Brian Maynor April 9, 2014
April 8, 2014
April 10, 2014
Growing up in the South white was a necessity during the summer, but there was always a debate over when you could start wearing it. White shirts were acceptable all year, pants, shorts, dresses and skirts were typically broken out at spring, but white shoes were specifically forbidden except between Memorial Day to Labor Day. While there are still some diehard traditionalists, most people have accepted the modernization of the rule and wear white during all seasons and in all forms.
Luckily the non-traditionalists have another source of support; white one of the hottest trends for Spring & Summer 2014. Whether you choose to embrace white now or wait until Memorial Day, here are a few tips to incorporating white into your wardrobe successfully:
1. Start with proper foundation-wear. White is not a camouflaging color. In fact, it highlights everything, including lines and patterns from your underwear. Seamless is always best, and if you want to create an invisible look opt for nude or flesh-tone. Many people think white under white will be invisible, but that isn’t the case. Guys this applies to you as well.
2. Suits. We see a lot of white suiting hit the market during spring, and while everyone adores Olivia Pope’s all-white outfits from Scandal, they are the easiest to pull off. An all-white outfit can wash you out if you are pale, so to pull this look off, you need to modify it a bit and bring in some color around your face. Because white reflects light, it highlights skin imperfections and discoloration, so if you are concerned about that you may want to avoid head-to-toe white and opt for separates instead, and keep them on the bottom half.
3. Will the look withstand your day? White only works if it stays crisp and clean, and let’s face it, that is not easily accomplished if you have a day full of running around from meeting to meeting. It only takes one stain, wrinkle lap or limp collar to take your look from polished to messy, so make sure your day can accommodate such a high-maintenance look.
4. Your butt will look bigger. We know white emphasizes everything and makes them look bigger, so if you are concerned about minimizing the cut and structure of your pants and skirts is more important than ever. Attached pockets, flaps and contrast seaming or textured fabric are all details that can work to breakup the space and offer some camouflage. Avoid pants and skirts that have a solid, unadorned swath across your butt or everything on display and magnified.
5. Accessories. While when to wear white shoes remains a controversial topic, white bags and jewelry are a great ways to lighten up a darker outfit and transition between seasons. They withstand any weather pattern and busy schedule with ease and give a nod to the warmer weather.
Crisp, polished white pieces and outfits are staples for spring and summer, but they are not the easiest to maintain or the most forgiving. Before walking out of the house in white, check your schedule and the weather to help make sure you look as polished at the end of the day as you do at the beginning.
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I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards athttp://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
