Your Official Guide to Wearing White Year-Round

With so many mixed messages surrounding how to wear white, when you can wear white, and how you should do it, it’s no wonder that so many of us seek the comfort of a dark color palette. Forget everything you’ve heard about these pseudo-stringent rules (“no white after Labor Day,” etc.), and embrace wearing fresh whites at any point during the year. Yes, summer whites may be the most intuitive, as they include the breezy linens like button-down shirts and the cotton dresses we typically take with us to the beach. But what about winter whites, the more underrated of the washed-out neutrals? We love how layering different shades of white and eggshell make for a fresh combo, no matter which dates our calendars display.

Go on to see how to wear fresh white pieces (and head-to-toe monochrome, if you're so inclined) during every season.

Spring

For spring, try swapping out one key item for its white versions, like jeans or a blazer.

ways to wear white for spring

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SZYMON BRZÓSKA/THE STYLE STALKER

A delicate white dress is a closet staple, and while it's not quite warm enough to wear on its own in spring like it is in the summer, it works well layered underneath a long coat.

spring outfits with white

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SZYMON BRZÓSKA/THE STYLE STALKER

Ecru jeans and a white button-down should be the easy outfit combination you keep in your back pocket.

spring white outfits

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SZYMON BRZÓSKA/THE STYLE STALKER

If you're into the all-neutral look this spring, consider grounding the whites and creams with dark accessories.

best ways to wear white in the spring

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SZYMON BRZÓSKA/THE STYLE STALKER

Try a breezy white top with your favorite blue jeans (or shorts).

Summer

how to wear white for summer

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SZYMON BRZÓSKA/THE STYLE STALKER

Ah, summer whites. Think breezy day dresses and linen pieces to take you all the way from the workweek to your dreamiest beach vacation.

ways to wear white for summer

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SZYMON BRZÓSKA/THE STYLE STALKER

A basic white tank with belted trousers is the easy summer outfit I know I always rely on and wear on repeat. I highly recommend stocking up on the basic tank to see you through the season.

summer outfits with white

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SZYMON BRZÓSKA/THE STYLE STALKER

Are LWT's (little white tops) a thing? Because they definitely should be.

how to wear white in the summer

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@maria_bernad

A woven basket is just what this summer outfit needed.

summer white outfits

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SZYMON BRZÓSKA/THE STYLE STALKER

To take things into a trendier territory, we love the idea of styling a white bra top underneath a boxy blazer.

Fall

how to wear white for fall

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SZYMON BRZÓSKA/THE STYLE STALKER

A basic white T-shirt works for any season, but we're loving it styled with the suiting trend as seen here.

ways to wear white for fall

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SZYMON BRZÓSKA/THE STYLE STALKER

One of our favorite ways to wear white in the fall is through our denim choices. A pair of white jeans—while a standard of the summer months—can be easily styled with knee boots for the fall.

fall outfits with white

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SZYMON BRZÓSKA/THE STYLE STALKER

Team a white breezy blouse with tailored trousers and ankle boots for a timeless and fall-approved look.

fall white outfits

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SZYMON BRZÓSKA/THE STYLE STALKER

White ankle boots can freshen up any look, whether or not it involves other neutrals. Invest in a pair and give your black ankle boots a rest (because we know you probably wear them to death already).

white outfits for fall

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SZYMON BRZÓSKA/THE STYLE STALKER

The allover neutral look is trending right now, and this is the perfect way to combine fall-friendly layers with variations of white, cream, and beige.

Winter

how to wear white for winter

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SZYMON BRZÓSKA/THE STYLE STALKER

It doesn't get any chicer—or cooler—than a white winter coat.

ways to wear white for winter

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SZYMON BRZÓSKA/THE STYLE STALKER

Wear white boots with your darker wintry looks to freshen things up.

how to wear white in the winter

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SZYMON BRZÓSKA/THE STYLE STALKER

File this under how to wear white jeans in the winter.

winter white outfits

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SZYMON BRZÓSKA/THE STYLE STALKER

Slouchy trousers and a simple sweater look so elegant in shades of neutrals.

Ready to try out a fresh white look right now? Shop the white tops that are on our editors' wish lists right now.

This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.