As the Fall 2011 runway clearly showed us, white isn’t just for summertime. The “no white after Labor Day” rule was swiftly ignored this year, with whites and creams making a bold appearance on everyone from Hermès to Nanette Lepore. Hermès’ head-to-toe white makes soft monochromatic look cozy and cool, while Elie Tahari’s belted jacket and sharp trousers are smart and refined.
Typically, I skip white for the office—it’s a magnet for spills—but I decided to take a chance and give this vintage cream blazer a try. (And, much to my surprise, I made it through my workday without a ketchup incident nor a ballpoint pen explosion. The first miracle of 2012!)
Borrowing from Nanette Lepore’s and Doo Ri’s tailored looks that mix various shades of cream, grey, and white, I paired the blazer with the soft shades of my grey wool trousers and white button-down blouse. I like the look of wearing greys and whites together—it’s airy and light, without making you feel like a snowflake (plus, it’s much less risky than full-on white). Quite honestly, it was refreshing to break out of my January uniform of black, black, and black—maybe I’ll pull out some other summer-colored items from the back of my closet!
And what’s an outfit without its accessories? I often tend towards gold, but silver was the right choice for this winter ensemble. I picked silver earrings and bangles for shine (you can never have too many bangles), and I chose my new INPINK black safety pin necklace for a statement! (Hey, this is New York—I can’t put together an outfit without some black in there somewhere.)
The necklace’s length complements the long lines of my outfit, so it fits in seamlessly while also offering a color contrast. Plus, its safety pin design is a subtle, funky touch. I actually didn’t even notice the safety pins at first when I picked it out!
Will you try winter whites this season?
