White clothing can be challenging to style and pair with other colors. At first glance, white may seem limiting, but there are actually many colors and fabrics that complement white beautifully. When styling a white top, dress, pants, or other garment, it’s important to consider the color wheel and which hues will make white pop. With some key guidelines, you can easily build stylish white outfits for any occasion.
Guidelines for Pairing Colors with White
Here are some top tips for choosing colors to mix and match with white clothing:
– Stick to white’s color family on the color wheel. The analogous colors next to white are black, gray, cream, tan, beige, and other neutrals. These are classic pairings that are easy on the eyes.
– Try light pastels like powder blue, blush pink, mint green, and pale yellow. These will make white pop. Avoid pastels that are too intense or neon, which can look jarring next to bright white.
– Use primary colors in small doses. A red belt, blue shoes, or yellow bag can add a fun pop of color. Just don’t overdo it. Too much primary color overwhelms white.
– Metallics like gold, silver, bronze, and pewter add shine and sophistication. Metallic shoes, jewelry, bags, and other accessories complement white nicely.
– Black and white is a foolproof combination. Black pants, skirts, jackets, and other garments give white depth.
– Go for patterns and prints in colors like navy, brown, black, tan, gray, and blush. These make white the neutral backdrop.
Best Colors to Wear with White by Category
Here are the top colors that pair beautifully with white clothing, broken down by category:
Tops
– Light blue – Powder blue, sky blue, and other soft blues make crisp pairings.
– Navy – A nautical classic. Works for dressy and casual looks.
– Pink – Both soft and bright pinks complement white.
– Red – A bold pop of primary color. Makes white pop.
– Purple – Lavender and lilac are pretty with white. Avoid neon purples.
Bottoms
– Black – Slimming and elegant with white tops.
– Tan -Khaki, caramel, nude, and sand-colored bottoms ground white.
– Gray – From light gray to charcoal, gray pants and skirts flatter white.
– Red – Bright red bottoms with a white top makes a statement.
– Metallic – Gold, rose gold, or silver bottoms shine.
Shoes
– Neutrals – White, beige, tan, and cream shoes blend seamlessly.
– Metallics – Gold, silver, rose gold shoes dress up white outfits.
– Red – White with red shoes is nautical and fun for summer.
– Leopard print – Animal prints add interest without overpowering.
– Blue – Light blue shoes pop against white. Navy is classic.
Bags and Accessories
– Straw or wood – Natural textures complement white.
– Metallics – Gold, silver, pewter, or bronze bags and jewelry.
– Tortoiseshell – Has tan and brown tones that work with white.
– Clear – See-through vinyl or lucite bags are trendy with white.
– Rainbow – All colors work for quirky pairings.
Jackets and Coats
– Black leather – Tough and cool with a white top or dress.
– Jean – White with classic blue denim is relaxed chic.
– Olive green – An unexpected neutral for white outerwear.
– Plaid – Black and white or red and black plaids pair smartly.
– Patterned – Florals, paisleys, and boho prints in soft or neutral palettes.
Fabrics and Textures to Mix with White
Beyond color, the fabrics and textures you pair with white can make a big impact. Here are some winning combinations:
– White cotton, linen, or lace with black leather or suede – The contrast adds visual interest.
– White denim with a shiny sequined or metallic top – Casual white becomes glamorous.
– Flowy white chiffon blouse with sleek leather or pleated midi skirt – The opposites attract.
– Cropped white sweater with high-waisted trousers or skirt – Playing with proportions.
– White eyelet or broderie anglaise with silky cami and tailored pants or pencil skirt – Mixing feminine and structured.
– White knit t-shirt with colorful patterned midi or maxi skirt – Relaxed and boho chic.
– White dress with jean or leather jacket – Tough edge balances out the feminine dress.
Occasions for Wearing White
White outfits work year-round for all sorts of events when styled properly. Here are some go-to white looks for every occasion:
Casual Daytime
– White t-shirt or tank with jeans or shorts
– White sundress or jumpsuit with sandals or sneakers
– White button-down left open over tank with skirt
– White cropped wide-leg pants with neutral or bright cami
Work and Business
– White blouse with black trousers or pencil skirt
– White shift dress with black blazer and pumps
– White pantsuit for a fashion-forward power look
– White collared shirt tucked into neutral trousers
Cocktail Parties and Events
– White wrap dress with metallic strappy heels
– White jumpsuit with red or pink heels and clutch
– White midi skirt with silky cami and kimono
– Embellished white mini with nude heels
Summer Weddings
– White eyelet sundress with natural woven bag and sandals
– Strapless white midi dress with floral print kimono
– White jumpsuit with metallic platform sandals
– White suit with pastel or neutral cami
Winter Weddings
– White sweater or turtleneck with faux fur stole
– Embellished white sheath dress with velvet pumps
– White dress with sparkly jacket
– Long white gown with lace details
Formal and Black Tie
– White ballgown with silvery shawl and gems
– White suit with black silk camisole
– Strapless white mermaid gown with gold accents
– White tuxedo jumpsuit for a modern look
Tips for Styling White Clothes
Follow these top tips when putting together outfits featuring white:
– Anchor white with neutral shoes, bags, jackets, and accessories. Black, tan, gray, navy, and metallics all work.
– Add color thoughtfully. Limit brights to small accents like bags, shoes, or jewelry.
– Choose colors next to white on the color wheel like light blues, pinks, neutrals, and black.
– Monochrome white-on-white outfits are chic. Vary textures like lace, eyelet, and silky fabrics.
– Accessorize minimally. White highlights jewelry, so you don’t need much.
– Keep silhouettes clean and tailored. White shows every line and curve underneath.
– Avoid neons, fluorescents, and other loud colors that can overpower white.
– Be mindful of undergarments. Stick to nude or white under lighter fabrics.
– Care for white carefully. Pre-treat stains, wash gently in cold water, avoid the dryer, and steam wrinkles.
Conclusion
White clothing doesn’t have to be boring. With the right pairings, white can be stunning, stylish, and endlessly versatile. Follow the color guidelines and styling tips outlined here, and you’ll always look pulled-together in white. From soft pastels and pretty metallics to go-to neutrals like black, tan, gray, and navy, the options for wearing white are diverse. Just use color thoughtfully, focus on flattering silhouettes, and accessorize minimally to let white shine. With the right attention to detail, white clothing can be fresh, polished, and perfect for any occasion.
