YouLookFab Forum » Topic: My Struggle with White Tops

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: My Struggle with White Tops https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-struggle-with-white-tops Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 07:18:12 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Angie on "My Struggle with White Tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-struggle-with-white-tops#post-2367994 Fri, 16 Aug 2024 17:53:22 +0000 Angie 2367994@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ *happy dance* Dee, one of the reasons I love wearing white is because it's bright! The opposite holds true for you. Now you know :)  Dee on "My Struggle with White Tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-struggle-with-white-tops#post-2367980 Fri, 16 Aug 2024 17:04:42 +0000 Dee 2367980@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie - By golly, I think you’re exactly right about white being a bright and that’s not really my comfort zone. You have might have finally cracked the code on this issue for me Angie on "My Struggle with White Tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-struggle-with-white-tops#post-2367977 Fri, 16 Aug 2024 16:51:07 +0000 Angie 2367977@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Dee, white is bright, and since you don't feel yourself in brights either - this makes sense :)  Dee on "My Struggle with White Tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-struggle-with-white-tops#post-2367969 Fri, 16 Aug 2024 14:48:53 +0000 Dee 2367969@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sal - Yep, wearing white tops under a jacket or sweater seems the best way for me to get some some wear out of them as well. DonnaF - Too funny, I think you may have me beat with your collection of unworn white tops. Yep, it maybe time for a white top challenge. Brooklyn - I agree that white can be too crisp and contrasting for some who prefer a more moody colour palette. I too love soft romantic styles but they never feel quite right on me either. Jaime - I find some polos tricky to wear as well, certain cuts feel too stiff or masculine on me. JAileen - Looks like you’re with me in the white top aversion club and yes sweat stains with white tops can be another problem. JAileen on "My Struggle with White Tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-struggle-with-white-tops#post-2367940 Fri, 16 Aug 2024 03:14:33 +0000 JAileen 2367940@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have several white tops I never wear, too.  There are a few reasons. <div> </div><div>I worry about sitting on something, spilling something down the front, and sweating up a storm.  I also have an aversion to high contrast outfits.  I kind of look like a ghost with my hair and skin tone.  And I’m not sure that white even looks good with my hair color.  It’s sort of white, sort of grey, and there’s even one small part that is sort of yellow.  </div> Jaime on "My Struggle with White Tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-struggle-with-white-tops#post-2367934 Fri, 16 Aug 2024 01:24:19 +0000 Jaime 2367934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like wearing white (it matches part of my hair!) but sometimes am not in the mood for the starkness of it. Or maybe the formality. Anyway, no need to wear what makes you uncomfortable.  My similar issue is with polo tops. I have a few and like them in theory and on others but don't really like them on me most of the time. Maybe I should challenge myself to figure out why. Thanks for the food for thought! Brooklyn on "My Struggle with White Tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-struggle-with-white-tops#post-2367928 Thu, 15 Aug 2024 23:18:27 +0000 Brooklyn 2367928@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ha! I could write a book about my struggles with white. Mine are a bit different from yours. I don’t like a look that skews too high contrast, crisp or preppy. My general preference from a flattery and practicality point of view is for dark bottoms, so it’s pretty hard to avoid a high contrast if I wear a white top. I also think white top and dark bottoms can skew a bit office wear-ish, especially if the bottoms are dressy. And I aspire to a casual look. That said, I do have a couple of white tops, which I wear with denim or (very occasionally) with a lighter coloured skirt. I do best with white tees that have a graphic image. I also have one white (actually ivory) jacket that I wear a bit with jeans in spring. I have a similar struggle with romantic blouses, skirts and dresses. Absolutely love them on others but on me they feel a bit too feminine. I am better off adding softness to my look a soft through low contrast colour combinations or knitwear. DonnaF on "My Struggle with White Tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-struggle-with-white-tops#post-2367927 Thu, 15 Aug 2024 23:11:41 +0000 DonnaF 2367927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Unworn white top? Let me count the ways. . .Because I'm short, I've been brainwashed to avoid high contrast color blocking, so I think that's part of the problem. The other thing is that I run exceptionally cold, and most of these are for a warmer climate. The shirts/blouses are fairly lightweight but I bought them for arm coverage. I should just resign myself to wearing a camisole all the time. I should do a White Top Challenge. . . Dee on "My Struggle with White Tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-struggle-with-white-tops#post-2367920 Thu, 15 Aug 2024 20:03:32 +0000 Dee 2367920@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Elke- Yep, white tops especially with black bottoms says waitress to me as well. Suz - Although my white sweater does have a textured pattern, it still feels rather ho hum wearing it all on its own. On the other hand, I definitely do love wearing white as a background colour on a print. I have worn white tops with a patterned skirt but its not a fave, I’d rather pick up another colour in the print instead. Cjh- Your comment made me laugh, you get exactly how I feel about white tops. I too, have returned white tops only to end buying them over again for some strange reason, but no more. Kate - I agree white and blue look terrific together but if its an all white top even a coloured beaded necklace wont save it for me, it just feels too fussy. Sal on "My Struggle with White Tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-struggle-with-white-tops#post-2367919 Thu, 15 Aug 2024 20:00:45 +0000 Sal 2367919@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have had this problem too. I sympathise. For me the things I do like are white tops underneath jackets and some white blouses - not shirts though. Another way I find easier to wear white is in stripes - they always turn out to be workhorses for me. Kate on "My Struggle with White Tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-struggle-with-white-tops#post-2367917 Thu, 15 Aug 2024 19:35:18 +0000 Kate 2367917@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ha, Roberta beat me to the punch as well, Bella! I no longer fear stains thanks to Carbona Stain Devils (a real gift to the stain-prone like me). I love optic white in summer, even though with my low-contrast coloring—think Casper the friendly ghost—I am essentially colorless. However, I do usually have a bit of color despite loads of sunscreen so that helps. As does showing more skin, as Suz mentions. I often wear sleeveless tops. I typically wear lots of blue in the summer with my whites, and often wear a casual beaded dark blue necklace, which also helps bring a bit of color to my face. Add a bright lip, and contrasting bag, often citron or orange, and I'm good to go. I do love a simple white tee, but my current favorite is an off white sleeveless textured crop top. I reach for it often. cjh on "My Struggle with White Tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-struggle-with-white-tops#post-2367914 Thu, 15 Aug 2024 19:10:48 +0000 cjh 2367914@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I can’t tell you how many white tops I’ve bought and then returned or donated without wearing over the past 30 years. With colorful or print bottoms, I’d rather wear just about anything but white, either a matching solid or black will feel tons more comfortable than white. So I’m joining your club. I’ve tried it enough times to just Not Buy White Tops. White or ecru cardigans or pullovers are also not on my good list. That being said, I do have a very few white with print or white with black or gray stripes or patterns in tops, mostly button shirts. Suz on "My Struggle with White Tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-struggle-with-white-tops#post-2367913 Thu, 15 Aug 2024 18:49:08 +0000 Suz 2367913@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm late but I really like what Irina suggested and what Lisa asked (and your own analysis, following.) I love white tops (and winter white, and off-white) and wear them frequently in all seasons, but they pick up the white in my hair, so it is a kind of book-ending, which works well for me. I adopt different styling tricks in different seasons to avoid the "too plain" feeling you mention.  In winter, I prefer whites and off-whites in tops with texture -- a textured knit, say a jacquard, or cable. Or I go for white-with-pattern --  usually one I know you also love -- stripes! I may wear a "white out" outfit and it will include, usually, some grey or silver, or maybe some red or another bright.  In summer, I like whites in linen or cotton or silk or silk-like fabrications. Styling tricks here include: accessorizing with earth tones (say cognac) or brights.  Patterned or darker bottoms with white tops. Silver jewellery.  Or, the styling trick I also use whenever I wear black (which admittedly is not often) -- show a bit more skin.  In answer to your second question: I just went through my wardrobe in Finds and discovered that most of my "rarely worn" items are what I'd describe as one-offs -- they are not in any one category. Which I guess is good news? Sort of? I mean, they might have been impulse purchases, or bought deliberately as wild cards, that I just haven't figured out how to wear very often, I suppose? I will need to give that some more thought and maybe make a challenge for myself. Thanks for the spur to do so!  elke on "My Struggle with White Tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-struggle-with-white-tops#post-2367909 Thu, 15 Aug 2024 17:37:04 +0000 elke 2367909@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ White tops, to me, say “waitree” or “choir menber”.  Past associations, I guess, and I just don’t look at them any more.  They aren’t my best look, anyway. Dee on "My Struggle with White Tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-struggle-with-white-tops#post-2367908 Thu, 15 Aug 2024 17:32:02 +0000 Dee 2367908@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie- I feel I do have the right colour of white for me, but I don’t think I’d ever be comfortable combining white tops and white footwear together because I also have issues about wearing white on my feet, just too obtrusive when I look down at them. Seems I have a lot of hang ups when it comes to wearing white lol. Cat2 - Green bleach alternative, never heard of that before, something to consider, thanks. Joy- Yes keeping white crisp and pressed can be a challenge when it comes to this colour of top. Anonymous on "My Struggle with White Tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-struggle-with-white-tops#post-2367907 Thu, 15 Aug 2024 17:08:05 +0000 Anonymous 2367907@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I avoid wearing anything that needs iron ing this often means white tops with needing special treatment. I would rather send them to a dry cleaners and I love to iron. I have an ironing board setup in the laundry room so that is not the problem. cat2 on "My Struggle with White Tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-struggle-with-white-tops#post-2367905 Thu, 15 Aug 2024 16:07:56 +0000 cat2 2367905@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Grab Green Bleach Alternative pods are my answer to white stain fear. They treat a wider range of fabrics than bleach. I am wearing out the crisp white pieces I bought for work and not replacing them because I look a lot better in something in the ivory to ecru range. Dee on "My Struggle with White Tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-struggle-with-white-tops#post-2367904 Thu, 15 Aug 2024 16:07:31 +0000 Dee 2367904@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love hearing your thoughts on wearing white, some love it, others not so much.  Jenny H- I don’t know how many times I’ve tried on moto jackets hoping they’ll work on me but so far no luck. Hopefully yours will be back in action soon. Lisa- Interesting point about how the white tops are styled on my Pinterest board. I did check this out and it seems they are usually paired with dark bottoms often dark denim BUT there’s always a third colour in the outfit, usually through accessories like a tan belt and sandals, or coloured crossbody bag which Irina had suggested. Perhaps this is area I need to explore more in order to feel more comfortable just wearing white on top. Runcarla - Haha my fantasy life has me wearing the exact same summer dresses too, but my reality is most often shorts. Angie on "My Struggle with White Tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-struggle-with-white-tops#post-2367903 Thu, 15 Aug 2024 15:51:32 +0000 Angie 2367903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Dee, good you figured it out! Layering with white can be most effective.  I'm nodding along with most of what Irina said too. (I LOVE white bottoms! They are signature, so we differ there).  PLUS, I''l add: <ul> <li>make sure you wear the right white for YOU. It can vary per complexion.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>adding white shoes can amp up the look.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>repeating something else white in the outfit can help too. Like it matches my pearls.</li> </ul> To answer your question: I don't anymore, now that I never buy anything black or grey.  Carla on "My Struggle with White Tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-struggle-with-white-tops#post-2367901 Thu, 15 Aug 2024 15:35:17 +0000 Carla 2367901@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My colouring is so low contrast now that I feel like a ghost when I wear white, cream, or other very pale colours up close to my face - so I’ve drifted away from white (and light coloured) tops in general.   <div> </div><div>I’m drawn to skirts and dresses but IRL these garments see rare outings. (According to last year’s ‘wear counting’ I wore a skirt or a dress on 18 occasions and this year I’m up to 20 occasions - spread across 3 skirts and 4 dresses.)  My most worn skirt (18 wears) is 5 yo!  A 3 yo thrifted multicolour dress has just reached 10 wears.  </div><div> </div><div>In my fantasy life I’d be throwing on an easy breezy summer dress daily, but in reality I’m a shorts wearer 4 months of the year.  Skirted outfits in winter are logistically more complicated and saved for special occasions.  </div><div> </div><div>Yet, I bought 2 new dresses this year!  One has already been donated.  (I posted about this ‘noisy’ dress. ) The other, $5, thrifted, has been worn 6 times already!</div> Lisa on "My Struggle with White Tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-struggle-with-white-tops#post-2367891 Thu, 15 Aug 2024 14:43:01 +0000 Lisa 2367891@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ An interesting observation. I am curious how the white tops in your pins are being styled, maybe you aren't trying to style them the same way and that's one of the challenges with wearing them? As for keeping white tops white, I don't worry about stains on my clothes. That is what a stain stick is for. If I'm not going to wear it, I am not buying it. This has kept me away from silk blouses thus far, because I'm unsure about the care of them and I am not going to buy something I save and never wear. One style of top I used to struggle with but added to my wardrobe are button-up shirts, I adore the look of a crisp button-up but I have learned for my personal style, my button ups need to be made from a softer material, something with movement to it, versus something starchy and stiff and crisp. When I realized the fabric was the key to button-up shirts for me I was able to incorporate that style into my wardrobe easier.  Dee on "My Struggle with White Tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-struggle-with-white-tops#post-2367885 Thu, 15 Aug 2024 14:14:45 +0000 Dee 2367885@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ RobinF - I too have no issues wearing white jeans, there’s no hesitation there. Donna - yep, I’m reluctant wearing my favourite white top for just that same reason, but then again when will it ever get worn? Roberta - Haha I’d probably put button-ups number 2 on my list of love to buy but struggle to wear enough. Cee- I do like a white turtleneck under a sweater as well, but that’s the only way I’d ever wear it. Bella - glad to see you’re happily wearing your whites free from the issues I seem to have. Irina - Yes I think it is mostly about how I feel in this particular colour, maybe it’s just not enough for me in such a visible spot on my body. Yep, full-length pants can be a struggle when you’re petite. Jenny H on "My Struggle with White Tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-struggle-with-white-tops#post-2367884 Thu, 15 Aug 2024 14:04:42 +0000 Jenny H 2367884@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have two faux letter moto jackets that I don't wear nearly as often as I imagined I would when I bought them. I aspire to wear them more and maybe I will now that I'm working on my style. But with regards to white clothing items, I don't tend to even buy them. I've never purchased bleach in my life, and I like my bleach-free life (I do use OxiClean on my white sheets). Don't even get me started on white bottoms. I frequently bicycle for transportation and bike grease on pants simply happens (even with a chain guard), so dark bottoms are much more practical for my lifestyle. I recently purchased a white button down shirt for wearing outdoors when I need to be in the sun for long periods on hot days. I did this because I have found that nothing beats white for reflecting the sun when you are trying to stay cool. So far I've only worn it once.  I think there is something about white that doesn't spark joy for me like other colors/neutrals do. Irina on "My Struggle with White Tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-struggle-with-white-tops#post-2367882 Thu, 15 Aug 2024 13:29:14 +0000 Irina 2367882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I wear white often, one of my favorite colors. I’m not afraid to ruin it, all can be washed. But I think your hesitation is more about how you feel in it - too plain. Maybe if you wear it with something bright, in your favorite color on the bottom or with a bright purse/shoes, it will feel more like you. <div>I struggle with styling full length pants and still buy them. I have now 2 pairs of trousers and 2 of jeans. I adore them on others!</div> bella on "My Struggle with White Tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-struggle-with-white-tops#post-2367881 Thu, 15 Aug 2024 13:23:08 +0000 bella 2367881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Roberta beat me to the punch!  I think white is the easiest color to care for, because, unlike others, you can bleach white stuff! Just make sure never to mix it with other colors (even a single sock might muddy your whites in the washing machine!), but other than that, bleach your heart out.  You can also carry a bleach pen for easy touch ups.  I am a very very big fan of white tops: Vneck t-shirts, polos, blouses, button-down shirts, sweaters. I also have a denim skirt, a denim jacket, and usually a pair of white pants. You name it, I have it and they all get bleached :)  Unfortunately, one thing with whites is to come to terms with the fact that because they get washed a lot, they may not have a lot of longevity. My white tops have a lot of turnover, but that's ok in my book.  Cee on "My Struggle with White Tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-struggle-with-white-tops#post-2367879 Thu, 15 Aug 2024 12:54:31 +0000 Cee 2367879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I tend to layer white crewneck tees and white turtlenecks under a V-neck sweater. Roberta on "My Struggle with White Tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-struggle-with-white-tops#post-2367878 Thu, 15 Aug 2024 12:45:42 +0000 Roberta 2367878@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I got over my fear of white with the help of a friend. I said something about how I didn't like to wear white because I was afraid of staining it, and she shrugged and said, "that's what bleach is for." To your other point, I love the look of a button front collared shirt, but they are not for me. I am broad-shouldered and busty, and I just don't like the way they look on me. Not to mention they rarely fit. This has not stopped me from buying them, unfortunately. There are so many cute prints out there! I own the three shirts below, and I make myself wear them, but I'm never entirely thrilled with the way I look in them. Perhaps in my next life. donna on "My Struggle with White Tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-struggle-with-white-tops#post-2367876 Thu, 15 Aug 2024 12:38:53 +0000 donna 2367876@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I adore white tops and often hesitate to wear the ones I love the most. It's simply because I'm afraid of ruining them! I add a bright tank underneath and add a necklace or scarf to add some color. RobinF on "My Struggle with White Tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-struggle-with-white-tops#post-2367874 Thu, 15 Aug 2024 12:33:44 +0000 RobinF 2367874@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting! I have quite a few white tops and am always looking for the "perfect" white tee. But when I think about it, I mostly wear my white under other tops or sweaters, not as the main item. I wear white jeans without a problem.  Dee on "My Struggle with White Tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-struggle-with-white-tops#post-2367867 Thu, 15 Aug 2024 12:17:02 +0000 Dee 2367867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Do you ever find yourself buying something that you very much like theory but you don't actually end up really wearing it IRL? Well that's me when it comes white tops. I probably have over 10+ white tops in various forms from t- shirts, blouses and sweaters which hardly ever see the light of day. I just recently added a new white eyelet blouse to this collection a few weeks back and I still haven't worn that one either. Why the hesitancy? I'm not quite sure, I mean I like its crisp, graphic look on others, love the way white tops look on many of my Pinterest pins but perhaps its 2-fold; from a practical stand point I fear staining it, white is hard to keep pristine, from a style perspective white just feels so plain and ordinary. I always feel it needs jazzing up somehow but my efforts feel so contrived, fussy and not really me. I will wear a few of my white tops under a jacket or cardigan, although I prefer other tops more even for this but that's really the only way I'll ever wear them much. Happy to say that I think I've finally learned my lesson and will no longer be adding anymore white tops to this bascially unworn collection. What about you?  Do you find yourself continuing to buy things you like in theory but now struggle with actually wearing them?