White is a big statement color. While it’s not as flashy as red, or as a metropolitan as black, wearing an all-white outfit can still really stand out. If you have an event coming up, like a gala or even a ball, you might be thinking of creating an all-white outfit.
All-white outfits have plenty of room for creativity despite the monochrome theme. We’ll share some of our favorite ideas for wearing your all-white best. From what kind of party to wear all white to avoiding outfit malfunctions, we’ve got you covered.
All-White Outfit Themes
You can wear all-white outfits to almost any occasion (though, at most weddings, it will definitely raise a few eyebrows if you’re not the bride!), but there are some themes that lend themselves to the all-white look better.
Black and White Affair
For a vintage-inspired evening, a black and white-themed dress code creates a cohesive look among the guests. A black and white party is also easy to dress for since most people have a black suit or little black dress.
Since black is a common formal color nowadays, an all-white outfit will still stand out as the more daring choice.
What to Wear
For this kind of event, you want to go more formal. White formal dresses definitely exist outside of bridal wear, so you can choose a floor-length stunner with a thigh slit or a deep v-neck.
Choosing silver jewelry with diamond (or cubic zirconium depending on your budget) can level up your look without adding any other colors to your outfit.
White stilettos are a good shoe option, or perhaps a peep-toe look for something more playful.
Formal Brunch
White is often considered more of a daytime color, so brunch is the perfect event for an all-white outfit. Parties like bridal and baby showers often take place during the day, so a showstopping white outfit is perfect (as long as you clear it with the bride if it’s someone else’s bridal shower).
Even if it’s not a specific event, getting together at a chic brunch place with some friends can be a party itself.
What to Wear
For a daytime event, like a brunch, you can go a little more playful and casual. A brunch look could be a white sundress and white sandals. Choose a dress with unique details like white embroidery, or an eyelet fabric. White leather sandals add a casual, but put-together look.
If casual dresses aren’t your preference, you can try a romper. Rompers will keep you cool and prevent thigh chafe by covering the interior of your legs. Style a romper with a pair of white sneakers and white sunglasses to create a fun modern look.
Cocktail Party
While cocktail parties are the natural environment for the little black dress, you can do the unexpected and wear an all-white outfit. Especially if it’s a summer outdoor party, white can be a refreshing option.
What to Wear
Cocktail parties are somewhat formal, but shorter dresses are more common for cocktail events. You might choose a shorter, but less casual white dress. Dresses with some sparkle and or unique neck and shoulder details can make the look stand out more.
If you don’t want to wear a dress, a white jumpsuit or white two-piece suit can also make a big statement. White ankle booties complete a pants-based outfit.
Pool Party
The summer favorite, a pool party can also be a great occasion to wear an all-white outfit. White is the ideal color for keeping cool in hot weather, so keeping it breezy in white creates an iconic white outfit.
What to Wear
A white one-piece or white bikini is a good option for a pool party. Just make sure it’s lined to avoid overexposure when your suit gets wet. Wear an oversized white button-down or a sheer white cover-up between dips in the water.
White sandals and a white straw hat add a glamorous, yet practical element to your look.
White Wardrobe Essentials
If you’re looking to have more all-white outfits or make white the staple neutral in your closet, you need to keep a stock of essential pieces in white. Here are a few to start with.
- White Button-Down Blouse: A white button-down is a versatile piece for any wardrobe that can mix and match between casual and business attire. Choose one that fits well with a shoulder seam that sits on your natural shoulder line and doesn’t gap in the front. A natural fiber like cotton or linen will be the most comfortable all year round.
- White Shoes: Whatever style of shoes you like to wear, sandals, heels, or sneakers; invest in a good and comfortable pair in white. It lightens up any outfit and completes an all-white look.
- White Dress or Jumpsuit: For a shortcut to an all-white outfit, center your look on a white piece like a dress or jumpsuit. Choose one that fits well and makes you feel confident, then play with styling by dressing it up and down for a variety of parties and events.
Tips for Wearing All White
All-white outfits bring their own unique challenges, which can make some people shy away from the style. Fear of stains and underwear lines shouldn’t deter you from having your all-white moment, so follow these tips to have a successful party.
While you create your white outfit, don’t forget to make sure your whites match and aren’t actually shades of ivory and cream!
Choose the Right Underwear
The biggest fashion faux pas with a white outfit is underwear that shows through. Instead of choosing white underwear, which can create a strong visible line under your clothing, choose underwear that matches your skin tone closely. This will blend better and make your clothes look seamless.
Of course, some people may want to go for an intentionally visible underwear look. If you wear a sheer white blouse, for example, a colorful lace bra can be a strong fashion statement.
Prepare for Spills
If the party you’re attending will feature food and drink, you might be worried about staining on your white outfit. Red wine, tomato sauce, and chili peppers can ruin your night, so be prepared.
If you’re a little clumsy, you might want to tuck a napkin into your blouse while you eat. If that’s too obvious, you can also pack a dark-colored scarf to wear while eating.
Keep a stain-removing pen in your bag for when inevitable spills and splashes do happen.
Avoid Sweat Stains
Yellowing in the armpits of white clothes can be a major concern. To avoid it, you can wear sweat shields inside your clothing.
These inserts are typically disposable, so if you sweat a lot, you could pack an extra set and change them out mid-way through the evening.
Cleaning White Clothes
Post-event, you’ll want to take care of your white clothes by cleaning them properly. Always check the care tag on your garment and research any symbols you’re not familiar with to make sure you’re cleaning it properly.
For a lot of white clothing, you can remove stains and discoloration by soaking white garments in a mixture of water, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide. Some things can also tolerate a good old-fashioned bleaching as well.
Stand Out in All White!
While black has been the modern go-to color for almost one hundred years, you can make a fashionable statement in white. All-white outfits make a strong statement that will make you stand out from a sea of little black dresses.
There are plenty of parties and events where you can wear an all-white outfit, and there are several ways you can take good care of your white clothing to keep it looking crisp for longer.
