Who says you can’t wear white after Labor Day? Not us. Let’s face it, some age-old fashion rules are just made to be broken. (Take socks and sandals, for instance. What was once a wardrobe staple of the aging sightseeing set—sorry, grandpa!—is now covetable. After all, when designer Christopher Bailey sent models stomping down the Burberry Prorsum runway in heels and socks, it was love at first strut.)
It’s in that same spirit of bucking fashion stigma in the name of cuteness that we’ve fully embraced winter whites. When the sidewalks are dusted with snow and the sky is splashed with a muted shade of grey, we get a chameleon-like calling to swath ourselves in a similarly icy color palette.
We’re also quite taken with the idea of the perfect white party dress. After all, if you channel your inner snow bunny for a holiday shindig, you’ll stand out from the sea of reds and sequins. You’re only color competition? The flocked tree and the powdered sugar that laces the high-cal, naughty treats at the buffet. Plus, with a sweep of shimmery eyeshadow across your lovely lids, you’ll glow angelically amidst the pallid winter masses.
1. Hand to Hold: There’s something very romantic about dainty gloves, don’t you think? This knit pair from Banana Republic feels so ladylike and vintage, we couldn’t bring ourselves to form snowballs with them. Besides, with that gorgeous tiered trim and those glimmering jewel adornments, who would want to risk snowball wear and tear? We would much rather slip them on our frosty fingers for a night out in our fanciest winter wear. Tiered Knit Gloves in Winter White, Banana Republic.
2. Little White Dress: While everyone else at the holiday party is wearing their standard LBDs, why not stand out in something that is a little less, well, standard? We love that this has a classic charm—what with its a-line shape and cream jacquard fabric. But if you look closely, you’ll see that the dress is also kissed with a luminous shimmer that makes for quite the graphic gold update. Not to mention the ruffled detailing at the scooped neckline, which reads very flirty. Pair this number with matte black tights—or even a brick red pair, for a little irreverent flair—and you’ve got an outfit worthy of garb envy. Puzzle Jacquard Dyan Dress, Kate Spade.
3. Call it a Comeback: Remember when you bought your first Timex in the drugstore with your piddling allowance? Well, if you hadn’t noticed, the classic Timex 80 watches are making quite the comeback. While you can find all sorts of candy-colored versions online, we’re smitten with this sleek, white metal number. So retro—and so effortlessly casual. Timex 80 White Metal Watch, Timex.
4. Good Things, Small Packages: Knee-grazing coats definitely have their place (think Chicago city streets on a more-than-blustery January morning). But sometimes, a girl longs for something short and sassy. (After months of freezing temps, long, heavy coats can become quite the fashion oppressors.) When such a wintery whim comes your way, we suggest this cropped toggle coat. It’s lined, made of super-cozy wool and packed with pockets, so you’ll still get the toasty warmth you crave on frigid days—without the aforementioned fashion tyranny. Short Toggle Coat in Lattice Beige, Banana Republic.
5. Ice Princess: Not quite prepared for a full-on winter white rebellion? If you’re still hung up on that whole “don’t wear white after Labor Day” mandate, accessories are a great way to test the (frozen) waters. This rosebud ring is a beguiling start to some winter white immersion therapy. It’s made of glass and resin, but we think this bloom could very well have been formed with white chocolate. Maybe it’s the influx of holiday treats speaking, but this ring looks mighty sweet indeed. Rosebud Ring in Ivory, Banana Republic.
6. On the Lamb: Mary may have a little lamb, but you’ve got boots to keep your little piggies nice and snug while you’re waiting for your coffee to brew each morning. These cozy slippers from Gap call to mind thoughts of our white, wooly barnyard friends—but no worries, they’re synthetic. (P.S. How irresistibly cute are those sunny pom poms?) Cozy Slipper Booties, Gap.
