How To Wear White In Winter, According To A Stylist
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Nothing says luxury quite like an all-white look in winter – not a flash or a pop, but full-on colour blocking. Yes, it may be a touch impractical, but it's so chic; if you ask me, it’s one of the quickest routes to looking polished and pulled together at this time of year. Plus, in a sea of neutrals and dark tones, white will help you stand out from the crowd.
MOEEZ ALI
PRACTICAL TIPS
That said, there are some practical tips to bear in mind. For one, don’t invest in a pure white wool or cashmere coat. No matter how chic it feels or looks, they just get dirty, and the cost can be hard to justify as a result. If a coat is calling you, go for one in an off-white, beige or stone shade – all are more forgiving. Alternatively, opt for something quilted, which will be easier to clean.
Frankie Shop's quilted teddy jacket is one of my favourite puffers this season. The collarless design eliminates any dreaded face make-up issues, while the billowing back offers just the right amount of drama. It looks particularly good with leggings or a narrow-silhouetted skirt. Just keep all the volume up top with a roll neck. The same brand’s Aspen puffer vest is also a great buy – it offers so many layering opportunities. On the high street, Mango always delivers when it comes to practical coats – it currently has a longer length quilted one with a good belt on it. Finally, Nocturne has a sleek, wrap around, short jacket that looks seriously sophisticated.
THE MATERIALS
Colour blocking, particularly in white, is all about texture, and a shearling jacket or bouclé waistcoat is a no-brainer. I bought my Isabel Marant gilet at the beginning of the season, and it's proved to be unbelievably useful. Creating a stylish, full-on winter white look is often about blending together shades of ecru, cream and off-white. A bit like interiors, crisp white is hard to pull off and the natural ecru tone of shearling tends to be more flattering.
If you're after an investment buy, check out Lvir, Halfboy and Nili Lotan, while Yves Salomon is normally my go-to for gilets. On the high street, Karen Millen has a longer-length, sleeveless coat that’s super soft, while Massimo Dutti has a reversible one that looks seriously expensive. Finally, & Other Stories has created a boxy, 60s-style coat that would look great with white flares.
BASIC LAYERS
A cream, fine-knit roll neck is a wardrobe staple and will form the basis of many a winter-white look. Layered under a dress, oversized shirt or chunky knit, think of it as a blank canvas from which to build your outfit – one which can also keep you warm. Novo has done a brilliant bodysuit-style roll neck this season, while Cos and Arket always have some of the best quality knits on the high street. If you want something really luxe, go to N Peal or Ralph Lauren.
Chunky knitwear is where you can be bolder with texture. I love Zara's fringed jumper – which will look great with leggings, a slim line knit skirt or simple white jeans and loafers. Raey's oversized cardigan is a dream and Mr Mittens is always a favourite – its buttonless cardigan will go with everything in your wardrobe.
To take things a step further, why not invest in a knitted dress? Gabriella Hearst's cable knit midi was a real runway moment for AW21 and I can't get enough of the puff sleeves on Alemais' version. Hush also has a wearable, relaxed midi you could dress up with a belt.
As for knitted loungewear – which I live in at this time of year – it doesn't get better than cream cashmere. Wide leg trousers feel more contemporary, and Olivia Von Halle has some of the best. On the high street, Mango comes out top again. Wear its co-ordinated set with a long line coat and oversized bag to nail Skandi cool.
FINALLY, ACCESSORIES
When it comes to accessorising an all-white look, stick to a pure colour palette. Keep things relatively tonal and don't go for anything black – it just looks to aggressive. I love Chloe's shearling bag and have been hankering after a Loeffler Randall belt bag for a while. Don't be afraid to double up on texture – a furry bag and furry coat looks more on trend than you might think.
Cream shoes are also so versatile, which is what makes them a good purchase. Having recently bought a pair of love-them-or-loathe-them JW Anderson loafers, I can confirm I’ve hardly taken them off. Zara has a similar version at a fraction of the price. Finally, knee-high cream boots will revolutionise your wardrobe – they give everything a 60s spin and are a prairie dress's best friend. Sergio Rossi, Paris Texas and Isabel Marant have everything you could want.
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Photography by Moeez Ali
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