My client wanted to add Winter white items to her cold weather wardrobe capsules, so we set out to do just that on our shopping day last week. We scored big time because unlike previous Fall fashion seasons, there are colour options beyond black and grey at the moment. Long may it last. 

Of all the white items that we got that day, my client looked the most stunning when we matched up Banana Republic’s Monogram white wide-leg pants and Merino V-neck sweater  in “cocoon”. The sweater is also available in a subtle gold lurex, which is just as gorgeous paired with the Winter white trousers. Size down on the trousers because they run large, but the sweater fits true to size. It has a slightly roomy fit with just the right amount of structure and does not itch. 

Winter white trouser ensembles are close to my heart, although it’s not everyone’s cup of tea to wear a stark and light colour “almost” head to toe. Yet to my eye the effect is modern, chic, simple, bold and elegant. The visual of the Winter white trouser and sweater ensemble here does not represent the exact items that we used to build my clients outfits, but it does provide a good idea. She will wear variations of this outfit to work, out to dinner, to a casual holiday party, or to an event.

Winter white comes in shades like ivory, bone, cream and a very milky tan or mink. So the first step is to choose the shades that work for you, and by all means mix up the shades in one outfit. It’s odd how I don’t fancy mixing up different shades of black, but I’m fine mixing up shades of white. 

Here are the components of the ensemble: 

• Bottoms: Choose trousers that are thick, drapey, preferably lined and in a wool or crepe blend. Wide legs, bootcuts or tapered legs are fab. Winter white jeans will work if creating a casual vibe is more your thing.
• Top: Cashmere, mohair, angora or merino wool knitwear is ideal because it’s refined, dressy and amps up the elegant and “soft” factor. Gold lurex is another fab option. A chunkier knit could work, but will also dress down the look. Keep the top a little roomy, untucked and scrunch the sleeves to showcase an alluring forearm. 
• Footwear: Pointy toed pumps are fab, but any dressy pump in a light colour, pattern or metallic is good. Throw in a colour or black if creating a high colour contrast is key. To dress down the outfit, add a cappuccino or taupe coloured bootie. Works like a charm. 
• Clutch: No other bag will work as well because a clutch provides the best modern or slightly retro injection. Keep the clutch casual when pairing the trousers with casual booties. Keep the clutch dressy with pumps. I like the look best with low contrasting neutrals or black. 
• Jewelry: Pearls look great, but so will gold and rose gold. Or leave off the necklace and add arm candy or statement earrings. 

In addition to the wide legs, my client got this great pair of Modern Sporty Straight Leg Pants from Ann Taylor. They are also available in a curvy fit, tall and petite. It’s nice to change things up from almost black to almost Winter white from head to toe.

I have worn earrings twice in the last sixteen years. Once on my wedding day and once a few years ago when I desperately wanted to road test my late Mum’s vintage emerald earrings. Although I’ve had pierced ears since I was five years old, and a second set of holes pierced when I was a teen, earrings have never been my thing. And for many, many years, I have not worn them at all. In fact, it’s part of my style to leave off the earrings. 

You can clearly see the holes in my lobes from when they were pierced and that will never change. Thing is, I have clients and friends who feel that it’s best to wear earrings when our ears are pierced because it’s unattractive, unpolished and weird to see “unfilled holes”. I guess this concept is not dissimilar to my need to fill visible belt loops with a tucked top. 

It caught me by surprise when I first heard that some consider pieced ears sans earrings unsightly. I have never thought of it that way, and have short hair which makes my ear piercings even more visible. But it is what it is and this is one thing I’m not concerned about. To my eye, it doesn’t look odd. What do you think?

Both styles are attractive, comfortable, soft, stable, roomy and relatively supportive. Add an insole for extra cushioning comfort, and be sure to check all the colour options. 

• Steven by Steve Madden ‘Wesleyy’ Bootie: Simple in design, stud-free, low heeled, not suede, and not distressed. A tall order in a retail world flooded with distressed, suede, studded and high heeled casual bootie options. If you don’t like the tassel on the faux back zipper, cut it off. Runs true to size, and I vote ivory or cognac. 
• Fidji ‘Cachet’ Oxford: This cheeky oxford has a turned up nose. I liked both colour options. They are ideal with trousers or jeans that are tapered at the hems, or with skirts and dresses and dark hosiery. No socks! Stick to knee-highs, very fine gauge trouser socks, or hose for foot coverage. They run true to size. 

Sometimes you don’t need to wear a “wide size” when you have bunions or a wider foot. A roomy toe box can do the trick. 

This ensemble formula was inspired by a street style outfit that was captured by the Sartorialist. It’s a photo of Garance Dore in 2007 in an outfit that looks as hip and current right now as it did back then. And it’s five years old. Outfits with high longevity hold a special place in my heart because they still stand out in a sea of current trends and fashion forward mania. Furthermore, this is an ageless look. I can see my 25 year old and 75 year old clients wear the same concept their way. 

Here are the outfit components: 

• Striped Top: Think vertical two toned stripes in a T-shirt or sweater. I’ve stuck to black/navy and white because it’s a classic combination. 
• Blazer or Moto Jacket: Garance is wearing a classic black blazer which looks great. A black moto jacket is as much of a classic in my book, so I threw that in as another option. 
• Scarf: It speaks for itself. I chose a floral to pattern mix with the stripes. 
• Bottoms: Garance is wearing a pair of roomy khaki pants with pleats and pockets. Of course, you have many options depending on how classic or trendy your preference. Blue jeans, any silhouette from skinny to flared, are an easy and modern classic pairing. A denim skirt is another good match. Harem pants, combat pants and slouchy trousers are more fashion forward. Waxed jeans in burgundy, the colour of the season, are trendy. Tweed shorts and short flared minis are more youthful. 
• Casual footwear: Think booties, mid-calf boots, knee-high boots, Converse sneakers, fashionable high-tops or slipper flats. The tall boots look particularly good with the skirt, and Converse are great with jeans. And these days you can wear booties with anything. 
• Casual bag: I chose a simple black tote but the options are limitless. Cross body, patterns, snakeskin, a colour, or even a daytime clutch. Why not! 

As with all the formulas, I sow the seed of an idea. The next step is to interpret the look your way. Throw in the arm candy. Choose a different colour palette. Wear ballet flats. Wear white jeans. Add earrings. Add in a third pattern. This is a good outfit formula for all gals on the go.