Women's White Dresses

Wearing White

Traditional fashion rules dictated that no white clothes or shoes should be worn between Labor Day and Memorial Day. This is a rule that many people adhered to for years. In modern times, the rules have relaxed a bit while the fashion savvy take control of their wardrobes and wear what they want, when they want. Whether you decide to stick to this fashion advice is up to you, but it’s much easier to shop for women’s white dresses when they’re in season.

Women were also advised not to wear white to a wedding so that the bride wouldn’t be upstaged. This is still sound advice for weddings where the bride is indeed wearing white, but as with a lot of rules today, many brides are breaking them and choosing to wear other, nontraditional colors. Because there are so many other color options, however, it’s good etiquette to stick to the rules on this one and not wear white to a wedding.

Wedding Dresses

Naturally, many of us automatically think of brides when we envision a woman in a white dress. White is still the most popular color you’ll see walking down the aisle, but there are instances where women will choose to wear other colors.

• Second or subsequent marriage: First-time brides most often wear white, but for second or subsequent weddings, brides usually choose to wear another color.
• Non-traditional wedding: Not everyone gets married in a formal church ceremony. For brides who get married in other venues, have very casual weddings or like to celebrate their special day in outrageous ways (getting married underwater or while skydiving), white may be too boring to wear.

Accessorize Women’s White Dresses

White can complement many complexions, so what are some accessories you can wear to bring out the best in a white outfit?

• Shoes: If you’re wearing a white dress, your shoes should be as casual or as dressy as the dress itself. Sandals are a popular warm weather staple, so wear flats or heeled sandals. While white shoes seem the most obvious color choice to match a white dress, nude colored shoes or shoes that pick up any color accents you have in the dress will also work well. Dark shoes won’t look as good with an all-white or nearly all-white ensemble.
• Jewelry: You can wear gold, silver or costume jewelry with your white dress, but don’t overpower your clothing with too many jewels. Earrings, a necklace, a watch or bracelet is enough embellishment for most people. If your white dress is flecked with red accents, wearing red earrings or red bangle bracelets is a simple way to accessorize. This is true for just about any color, so don’t feel confined to only gold or silver.
• Nylons: If your white dress is very casual, you can forego pantyhose altogether and just slip your bare feet into a pair of sandals. Bare legs are perfect for sundresses. If your dress is not as casual, wear nude-colored nylons instead of white stockings. White pantyhose are notoriously fattening to many legs. Wearing nylons that match your legs in tone along with nude-colored shoes will give an overall lengthening appearance.
• Handbags: The type and color handbag you carry will greatly depend on whether or not your dress is all white or accented with other colors, as well as the overall style. Straw or rattan handbags are good, neutral options in the accessory department. If you want to go white all over and carry a white purse, make sure it matches your dress in style. For instance, a clutch can be dressier than a slouchy bag.

When the weather warms, wearing white can be a treat after months of fall and winter, so enjoy the heat while keeping cool in white.