From girls who consider themselves  traditionalist to the most modern of divas, chic summer whites can make the perfect seasonal style statement.  And with so many fashion options there is sure to be something to meet all personality types and  moods. But when is it “okay” to wear white? What are the “whites” and wrongs of wearing white?

The rules of old said that whites could only be worn after Memorial Day and had to be retired after Labor Day. But rules are meant to be broken!  Here are some options to show you that it’s all right in white all year round!

With architectural clean lines, white takes on a modern approach perfect for any season.   3/4 length jackets, crop pants, and tank tops were on tap at the Issa spring RTW 2016 show. Cedric Charlier’s RTW collection included  key whites with top- rounded shoulders, elbow length sleeves, and  wrap waist belts that made for great day into evening pieces. But Viktor & Rolf really gave white a new dimension with their spring RTW collection that presented a “wearable art” theme of garments made from Cubist facial features. Wearing white in these contemporary cuts shows a sharp fashion sense that breaks barriers and seasons.

With a hint of grey, this shade of white is the newest in neutral dressing. Dennis Basso was the leader in this look for spring. Mini skirts and dresses touched with metallic threads were perfectly complemented with chic little fur jackets in a white ice color that showed us just  how cool white really can be. From their couture collection for spring 2016 Giambattista Valli created a billowing tulle dress that rewrites all the rules on wearing white for the gala season.

Textured white fabrics bring a whole level of feminine dressing to the mix. Eyelet, lace, laser cut, and appliqué, these looks have a cool 3D appeal. Maxi dresses and scarves play up the boho chic trend and lay claim to the carefree gypsy lifestyle. Elie Saab’s spring RTW collection highlighted a two piece pant ensemble of oversized eyelet lace flared pants and box crop top-very garden party appropriate indeed. For the Beverly Hills poolside/jet set, Rochas spring 2016 paired a long duster terrycloth style coat over a gentle lace dress that was ready for you to dive right in!

A crisp white blouse or polo shirt never go out of style. A key layering piece for spring, these tops pair with shorts, circle skirts, jeans and cardigans.  White shirt dresses are common but for spring 2016  Monse  used an ultra-smooth cotton fabric that was tied and draped for maximum sex appeal. More put together than wearing your boyfriend’s shirt, it was a suggestive look that made us daydream a bit. Adding a Sally LaPointe hide hair envelope purse would make you look ready for business.

Just as with stationery, when it comes to fashion ivory is white’s casual side. It’s softer and easier on the eyes. Pamela Rolland and Sally LaPointe 2016 both had monochromatic ivory two piece outfits that charged down the runway and made a powerful statement.

Related Articles

• Spring Couture 2016 Review Part 3
• Haute Couture: Fashion’s Pinnacle