YES, YOU CAN DREAM OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS
“THE SECRET TO NOT GETTING STUCK IN A STYLE RUT IS NOT RULING OUT ANY SHADES”
HORIZONTAL STRIPES MAKE YOU LOOK HEAVIER, sequins are purely for evening-wear, dark colours look better in winter – all are old, anachronistic and rather ridiculous fashion myths, which is presumably why we no longer follow them. Winter dressing can throw up questions even for those with the savviest of sartorial compasses. But the secret to not getting stuck in a mundane style rut – I’m looking at you my trusty poloneck and black skinny jeans – is not ruling out any shades, even the sugar cube brightness of white, off-white and ivory. All are summer perennial colours but they look decidedly fresh and cheerful in a sea of frosty winter black, navy, dark oxblood and grey.
With winter white, beige or cream, all you need to be clever about is texture. Supple fabrics project soft, cosy sumptuousness no matter what colour you work with. So textured knits and sweaters, flippy woolmix skirts, big teddy coats and high-waist tailored wide-leg trousers all carry the colour off better in colder weather than, say, a flimsy white silk shirt or maxi dress. Heavy flannel, wool, corduroy and tweed coats all look really chic and suitably wintry, layered with an off-white or oatmeal slouchy boyfriend cardigan or sweater. They also prevent impractically pale pieces from blending in together.
White jeans have always looked inappropriate at this time of year – they make me think of sandals, barbecues and Pimm’s. Yet last week, I found myself in an old pair of cream Mint Velvet jeans with a big snuggly mohair jumper, delighted with myself.
What I can’t stress enough is that fabric thickness and fit are key. So while Zara might seem like a bright idea, it’s worth investing in good, heavy quality denim from Chloe, Citizens of Humanity or MIH Jeans in a soft, comfortable, stretchy fit. White jeans worn in winter should be directional with a loose, wide or flared leg – skinnies look wonderful with floaty romantic tops and a light, delicate sandal but they are difficult to toughen up with chunky footwear. I also love a shorter culotte style with tights and shoe boots and recently bought vanilla corduroy trousers from H&M that I’m keeping for Christmas Day with an off-the-shoulder camel sweater – my sartorial version of Christmas at home is a cosy jumper, never a sequinned dress.
Lastly, footwear. I can’t pretend white boots are as practical as their classic black counterparts but they do have a number of qualities worth investing in. Fun and edgier, they bridge the jazzy-wearable divide perfectly and they make outfits pop, unlike like their more traditional cousin. Shorter ankle styles stick out like a welcome breath of fresh air in an ocean of midnight, brown and burgundy. They also – rather unexpectedly – complement most fabrics, from printed silk midi skirts and cosy knitted jumpers, to a black or camel blazer and cropped jeans.