Blank Canvas Attire

Rag & Bone RTW SS14; Credit

 

 

I have been thinking about the reason for the no white before Memorial Day rule quite a lot lately. I try to leave fashion rules that are outdated in the dust as much as possible and not because I enjoy defying conventions. On the contrary, I strongly believe that some fashion rules should not be broken because they were established to ensure there is decorum in how a person should dress at certain venues, for instance. These fashion don’ts consist of rules such as don’t wear mini-skirts and don’t display too much cleavage in a professional business office. I can certainly uphold these rules because I agree that a violation of these type of codes can result in a negative reaction that simply should not be risked in the workplace; however, I hope you agree with me that wearing white before Memorial Day is not going to cause mass pandemonium. Note: All Jill Stuart RTW SS14 runway photos are courtesy of Style.com. All Rag & Bone photos are courtesy of Vogue.com.
 

Jill Stuart RTW SS14

Rag & Bone RTW SS14

 

Why then was this rule created? Isn’t white as equally deserving as other colors to be worn before Memorial Day? Who created this rule anyway? Why was it created? These are the sort of questions that have been floating around in my head and, as usual, when I have questions such as this I set about finding the answers. I had no idea when I began that it would be almost impossible to identify what sparked the no white before Memorial Day rule; however, what I did find was that in the late 1800s and early 1900s extremely wealthy socialites were primarily given credit for creating this fashion rule when they decided that white should be limited to weddings and resort weather. By the 1950s, this rule was firmly in the etiquette books.

 Many notable ladies, however, have happily disregarded this fashion rule. Regardless of when you decide to wear white, whether you are a stickler for the rules or you dare to wear white year-round like the iconic Coco Chanel, I am sure you will agree with me that the white attire looks below are simply unforgettable.

 

First Lady Michelle Obama; Credit

 

Diane Kruger; Credit

Jennifer Lawrence; Credit

Marion Cotillard; Credit

Emma Watson; Credit

Victoria Beckham; Credit

 

Charlize Theron; Credit


 

I have always considered white to be a blank canvas because a single white separate can really be used to create any type of fashion artistry that I choose. I can also decide to leave the canvas entirely blank by wearing all white pieces to fashion an eye-catching look. When everyone else is wearing colors don’t you always remember the woman in white? The ladies below certainly are in-the-know about the charm of white attire.

 

Kim Kardashian; Credit

 

Anna Wintour; Credit

 

 



 

Beyoncé; Credit



White, or the blank canvas as I refer to it, creates drama and glamour when it is paired with black. Think about houndstooth, striped separates and zebra prints. Isn’t the imagery immediate and strong? Simply put, black and white have chemistry and I love chemistry.

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Chanel Iman; Credit
 

 

 

Rag & Bone RTW SS14

 

Jill Stuart RTW SS14


 

 

Rag & Bone RTW SS14

 

Rag & Bone RTW SS14

 



 

Diane Von Furstenberg RTW SS14; Credit


 

 

White is just as powerful when it plays a supporting role rather than a co-lead role. Matching white clothing, for instance, with bold-colored clothing consistently results in a vibrant look. I love pairing white with red, which is my favorite color, when I want to create a memorable look. An instantly powerful look is also created when white is paired with fuchsia, orange and my favorite green shade, emerald.

 

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It also plays the supporting role well when paired with pastels.  It lets these softer shades shine without taking away from their soothing impact. Pastels don’t fade when matched with white; they sparkle. 

 

Rag & Bone RTW SS14

 

Rag & Bone RTW SS14

 

 

Rag & Bone RTW SS14

 

Before I go, here are some helpful tips:

·         There are different shades of white so just make sure when wearing white on white the shades mesh well.

·         Nude, blush and silver accessories look fantastic with white outfits and can help break-up an all-white look since these colors are neutrals.

·         Accessories and jewelry in brilliant shades such as royal blue, red, orange and many other bright colors play their roles well when partnered with white clothing.

 

Now, I want to hear from you. Do you break the no white before Memorial Day rule? Do you think this rule should be removed from the fashion etiquette list?

 

Until next time, I leave you with the looks below. Check out how starlets, bloggers and other like-minded fashionistas style their white garments.

Jamie Chung; Credit

Kate Beckinsale; Credit

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Katie Holmes; Credit

 

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Olivia Palermo; Credit

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Check out my Keaton Row lookbook, The Cool Effect, to see how I styled white pieces. If interested in any of the clothing and accessories just click on the above link to directly access the lookbook or contact me.

Top to Bottom: Topshop Daisy Burnout Crop Top, Asos Min-Skirt with Notch Hem, Asos Thames Shoe Boots, Anne Klein Fan Cluster Clip Earrings, Monserat De Lucca Measuring Tape Bracelet, Asos Retro Navy Sunglasses, Furla Candy-Mini Top Handle Crossbody Ink Bag