STEP INTO THE WHITE THIS WINTER
FROM THE CATWALK TO YOUR WARDROBE… GRACE CAHILL ON THE FASHION FIXES THAT WORK IN THE REAL WORLD
Head to toe white in winter? I hear you laugh. Maybe it’s an Irish thing because I would have been equally as sceptical, especially with the knock-on effect of third trimester clumsiness (I have traded morning coffee for hot milk in a bid to keep outfits stain-free). On the hunt for something special post-birth, however, I spotted it: A floor-skimming vanilla white coat from Monsoon that triggered a change in me.
I wear 50 shades of white and beige in balmier weather but the idea of reworking it for winter felt trickier. Ian Griffiths, creative director at MaxMara, has been singing its praises for seasons, worn in luxe, textured fabrics and skimming silhouettes. Spanish label Loewe, led by Irish designer Jonathan Anderson, is also a fan, served in heavier wool blends. Then there’s investment brands like Tibi, Acne and Joseph in Brown Thomas, who all worked with soft mohair and shearling textures this season contrasted with delicate silk skirts, tailored trousers and fine cashmere, cable and ribbed knits.
On the high street, Mango has long been a champion of a chic tailored creamy sweater dress and coat twinset and I’ve spotted some similar overcoat and cocoon coat styles in off-white, eggshell, beige and buttermilk in Zara, Marks & Spencer, River Island and H&M. I’ll admit that wearing them layered takes conviction, coordination (that means no spillages) and some imaginative styling, but worn in the right combination it’s timeless, sleek and deliciously cosy especially at this time of year.
Soft and creamy rather than optic bright is how winter white should look. To pull it off you need to be clever and play with texture, structure and engineering. Soft, supple fabrics in chunkier weights project sumptuousness better than lighter weight cotton, which tends to look a bit flat in colder weather, and voluminous shapes (bias cut, asymmetric hemlines and exaggerated sleeves) will draw the eye to an otherwise minimal combination.
Remember tonal dressing lends itself best to depth. Mixing and matching different fabrics and incorporating different materials will create contrast and give whiter whites, and delicate ecrus and ivories a much cooler edge. Think a slouchy knit tucked into a buttery soft skirt. Equally wearable day to night are crisp white shirts and ruffled blouses slung over tailored wide-leg trousers and a trophy coat in a similar shade coming into party season.
If you find yourself struggling with the softly, softly tonal approach (some of us were not born to be minimalists), subtle prints like polka dots and checks in earthy colors like tan, rust, caramel, toffee and biscuit compliment all shades of white, cream and beige. A printed neck scarf or a snakeskin boot is a clever way to introduce pattern if you find yourself lacklustre and wanting to break blockier shades.
Footwear? Mules, narrow block heel boots and strappy sandals blend well and I always think a small, boxy square handbag does the trick to accessorise. Just don’t forget to throw in a spare napkin and if you’re out, steer clear of red wine and bolognese.
CREAMY AND SOFT RATHER THAN OPTIC BRIGHT IS HOW WINTER WHITE SHOULD LOOK