STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: White Out

Carrie Bradhsaw from Sex and the City once said, “I will never be the woman with the perfect hair, who can wear white and not spill on it.” She might as well have been talking about me — clumsy is my middle name. So I am not wrong when I say white is scary! It can get dirty, reflects the light in weird places and lacks the slimming components of dark colors. Not to mention the age-old “no white after Labor Day” fashion rule.

As if to push me out of my box, white was everywhere fall 2011, thus reminding us that there’s nothing more fitting amidst the plethora of fiery leaves than white. From such staple designers such as Alexander Wang to super-edgy designers like Rick Owens, all the way to classic luxury brands like Bottega Veneta, Chloé and Thakoon — the spot light was white hot staples.

There are easy ways to avoid making a faux-pas. The first is to steer clear of white shoes and opt for nude ones. Also steer clear of white tights or leggings and instead follow this Wheaton CollegeFashionista’s lead and go for cute Urban Outfitters knee highs. The second would be to read my Layer Slayer post and feel free to throw on heavier layers, like sweaters and jackets in the hue. Take a cue from this great Urban Outfitters knit. She knows how to look cute and warm with such wighty staples as the Target wool coat and the Urban Outfitters booties and vintage jewelry.

So when you go to udpate your winter wardrobe, keep in mind that dark hues are not your only options. Go into the light!

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: White Out

One of the most popular trends this summer seems to be color. However, white is fun, flirty, versatile and a very easy trend to pull off.

White pants are a staple piece that should be present in everyone’s wardrobe. These days, wearing white is an acceptable trend for any occasion. Whether they are pure white, cream, ivory, denim or linen, whites are easy to dress up or down. This Fashionista creates an amazing all-white look by pairing Michael Kors white skinny jeans with a cream button-down blouse. Her outfit perfectly contrasts with her dark hair and accessories. Keeping her accessories to a minimum produces a fresh and simple feel that says, “I’m comfortable, but still stylish.” In other words, less is sometimes more. Her black Longchamp purse and black sandals are simple and sleek, like the rest of her look. It is a very Kim Kardashian-equse look if you ask me.

An all-white outfit can go from casual to dressy and can also easily transition from day to night. Simply by throwing on a pair of funky wedges and swapping out the purse for a clutch, she could be ready for a fun night on the town. However, my best advice for someone who wants to rock the all-white trend is you have to have a basic tan. White tends to wash out faces if you are on the fair skin spectrum, so be careful.

White pants are a must have this summer and something that can be worn any day anywhere. So if you do not already have a hot pair of these hanging in your closet, I suggest you do so ASAP!

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: White Out

As the Beatles once sang, here comes the sun. Yes, spring has sprung a little early in Washington, D.C., and while that makes me worry a little for the polar bears and penguins of the world, the prospect of a tan outweighs my environmental guilt. From what I can tell, my fellow students on the hilltop feel the same way — everywhere I turn I am confronted with signs of spring, from shorts to crop tops, maxi dresses to flip flops. But of all the fashion I have seen this week, nothing has made me as happy for the coming change of seasons as the abundance of white.

Nothing says warm weather and summer like white — this non-color essentially tells the world that the wearer is about to bike to the beach while eating a popsicle. Plus, white makes everyone look tanner. What’s not to love?This week’s Fashionista takes the use of white to a whole new level by making her outfit monochromatic. Layering a pair of white Levi’s jeans with a gray and white striped tank and a white Forever 21 blazer, this outfit smacks the onlooker over the head with white. But who needs subtlety when you look this good?

A seasonal favorite, white is sure to be everywhere in the warm months. Though there are some traditional (and fully awesome) ways to sport the color, my hat goes off to the Fashionista who is able to think beyond sundresses and white jeans. Add some texture to your white with an open back lace tee from Urban Outfitters, or add an unexpected white accent with a pair of chunky heels from Anthropologie. But whatever you do, make sure you give white a chance to shine, after all, it will make you look like a summery goddess. The least you can do for white in return is to take it out of your closet and give it a whirl around town.

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: White Out

Last week’s abysmal weather was luckily only a phase. The California sun has returned, brightening everyone’s days and wardrobes.

Today's Fashionista's effortlessly chic outfit is created by using summer’s official color: white. She ties her look together by wearing white pieces with varying textures. Her lovely white crocheted sweater is light enough to keep her cool on a hot summer day but keep her warm at night. The back of her sweater is adorned with pearl buttons, adding dimension and a distinctive touch. She pairs her sweater with a tight blue jean, highlighting her slim figure to contrast her sweater’s loose fit. She completes this color scheme by topping her outfit off with a pair of white wedges from Aldo. And lastly she fights off the sun’s glare by donning sunglasses. Though she sticks to one color, the different textures create the perfect summer outfit.

Some people might think that white is a dull and bland color but it really is the new black. This classic color serves a variety of purposes. This color is a symbol of summer, a reflection of summer’s bright days. Fashionistas can be fashionable and comfortable, as wearing white keeps Fashionistas cool by not absorbing as much heat as dark colors.

With a classic white piece, you may enjoy this bright summer and stand out at the beach or sidewalk. Try an intricately patterned white top or white summer dress, creating an elegant look. Pair it off with either a slim jean or shorts to complete the outfit.

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: White Out

Although white-on-white hasn’t always had the best reputation, it was seen all over the spring and summer runway shows as a clean and fresh look with a edge that no one saw coming. It’s sleek and chick combination leaves nothing to be desired and everything to be gained. So it was to my surprise this summer to see Fashionista’s like this one taking to the streets of New York City as if the sidewalk was their runway. This Fashionista in particular stood out to me within the sea of bright hues that thrive in the warm weather.

This Fashionista’s all white attire paired high wasted button up jean shorts with a button down blouse. The semi-sheer blouse was worn over a shiny gold bandeau that complemented both the shirt’s gold detailing and the wedges’ sandy color.

So while white may never go out of season, it has arrived in this one in even larger quantities than ever before! From white jeans to white blazers and everywhere in between, adding a hint of metallic color makes any entirely white outfit stand out in any crowd. Hint: all white is even acceptable in an office setting. An all white linen suit exemplifies both sophistication and professionalism that is perfect for a summer job or internship.

I believe that wearing white has never been given enough credit. In fact, white jeans are most frequently worn just as a neural pant paired with a bright colored blouse. Well, now that white is in, it is finally time for white to stand out and be noticed!

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: White Out

One of the most common phrases young girls hear from their mothers or grandmothers is “no white clothes until Memorial Day”. Much like other pearls of wisdom such as “no swimming thirty minutes after eating,” this was a rule our elders encouraged us to follow despite the fact that no one really knew where it came from. Some cite the Navy as the source of this old-fashioned rule (after Labor Day they change their uniforms from white to navy blue) while others simply note the impracticality of wearing what is considered a traditionally “light” color in harsh and cold winters. Whatever one may think of the rule, with the passage of May 30th and the rising humidity, wearing white (and off-white) colors no longer seems like an option but a necessity to beat the heat.

Although not for everyone (especially the klutzes and mess-prone), we love the way this Fashionista works an all-white wardrobe. Her shorts from Forever 21, paired with some light basic knitwear set off a look that is as refreshingly crisp to look at as it is to wear. She kept the all-white look from being too boring or match-y by pairing it with off-white colors and accessories (such as the green watch, some jewelry from her native Sweden, and a classic brown Jimmy Choo tote).

When it comes to buying some basic white essentials – such as the blazer worn by this Fashionista – feel free to invest in some pricier pieces such as this from Nicole Miller. Classics such as this will never go out of style, pair with everything in your wardrobe and be in constant rotation for years to come. Whether one is old school or new when it comes to following fashion “rules," it is hard to deny that this is a look that encapsulates the idea of summer whites.

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: The New LBD

While every girl has a go-to little black dress, I think summer is the perfect time to debut a little white dress. Like black, white is a color that looks great on everyone, but white is a fresh alternative to black in the summer. One of the great things about a white dress for summer is that many airy, light summer fabrics like linen can be easily found in white. By choosing a white dress in one of those fabrics, you can stay cool in the heat but still look feminine and fashionable. For a feminine look, try this dress with eyelet detail from Forever 21. Because white is typically not as dressy as black,a dress like this Fashionista's is perfect for those casual summer barbecues and outdoor parties where you want to stand out without looking too formal. The light flowy fabric will keep you cool, but the longer sleeves will ensure that you will stay warm as the party continues into the night.A white dress is also similar to a black one in that it is very versatile and perfect for accessorizing. This Fashionista adds some edge to her feminine dress with a striped silver belt, but keeps the look casual with ballet flats. By adding a bright scarf, she adds some color to the outfit while still keeping the white dress the focus.

Hint: To keep warm in a breezy white dress this summer (and to carry it over to fall), try adding one of this season's great denim jackets.