this is too much for you, swap the white blouse for a blouse in any bright color.
I’m loving these white jeans.
If you’re wearing white jeans in the winter season, a cozy sweater in a neutral color and a pair of ankle boots would really make your look come together. You can also pair a pair of white jeans with your favorite denim jacket and/or sweater for a chic Fall look.
2) With a white top
A white blouse is not uncommon in most women’s wardrobe and for good reason. A white blouse is so easy to pair with any midi skirt or pants we have hanging in our closets. You can tuck your blouse into your skirt for a more polished and office-friendly look, regardless of the time of the year.
The white blouse below for instance would make a great addition to your office wardrobe.
During the winter months, add a coat in a beautiful Fall color to your look and throw on a pair leggings or tights. What I love about a white top is that it could be dressed up or down and paired with all the colors in your wardrobe, so what are you waiting for to give it a try?
3) With a white coat
Yes, you read that right, I said white coat. There’s just something about a white coat that screams “old money” and “winter vacations” to me. Maybe it’s the fact that you have to be extra careful and probably bougie when you wear a white coat to prevent it from getting stained in any way. The winter is the perfect time of year to pull out a white coat because with all the beautiful white snow on the ground, you’ll look like the Winter Ice Queen, lol.
I love a great winter coat with some faux fur!
The good news is, you can wear practically any color of top, skirt or pants with a white. If you don’t want to go full all-white consider layering with light-colored clothing to still create a fresh look.
4) With white dresses
It’s no longer just wealthy women from the early 1900s (or brides) who get to wear white dresses darling. A white dress could be worn for a picnic, on red carpets, to brunch or even to prom. They type of white dress would depend on the occasion. I would recommend white shift dresses like this one or midi dresses for the office and to break this up with a colored blazer or jacket.
If you’re dressing up for a picnic, I welcome you to try a white strapless dress with a sweetheart neckline. For a fashionable Easter Sunday look, try a white maxi dress and accessorize with either gold or bold color accessories.
5) With a white skirt
No, this does not have to be a tennis skirt although this is definitely on the list. Your white skirt could even be a maxi skirt, paired with a tank top and sandals, you’ll be ready for any beach event. White skirts and cowboy boots are also kind of a thing and so if this is right up your personal style, you should give this look a try. I think my favorite white skirt look is probably a flared white mini or midi skirt with a crop and some heels. Perfect for date night.
If you’re dressing up for a picnic, I welcome you to try a white strapless dress with a sweetheart neckline. For a fashionable Easter Sunday look, try a white maxi dress and accessorize with either gold or bold color accessories.
5) With a white skirt
No, this does not have to be a tennis skirt although this is definitely on the list. Your white skirt could even be a maxi skirt, paired with a tank top and sandals, you’ll be ready for any beach event. White skirts and cowboy boots are also kind of a thing and so if this is right up your personal style, you should give this look a try. I think my favorite white skirt look is probably a flared white mini or midi skirt with a crop and some heels. Perfect for date night.
I hope by now you’ve seen that white pieces can be worn hear-round and also for multiple occasions. It’s one of those fashion trends which is here to stay thanks to its versatility and should not be limited to resort wear, social class or the Summer months. This is one of those times where I definitely say screw the fashion magazines and wear whichever seasonal colors you want to wear, when you want to wear them.
Until the next post,
XOXO
Theankaraqueen