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CNA Lifestyle

Fresh inspiration: 5 chic, flattering ways to pull off an all-white ensemble

From corporate chic to weekend comfort to athleisure pleasure, CNA Lifestyle takes a look at modern, contemporary ways to rock white.

Fresh inspiration: 5 chic, flattering ways to pull off an all-white ensemble

Like a boss in white. (Photo: Aik Chen)

It is pristine, fresh and beautiful, but many women often think twice about wearing white because they either think it's going to make them look bigger or that they'll spill their lunch on it.

The reality is white is incredibly versatile and, with a little finesse, also flattering on the body.

All you need are the right textures, silhouettes and – we cannot stress this enough – the right underwear.

As for spilling your lunch... there's not much we can do to help you except, perhaps, suggest a sandwich?

MAKE ROOM FOR COMFORT

Cotton tunic dress, by Tory Burch. Leather Mary Janes, by Chanel. Silver choker, by Celine. (Photo: Aik Chen)

We get it that white is a larger-than-life colour – which is exactly why you’re best off going in with a “go big or go home” mindset. Embrace it for what it is and add volume.

Take this roomy shirtdress, for example – it looks fabulous when worn outsized. In fact, sizing down will result in unnecessary bulging and you don’t want that.

To create the desired look, turn to structured shapes and stiff fabrics.

WEAR THE PANTS

Tweed jacket, tweed pants, cotton sleeveless blouse, tiered necklace and leather Mary Janes, all by Chanel. (Photo: Aik Chen)

The classic white suit doesn’t get worn enough. It’s chic, it's smart, it’s modern. And it's a seriously ballsy look.

Tall girls will look absolutely smashing when pairing the white jacket with tone-on-tone palazzo pants. Meanwhile, white cigarette pants are every petite girl’s friend.

READ: Big, bold, beautiful: 10 showstopping earrings that are perfect for the season

FAUX FUR REAL

Faux fur jacket, by Maje. (Photo: Aik Chen)

Not quite feeling that neon blue faux fur? Then give its pristine white cousin a shot on your winter jaunts.

More versatile than its crazily coloured cousins, it will help you shapeshift from hippie (it pairs well with flared jeans) to apres ski (when worn with moon boots for some alpine hopping in Megeve) to cosmopolitan (slip on white denims to pound the pavements of Ginza).

DRESSED TO THE NINES

Lycra dress, by Off-White. Leather trainers, by Maje. Silver bangles, by Hermes. (Photo: Aik Chen)

The devil is in the details when it comes to white dresses. 

Here are a couple of things to keep in mind: Tight and clingy will fit the svelte like a glove. Appliques and embellishment are wonderful distractions for those with less-than-perfect bodies. Meanwhile, pint-sized individuals will be able to pull off cute, mini pieces with aplomb.

THE BOYFRIEND IS MINE

Linen jacket, linen shorts, by Sottes from Surrender. Lycra leggings, by Chanel. Leather trainers, by Maje. (Photo: Aik Chen)

Boyfriend dressing doesn’t have to stop at jeans. Next time, borrow his white shorts. Wear them low, slung around the hips for effect. To really draw attention to that tiny waistline, throw on a midriff.

What’s his is yours anyway, right?

Photography by Aik Chen, styling by Damian Huang, hair and makeup by Wee Ming using Chanel and Kevin Murphy. Special thanks to The Dempsey Cookhouse and Bar.

READ: Back to black: The modern little black dress reigns supreme in all occasions 

Source: CNA/yy

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