How To Wear Winter White

Honor the beauty of the snowfall with a wardrobe of winter white. You don’t need to put your white clothing into hibernation for the winter. Stop eagerly and anxiously anticipating for spring to come to throw on your favorite white clothes and accessories. In fact, some white pieces are actually fashioned to reflect the crisp beauty of the winter!

So forget the outdated “no white after Labor Day” myth. You can and should show off the sophistication and elegance that comes with a gorgeous snowy ensemble.

How can you rock the winter white look this season?

1. Wear different tones and textures.

Layering white imitates a magnificent blanket of snow. The most stunning way to wear winter white is with a monochrome ensemble. Mixing different shades of white, cream, beige, and off-white creates a stunningly refined winter wardrobe pallet. You can also play around with textures and weights, like pairing a beige cashmere cardigan with a white knit dress and off-white shearling coat.

Lookbook: Wear a textured white coat, like shear or fur, over a black leather jacket. This layering style will keep you warm without making your outfit too bulky, and it will protect your leather from the snow. Mixing and matching outwear textures is a unique way to show off your style.

2. Go for the white knit.

The white knit dress or sweater is a classic winter ensemble that never goes out of style. It keeps you warm and cozy, while giving you the “bundled up” look. A white knit dress or blouse can be casual with black leggings and boots, or it can be dressed up with a colorful skirt and high heels.

We also love the variety of white knit tops you can find. You’ll especially find an array of necklines, from turtlenecks to mock-necks to square tops. This lets you play around with necklaces and earrings, while adding diversity to your winter white wardrobe.

Even the knit pattern itself can be unique. Some have knots, others have flowers, and some are a basic knit. These different knit textures means you can find the unique look for your style within the archetypal white knit.

3. Use white as a blank canvas.

White and cream are the perfect canvas for other colors, patterns, and accessories. Pair a white dress with patterned outerwear or use statement jewelry to spice up a cream blouse. Cold weather gives you the opportunity to wear multiple layers and an array of accessories, so it’s the perfect time to try something new and exciting.

White creates a clean space to wear the bolder pieces that you don’t normally know how to wear. Offset your red velvet pants with a cream top and hat for an unexpected holiday party outfit. Throw on that cobalt blue cardigan over a white knit dress for a head-turning ensemble. Wear that cheetah print scarf with a white suit for a trending style.

Be careful not to over-accessorize, though. If you’re using white as a canvas, you want to have only one or two statement pieces that draw the eye. Too much “excitement” in your outfit can take away from the inherent elegance of the white.

When in doubt, go for a monochrome white outfit paired accented a colorful shoe. Bold black, deep cobalt, and bright red boots or heels emphasize and accentuate an all-white winter ensemble.

Read: 3 Amazing Reasons To Love The Little White Dress

4. Contrast white and black.

Pairing white and black always looks elegant and refined. They’re both neutral and easy to match, but together they create a bold juxtaposition that will attract the eye.

This is a great way for beginners to get an introduction to winter white. If you aren’t used to wearing white after Labor Day, you might feel more comfortable using white as an accessory to a black or dark outfit. For example, a white scarf creates a simple contrast against a black trench coat.

Tip: White and black work beautifully for a powerhouse professional outfit. We especially love the look of a white button down with a black accent around the collar, pockets, and cuffs.

5. Find the right size.

The little black dress is so popular because black is slimming and secretive. But white shows everything. So make sure you choose the right size for you. In the winter, you can even size up for a baggy, cozy, bundled-up look.

When you feel comfortable in what you’re wearing, you’ll exude more confidence. Remember that when you look good, you feel great—and vice versa.

We recommend purchasing tailored white clothing when possible. A well-fitting cream suit will make you feel like a queen, as though you were walking through the wintery streets of London. You can wear a polished suit to the office, to a holiday party, or even when doing your Christmas shopping (especially in the designer stores).

You’ll look and feel like a princess in a tailored white outfit that accentuates your curves, your beauty, and your style.

6. Choose quality.

White shows everything—including poor quality of clothing. A low quality white knit top will start to fray and fade, which means it won’t be as sharp and crisp as you want your winter white to be.

This is especially important because your winter clothes have a practical purpose as well. They need to keep you warm and protected from the harsh winter elements. Low quality clothing typically isn’t substantial enough to protect you in frigid temperatures and high winds. But good-quality cashmere, shearling, leather, knits, and even cotton can keep you warm, healthy, and stylish.

Learn how to buy quality clothing like an expert designer here.

7. Have a few winter staples.

You don’t need to completely change your winter wardrobe to incorporate white. With just a few pieces, you can add a stunning snowy elegance to your look.

We recommend having the following white pieces to instantly enhance any outfit:

• Shearling coat
• Leather ankle boots
• Editors’ pants / slacks
• Button down
• Knit sweater
• Hat or beanie

Check out these 9 winter accessories that never go out of style for more to add to your closet this season.

8. Know what not to wear.

Winter white does have a few “rules” though. There are a few white pieces that are made for spring, just like the white knit top or red velvet pants are made for winter. 

What are some pieces that you should save for spring?

• Sheer or eyelet white blouses
• Flower white lace
• Sleeveless or tank tops
• White sundresses
• White sandals
• White denim jacket

9. Keep it simple.

The goal of winter white is elegance and sophistication. The monochrome shades and textures are refined and simple. The knit sweater is humbly tasteful. A white canvas with bold accessories is chic and eye-catching. You don’t need to get out of your comfort zone to rock the winter white lock.

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” – Leonardo Da Vinci

How do you wear winter white? Give us your tips in the comments!