What's your best White?
White - the psychology
White is a fascinating colour in psychology terms - in the West, it has associations with purity, cleanliness, peace, new birth and innocence, while in many Eastern cultures it is linked with death and sadness, used in funerals and mourning rituals.
In Western culture, White conveys freshness and simplicity, and a 'new start' feeling. It is overwhelmingly ranked highly as an interiors colour, as it adds space, brightness and cleanliness. It is also often seen as evoking peace and quiet, or a feeling of concentration.
Whichever way you look at it, there can be no doubt that White - or something close to it - forms a core part of many, many of our wardrobes. So how should you be wearing it?
Knowing your best white - whether it's a soft white, cream, stone, or chalk white - is a powerful weapon to have in your style arsenal. Whether you want to rock a sleek monochrome look or simply add a little light and bright to an outfit, knowing which white to go for will keep your look chic, current and, most importantly, right for you.
The white t-shirt is indisputably an iconic piece of clothing. There is simply no item of clothing that more fully expresses practicality, simplicity and effortless style than the humble white tee.
All that's left is to choose the right white for your colour profile!
Spring - go for a warm buttery cream. Think of the shades of warm golden white you get in single, double and clotted cream. Pair with a splash of colour during the day or go for chic gold accessories in the evening.
Outfit details:
Scoop Half Sleeve in Cream
Astrid Suede Belt in Camel
Meeting at Dawn Earrings in Gold
Summer - a soft off white, your white can be tricky to find as it has no warmth or creaminess to it, but is very definitely not bright true white. Often called 'soft white' or, confusingly, 'winter white' in stores.
Outfit Details:
Cotton V Neck in Soft White
Astrid Suede Belt in Silver Antique
Meeting at Dawn Earrings in Silver
Autumn - you need a warm yellow based creamy shade, but it doesn't need the brightness of the spring palette - you may be able to pull of a soft white as well as the ideal more golden creamy options.
Outfit details:
Soft Square Vest in Stone
Print Belt in Leopard Cream
Meeting at Dawn Earrings in Gold
Winter - chalk white is the way forward for you (or true white). Bright, stark and as high contrast as it gets when paired with brights or black. For a sophisticated look try combining it with silver grey or a pop of fuchsia pink.
Outfit details:
Boxy Tee in Chalk White
Print Belt in Black & White Spot
Tear of Tulum Earrings in Silver
If you don't know which colour palette (and therefore light neutral) works best for you, your best bet is to stick to a soft white. Almost universally flattering, and less stark than true optic white, soft white has a slightly chalky finish, especially in matte fabrics and knitwear. But if you want to find your dream white, take two minutes to discover your Colour Profile and get ready to enjoy your perfect take on the classic white tee!