I am often asked whether wearing white to a wedding is still taboo, since at Western weddings, most brides wear a shade of white. And wearing white as a wedding guest is thought of as “upstaging the bride”, taking away her limelight, and being disrespectful. 

In my experience, this aspect of wedding guest dress code etiquette has relaxed a bit over the years. I usually suggest that wearing a white dress or suit to a Western wedding where the bride will wear white is probably not the best idea – just to be on the safe side. But wearing a white separate like a skirt, top, or jacket with a non-white support act is acceptable, as is wearing white shoes and accessories. As long as you’re not wearing white from head to toe, you’ll be fine. I’ve worn a white shirt and accessories to weddings, and as far as I know, it was not frowned upon at all.  

I believe that wearing white to a non-Western wedding is not a problem because the brides themselves don’t usually wear white. But let me know if I’m wrong about that. I’ve also once dressed a client for a Western wedding in which the guests were requested to wear all-white. Fancy that! 

What’s your take on wearing white to a wedding when you’re not the bride? Is the “rule” dated? Is it a regional thing? Should you stay away from any and all white items in order to avoid creating offence, or is wearing a white separate, accessory or shoe perfectly acceptable?

This outfit combination puts this morning’s post on de-bombshelling shorts into action. Some of the items are on sale, and be sure to look through all colour options. 

• Karen Kane Plus Size S/S Handkerchief Top: Stunning drape and pretty neckline. Wearing it over shorts or clamdiggers is less expected, although pairing it with straight legs or a pencil skirt is a slam-dunk.
• BCBGMAXAZRIA Mazie Tunic Top: A tunic with a tail. An easy option to wear over skinnies, but pairing it with shorts is less expected. Semi-tuck the front for added structure as desired. 
• Wilt High Low Tunic: An easy breezy and super casual sleeved tee that looks fab over shorts.
• KUT from the Kloth Catherine Boyfriend Denim Shorts: These shorts have made my top picks list before because they are a super fit, forgiving, and flattering. Size up for extra bagginess. They are also available at Nordstrom. 
• KUT from the Kloth Bermuda Denim Shorts: Here’s the longer and slightly more fitted version if the Catherines are too short
• DKNY Dirty Dancing Shorts (Plus): A sleek and comfortable fit with a good length rise. 
• Miz Mooz Papaya Sandal: The ankle strapped sandal is the style of the season. These work quite well for a wider foot, and you might need to size down half a size. Super comfortable, soft leather, textured and casually elegant. Read the rave reviews. 

The intention is to wear the tunics with the shorts and sandals, which is a fresh look for Summer. But by all means mix and match them with other separates that are more to your liking.

This is similar to de-bombshelling a pencil skirt. Wear untucked oversized tops with length over shorts and take out “the sexy”, but look just as alluring. By showcasing a fair amount of leg, forearms or the entire arm, and some collarbone, you also add structure back into the outfit. 

The pictures below showcase de-bombshelled shorts perfectly. Choose roomy classic soft blouses or shirts, perhaps with a high-low hemline. Peasant blouses, oversized silky tees, big tees and bohemian tops with bat wings will also work. And although untucked tops are the way to go, the last photo shows a semi-tucked tunic that covers the shorts at the back. A nice effect.

The shorts here are quite short, but by all means sport lengths that are several inches longer in both denim and non-denim fabrications. But don’t go too long if the shorts are baggy. Opt for a sleeker shorts silhouette or clamdiggers if you’re doing a length on or below the knee.

With baggy shorts below the knee, you’ll probably need to add more structure on top, which is a topic for another day. 

As for the footwear, the world is your oyster. Wear dressy heeled sandals, flat gladiators, booties, pumps, slipper flats, sandal booties, peep toes or thong sandals, depending on whether you want to dress the look up or down.

Finally, a de-bombshelled shorts look straight off the street for further inspiration.  

So who’s going to de-bombshell their shorts? Go on Team Legs! And if you don’t like it for your own style, can you appreciate the look on someone else?

I previously wrote about the power of classic wardrobe pieces, and now more than ever want to shout this from the rooftops. Their versatility knows no bounds. Classic pieces can be molded and worked into any style, and therein lies their power. 

There is no need to wear classics from head to toe if that’s not your thing. Wear them with hot-off-the-press trends. Ground fashion forward ensembles with classic items. Add crisp classics to a bohemian, arty or avant-garde outfit. In fact, here’s my bold statement of the month: whenever you’re stuck about what to match with a particular item, reach for the classic piece because more often than not, it’s going to work. 

This list is by no means exhaustive, but the following items, when worn in tailored or loosely tailored fits, are true classics:

• Tops: button-down shirt, soft button-down blouse, denim shirt, silk shell top, lace shell top, plaid shirt, layering T-shirt, striped T-shirt
• Dresses: sheath dress, wrap dress
• Knitwear: striped pullover, fitted turtleneck, V-neck/crew neck pullover or cardigan
• Bottoms: knee-length pencil skirt, bootcut trousers and jeans, straight leg jeans
• Toppers: denim jacket, moto jacket, trench coat, peacoat, double breasted military coat, single breasted coat with revere collar, simple blazer with one or two buttons, cropped tweed Chanel jacket, tuxedo jacket
• Footwear: riding boots, cowboy boots, Frye harness boots, pointy or round toe pumps, the original Dr. Martens Boot, Converse sneakers, ballet flats, loafers
• Accessories: stud or hoop earrings, pearl necklaces, Chanel 2.55 handbag, Rayban Wayfarers, Rayban Aviators, animal print belt

Street style visuals speak louder than my words, so do look through these outfits on my Pinterest boards. You’ll see the classics incorporated with all sorts of trends, resulting in a thoroughly modern and interesting look.  

• Light blue button-down shirt and ballet flats worn with leather trousers. 
• Denim jacket worn under a cape with zippered skinnies and a 2.55. 
• Trench coat worn with a button-down shirt, pumps, boyfriend jeans and daytime clutch. 
• Simple wool blazer worn over a hectically oversized pullover with white skinnies. 
• Fitted turtleneck worn with a full flared skirt and trendy Valentino rockstud pumps. 
• Suit blazer worn with a button-down shirt, grungy sweater, jeggings and high-tops. 
• Peacoat worn with flares, chunky pullover and chain handle bag. 
• Super sexy button-down shirt with jeans and clutch. 
• Tweed Chanel jacket and 2.55 with faded jeans and tee. 
• Striped tee and peacoat with slouchy leather pants. 
• Button-down shirt layered under a cropped pullover with cigarette pants. 
• Neon pencil skirt with sweatshirt, neon hair and platforms.
• Denim jacket and pencil skirt worn with vintage coat, strappy sandals and Wayfarers. 
• White shirt worn with leather pants, stacked sandals and Aviators. 
• Trench coat with skinnies and Converse.
• Slouchy style with Converse. 
• Trench coat with plaid shirt, pullover, harem jeans and sneakers.
• Trench with striped pullover, skinnies and Converse.  
• Tuxedo jacket with bootcut trousers and silky shell top. 
• Burberry scarf worn with a biker jacket, sweater, jeans and crossbody bag. 

I also have an entire pinboard devoted to how the iconic Chanel 2.55 handbag is worn with just about anything. From the dressiest outfits to micro minis, sneakers, sweatshirts and jeans. 

The trick to keeping the classics looking modern and fresh is to update their silhouettes, wear them with trendy/arty/avant-garde pieces, and in non-neutrals. You don’t need to satisfy all three criteria at once, but it’s certainly a possibility. 

So here I am again, sticking up for the incomparable power of the classic piece. It is not my intention to convert you to a classic style. The point is that the classics can be transformed and integrated into YOUR look when mixed and matched YOUR way. For that reason they are powerful and have my unconditional respect.