In the light of this season’s all important white shirt, I thought it best to address how to wear white successfully if you feel that it washes you out.

Misconception: you need to be an olive-skinned brunette to wear white and cream

I am blonde with pale skin (which is never tanned) and wear white and winter-white all the time. I absolutely love pearls and often wear them against my white skin. And it works. Here’s how to make it work for you:

• Keep your face polished – this means grooming and filling in your eyebrows, wearing mascara, keeping your cheeks rosy and your lips a darker shade of your natural colour. I am an advocate of showing restraint when it comes to applying make-up – but just the right amount adds polish to your face by making your features more distinctive.
• Create a contrast on top – layer an item in a strong colour over your white shirt (e.g. black waist coat or red jacket) or wear a necklace in a strong colour close to your face (e.g. green choker beads).
• Create a contrast on the bottom – wear your white shirt with dark jeans, pants or skirt.
• Opt for cream instead – sometimes the tone of a warmer version of white (like cream or off white) is better than pure optical white.

Nicole Kidman, Naomi Watts and Renee Zellwegger are excellent examples of women who successfully wear white and cream despite their creamy complexions.