Style Your “Summer-Whites”

If the phrase “summer whites” conjures images of Nicole Kidman’s character in Nine Perfect Strangers or those family Christmas card photos where everyone is matching in colorless clothes, stay with us: Summer whites deserve a rebrand. So we came up with six new ways to wear them this season—none of them culty, all of them cute.

DRESS TO IMPRESS SUMMER WHITES

Take the tank-and-tailored-shorts set you bought for vacation, add a trusty black blazer, and voilà: You’ve got an outfit that works both on the clock and off. To keep the look more business than pleasure, finish with black accessories and a sleek gold chain.

LIÉ STUDIO NECKLACE, goop, $590

1. BY PARIAHNecklacegoop, $450SHOP NOW
2. BEMBIENBaggoop, $240SHOP NOW
3. G. LABEL BY GOOPEmerson Square-Neck Topgoop, $345SHOP NOW
4. G. LABEL BY GOOPEdlin Tailored Shortsgoop, $375SHOP NOW
5. TOTEMEBlazerNet-a-Porter, $870SHOP NOW
6. TOTEMESlidesgoop, $500SHOP NOW

HAVE FUN WITH SUMMER WHITES

An eggshell-hued tank and daisy-white trousers are something of a sartorial blank canvas: Add a bit of color, dimension, and contrast (in this case, maroon sandals, a mohair cardigan, and a lip stain that gives you that just-ate-a-Popsicle pout) and the result is creative expression at its cutest.

1. ANNIKA INEZRinggoop, $155SHOP NOW
2. MONIKA BLUNDERLipstick Crayongoop, $32SHOP NOW
3. LOEWEBagNet-a-Porter, $2,400SHOP NOW
4. PROENZA SCHOULER WHITE LABELCropped Sweatergoop, $275SHOP NOW
5. G. LABEL BY GOOPBrunswick High-Waisted Pleated Pantsgoop, $495SHOP NOW
6. G. LABEL BY GOOPDeven Pavé Link Necklacegoop, $8,000SHOP NOW
7. MARNICardigangoop, $1,150SHOP NOW
8. THE ROWSandalsMatchesfashion, $678SHOP NOW

TRY A TREND OF SUMMER WHITES

Maxi skirts are seemingly everywhere right now, and this palate-cleansing poplin one is a nice way to try the trend. Wear it with something soft or streamlined up top, then round out the look with more-masculine accessories, like Marni’s signature trunk bag or thick-soled sandals.

KULE TANK, goop, $68; 

TOTEME SKIRT, goop, $440; 

MARNI SANDALS, goop, $875

1. G. LABEL BY GOOPAlisha V-Neck Cardigangoop, $595SHOP NOW
2. TOWER 28 BEAUTYLip Balmgoop, $16SHOP NOW
3. TOTEMESkirtgoop, $440SHOP NOW
4. MARNIBaggoop, $2,100SHOP NOW
5. G. LABEL BY GOOPArion V-Neck Racerback Bodysuitgoop, $145SHOP NOW
6. MARNISandalsgoop, $875SHOP NOW

STAY NEUTRAL WITH SUMMER WHITES

White jeans go with almost anything, but they’re especially chic styled with other light neutrals. Our picks? A sandy vest knit from exceptionally soft cashmere, cream Birks that prove comfort can be stylish, and the beautifully minimalist taupe bag that’s topping wish lists around the world.

1. LISA YANGVestgoop, $570SHOP NOW
2. BIRKENSTOCKSandalsgoop, $230SHOP NOW
3. BOTTEGA VENETASunglassesNet-a-Porter, $430SHOP NOW
4. G. LABEL BY GOOPArmen Curved Jeansgoop, $395SHOP NOW
5. TABAYERBraceletgoop, $7,700SHOP NOW
6. THE ROWToteNet-a-Porter, $1,690SHOP NOW

ADD A POP OF COLOR WITH SUMMER WHITE

White bottoms, like the Mizuki jeans or the Zander shorts, are a solid base for bright colors. Take this French-blue button-up, for instance—with or without the marinière on top, the look is très mignonne, non?

ALEX MILL SHIRT, goop, $145; 

G. LABEL BY GOOP MIZUKI WHITE JEANS, goop, $295; 

BIRKENSTOCK SANDALS, goop, $230

1. KOSASLip Oilgoop, $22SHOP NOW
2. KULESweatergoop, $228SHOP NOW
3. ALEX MILLShirtgoop, $145SHOP NOW
4. G. LABEL BY GOOPZander Button-Fly Shortsgoop, $275SHOP NOW
5. TOTEMEBaggoop, $1,190SHOP NOW
6. GABRIELA HEARSTSandalsMatchesfashion, $775SHOP NOW

REALLY COMMIT

Last but certainly not least: the all-white outfit. While you could go for separates, the quickest way to pull this off is by pairing a simple one-and-done piece, like this flowy Maria McManus shirtdress, with off-white accessories—they keep the look tonal without feeling too matchy-matchy.