https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-o-phobia-help-me-overcome-it Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 14 May 2026 18:28:22 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-o-phobia-help-me-overcome-it#post-857770 Sat, 23 Feb 2013 17:27:19 +0000 Angie 857770@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOTS of excellent suggestions here, Una. Thanks ladies - and thanks, Cathy :)</p> <p>KILLER board, Deb! </p> <p>Una, I vote start with white accents and white bottoms. Wear them with black footwear and black toppers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-o-phobia-help-me-overcome-it#post-857674 Sat, 23 Feb 2013 13:24:33 +0000 nancylee 857674@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I didn't have time to read all the comments, Una, but maybe you could try a white piece in an edgy style you like....a white or cream moto vest, maybe? That way you wouldn't feel so precious. </p> <p>BTW, I definitely think you could wear white or variations of white/cream beautifully! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-o-phobia-help-me-overcome-it#post-857639 Sat, 23 Feb 2013 11:48:13 +0000 Lyrebirdgully 857639@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi AG. I'm with Elle in thinking that dirty cream/ white is a great UWP way to do "white". (and you’ve already got the Gap fisherman’s sweater as a starter piece?)<br /> For the colour: A Wang<br /> <a href="http://i2.afternight.tv/img/Leather-Pastel-Dress-Alexander-Wang-Wang-Xiao-Before-Night-Falls.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://i2.afternight.tv/img/Le.....-Falls.jpg</a><br /> <a href="http://0.tqn.com/d/petite/1/0/L/8/-/-/ralphlaurenpalejacket.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://0.tqn.com/d/petite/1/0/.....jacket.jpg</a><br /> mixing dirty cream with actual white in a sheer top (i.e. not so white in reality)<br /> <a href="http://s9.thisnext.com/media/largest_dimension/1E3EA8B7.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://s9.thisnext.com/media/l.....3EA8B7.jpg</a><br /> mostly cream: Christine at My Style Pill<br /> <a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8529/8465288288_7f6227c57b_o.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://farm9.staticflickr.com/.....c57b_o.jpg</a><br /> Kathleen of Inspirafashion<br /> <a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6729004079_d557767deb_b.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://farm8.staticflickr.com/.....7deb_b.jpg</a><br /> <a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7020/6729004291_4bc99d91d6_b.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://farm8.staticflickr.com/.....91d6_b.jpg</a><br /> Putting a tiny bit of color with a cream outfit - Malene Birgir. This barely counts as colour blocking in my view-- it looks more like what I would call colour dabbing-- but I just adore it.<br /> <a href="http://newinatprecious.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/malene-lookbook-ss12-53.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://newinatprecious.files.w.....s12-53.jpg</a><br /> <a href="http://blog.stylert.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/By-Malene-Birger-Stylert-1.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://blog.stylert.com/wp-con.....lert-1.jpg</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-o-phobia-help-me-overcome-it#post-857532 Sat, 23 Feb 2013 04:45:38 +0000 DonnaF 857532@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, I think I read somewhere that everyone can wear the white of their teeth or eyeballs or something like that. I've never tested that theory, as I don't want to admit how yellow my teeth have become due to time and Peets coffee, but you might want to start with those shades. . . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-o-phobia-help-me-overcome-it#post-857528 Sat, 23 Feb 2013 04:33:51 +0000 ElleH 857528@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The other kind ladies have given suggestions if you want to wear white. Can I just say you don't have to? I just posted what I don't like that is trending &amp; I think we don't have to change our taste because everyone else is doing it? I used to wear all white a lot to spiritual events &amp; felt that it would have looked better with contrasting colors if I was wearing it for fashion reasons. I didn't mind it though for those events &amp; will try it with more fashionable clothes. Does it remind you of Monks or spiritual events? Nurses or doctors? Perhaps it's too impractical or just not RATE enough. The most UWP/RATE I can think of is white leather moto, worn in, Chuck Taylor's, dirty, white jeans again dirty &amp; a white tee shirt with holes in it. I guess I'm thinking of the way punkers wear white. Also white distressed Frye boots. Even though I like RATE I am a clean freak &amp; am constantly freaking out every time someone touches or hugs me in my white clothes, watching how I get in &amp; out of a car etc. No wonder I have only just started wearing it again. I like how it looks &amp; am bored with all the black I have so I will try. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-o-phobia-help-me-overcome-it#post-857515 Sat, 23 Feb 2013 04:08:14 +0000 Adelfa 857515@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not a crisp white shirt person either. I've got a white shirt that works for me due to some of the reasons Diana talks about. It is a cotton-silk blend, very light weight, and is semi-sheer. The material is not stiff at all. And due to the slight sheerness, the skin color of my arms and shoulders shows through, and makes it less WHITE. (I wear it with a white nylon tank.) It is not crisp. I feel completely comfy in it. I wear it alone tucked in to skirts, or under a sleeveless sheath dress with a cardi over and only the collar and cuffs showing.</p> <p>So fabrication is really important! I don't think I'd ever wear a white oxford cloth shirt. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-o-phobia-help-me-overcome-it#post-857494 Sat, 23 Feb 2013 03:07:28 +0000 Suz 857494@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, Deb - that was so sweet of you and what great pins! And Una, I believe you can wear white as an accent even if you don't love it on yourself. It's such a useful neutral! I don't wear much of it, either, but more and more I see its value. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-o-phobia-help-me-overcome-it#post-857486 Sat, 23 Feb 2013 03:00:09 +0000 Agnes 857486@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Deb That was an amazing pin you did for una! I saveda few to my fashion file. and kind too&gt; and rae I love the way you include boys in your inspirations. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-o-phobia-help-me-overcome-it#post-857465 Sat, 23 Feb 2013 02:19:34 +0000 catgirl 857465@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A woman at the consignment store complimented me on being able to wear citron, and I told her I was white-impaired, to which she laughed her head off and assured me that all women could wear some form of white. YLF is always right! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-o-phobia-help-me-overcome-it#post-857455 Sat, 23 Feb 2013 02:10:53 +0000 catgirl 857455@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You guys are amazing! I pinned some of these, and I stopped by the consignment place and got a cheap white tunic I might wear in another color, just to show you how I look in white. Will post a pic soon. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-o-phobia-help-me-overcome-it#post-857412 Sat, 23 Feb 2013 01:21:53 +0000 Caro in Oz 857412@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fantastic suggestions from everyone. I know what you mean about spilling things - me too. I have found white is easier to clean, I use Napisan &amp; haven't had any long-term problems yet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-o-phobia-help-me-overcome-it#post-857364 Sat, 23 Feb 2013 00:45:25 +0000 Diana 857364@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK, well, I have a kind of conflicted relationship with white as well. I know I look good in it, and I always get compliments when I wear it. However, I am NOT a crisp or classic white kind of person, and I feel like a lot of traditional white things (crisp white shirt, white jeans, white shoes, and white tees) are not me AT ALL. Would you believe that I do not own a single white tee? I guess what it comes down to is that white is a crisp color, and I am not a crisp person in the least. So I like my white items to be either soft or a bit sheer or a bit distressed to counteract all the stiffness. I also like my white to be a little off-white or cream rather than optic white. </p> <p>I own: white denim jacket, white cotton blazer with blush ruffle trim (the trim helps soften it a lot), full, lightweight white skirt, a somewhat sheer, soft cream buttondown, slouchy cream cashmere sweater, handknit cream short sleeved sweater, and some accessories (crinkly scarf, handknit hat and cowl). None of these items (except maybe the jackets) is crisp, which is key to making white comfortable for me. Oh, and a wedding dress, but that doesn't really count, does it? I have a crisp white buttondown but it's an orphan and I should probably get rid of it.</p> <p>I will never have: white jeans, white pants, white shoes, white tees. One of my personal poison eyes is for white pants where you can see the seam allowances and pockets through the fabric. </p> <p>I would like: cream cabled sweater (am making one actually), a light colored leather vest or jacket with some distressing (not necessarily white, could be very light grey too), sheer cream blouse (with NO pockets, again with the stupid pockets showing through).</p> <p>ETA: This is all to say that you don't necessarily have to EVER wear the "classic" white items to appreciate white. If I had stuck to trying to make white tees and white button-downs work, I can guarantee you I'd still be white-free. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-o-phobia-help-me-overcome-it#post-857329 Fri, 22 Feb 2013 23:52:09 +0000 Tina.b 857329@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love white, though it isn't the most predominant colour in my wardrobe. I think it would an awesome addition for you. I agree with Raisin and the white T, that is such a staple piece for me. Loose cotton and silk versions, I really want a really oversize one at the moment.</p> <p>I think white can mesh perfectly with your UWP/RATE style. Love the images Deb shared above. I'm going to add a few links of things off the top of my head that I think would be cool for you. </p> <p>Cross T - <a href="http://www.shopbop.com/elodie-top-bcbgmaxazria/vp/v=1/1568015831.htm?folderID=2534374302060562&#038;fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&#038;colorId=12397" rel="nofollow">http://www.shopbop.com/elodie-.....orId=12397</a></p> <p>Disintegrating Cable Sweater - <a href="http://www.shopbop.com/disintegrating-cable-sweater-tess-giberson/vp/v=1/1592812532.htm?folderID=2534374302024636&#038;fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&#038;colorId=29105" rel="nofollow">http://www.shopbop.com/disinte.....orId=29105</a></p> <p>Lace Tank - <a href="http://www.shopbop.com/fragment-lace-tank-helmut-lang/vp/v=1/1591739742.htm?folderID=2534374302046323&#038;fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&#038;colorId=11338" rel="nofollow">http://www.shopbop.com/fragmen.....orId=11338</a></p> <p>Asymmetric tank (I have this in grey and really like) - <a href="http://www.rag-bone.com/Phoenix_Top/pd/np/150/p/3683.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.rag-bone.com/Phoeni...../3683.html</a></p> <p>R-13 Leather Vest<br /> <a href="http://www.ssense.com/women/product/r13/white_distressed_leather_biker_vest/71581" rel="nofollow">http://www.ssense.com/women/pr.....vest/71581</a></p> <p>White Jeans - <a href="http://www.rag-bone.com/Dash__Tattered_White/pd/cl/1525/np/300/p/4455.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.rag-bone.com/Dash__...../4455.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-o-phobia-help-me-overcome-it#post-857328 Fri, 22 Feb 2013 23:49:51 +0000 rae 857328@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just realized I have no plain white tee shirts OR white jeans, even though I do like and wear white. I have been *wanting* these items, though, and I just haven't found the perfect ones. Maybe it isn't necessarily a causal relationship between white and the dislike? Like, I wonder if the quality assurance just lags a bit on white items? There is a lot to go wrong - sheerness, drape, pockets showing through, the right shade of white for the skin tone... </p> <p>Some of my personal RATE white inspirations here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-o-phobia-help-me-overcome-it#post-857312 Fri, 22 Feb 2013 23:24:44 +0000 Kalli 857312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used to fear white also, but I started adding it slowly to my wardrobe.<br /> 1) start with accessories--- a white leather bracelet was something I started with, then a black and white knit scarf, white phone cover...<br /> 2) Then came the shoes.... White sandals that I wore with all black<br /> 3) Then tshirts, sleeveless blouses that could have be covered by a vest/cardigan to help with spillage</p> <p>Also. Learned from the Anne Fontaine store. Oxyclean! and tide to go pens! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-o-phobia-help-me-overcome-it#post-857305 Fri, 22 Feb 2013 23:20:17 +0000 K. Period. 857305@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, have you considered how very punk and RATE patent white belts and shoes (especially loafers) can look when paired with the right tops/bottoms? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-o-phobia-help-me-overcome-it#post-857297 Fri, 22 Feb 2013 23:11:35 +0000 Mochi 857297@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Raisin's and Aziraphale's ideas about trying some layering effects. A white shirt is such a crisp classic, and you will be grounded and balanced by the outer layer. The white will end up as an accent until/unless you decide to go for that full white....canvas. </p> <p>I am also a spill everything all over myself person, so I can fully relate there. Precious? Perhaps. I disagree about you being washed out (at least without seeing actual evidence). I think white looks particularly nice on people with warm skin tones and with dark hair it can be stunning. But you have to give it a try and see. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-o-phobia-help-me-overcome-it#post-857296 Fri, 22 Feb 2013 23:07:42 +0000 Raisin 857296@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You could start with just a white tee and layer under black leather jacket, your black Theory blazer, or a colorful moto. That would be a pretty painless way to wear white. I don't have much either, I think the only true white item I have is a white tee. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-o-phobia-help-me-overcome-it#post-857292 Fri, 22 Feb 2013 23:05:32 +0000 Aziraphale 857292@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I might be able to help!</p> <p>I can identify with every reason you listed for not wearing white -- in particular, the bit about how you feel that it's not your best colour. Me neither. And also I am unbelievably prone to slopping coffee all down myself. Also, when I look at models wearing white shirts -- like say on the J. Crew website -- I often feel it washes THEM out, too. I suspect many people don't look fantastic in full-on optic white.</p> <p>HOWEVER, I'm a recent convert to the button-front shirt. I would never buy white because I had this idea that I don't like me in white. But I had seen so many people looking fabulous with just a white collar showing, so that's what I ended up doing: I found a great white shirt and started wearing it under a navy merino sweater, a camel merino sweater, under my waistcoat, or under my argyle sweater vest. It's now my new favourite look. I've been wearing it so much I got a second white shirt. How do you think you would feel with just the white collar showing?</p> <p>I still don't love a white shirt on me without a top layer, although I suspect I'll end up doing that in the summer when it's warm, because my white shirts have such a nice shape (I'll just wear a lot of makeup). I'm still not a fan of white tee shirts. I still probably won't buy white jeans because they are coffee magnets. What I will do is wear silver, or very light heather gray, or occasionally cream. Do any of those colours work for you? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-o-phobia-help-me-overcome-it#post-857287 Fri, 22 Feb 2013 23:01:34 +0000 catgirl 857287@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Deb, you are AMAZING! I bow down in awe. I went to Pinterest and everything I searched for came up with shabby chic furniture which caused me to despair. I am off to peruse! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-o-phobia-help-me-overcome-it#post-857285 Fri, 22 Feb 2013 23:00:00 +0000 deb 857285@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK, I am always up for a challenge so I jumped over to Pinterest and created a board. I do not know if all or any of these will work but I took a stab.</p> <p><a href="http://pinterest.com/djm9/una/" rel="nofollow">http://pinterest.com/djm9/una/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-o-phobia-help-me-overcome-it#post-857255 Fri, 22 Feb 2013 22:42:01 +0000 siniestra 857255@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm def like u ...the only thing is that the white suits my skintone but im a klutz and messy prone...even worse i have a two year old SO basically im not lucky finding the perfect white...just try buy accesories in white...or something that u really love ...forever 21 have wonderful v neck shirts you can use it and maybe a white shoe little by little so you won't feel overwelmed! hang in there ...i know u will find something cool or skip it ...i will skip the over size trend ...im an hourglass and that will make me feel like huge! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-o-phobia-help-me-overcome-it#post-857249 Fri, 22 Feb 2013 22:36:35 +0000 cciele 857249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I shopped with Angie, I said I didn't have any white tops. She mentioned that I looked good in white though, and perhaps my white is not a top but a jacket. Well, that was pretty brilliant (of course).</p> <p>So I'd look at vests and jackets to get into the white mode. What about the white moto vest in Angie's blog post today? You can wear something dark underneath it, or go the tonal route. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-o-phobia-help-me-overcome-it#post-857243 Fri, 22 Feb 2013 22:30:45 +0000 catgirl 857243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was going to post about this anyway, but Angie just prompted it so I had to obey... I need serious help with my fear of wearing white! I feel like it's a terrible color for me for a number of reasons:</p> <p>1. I always feel washed out.<br /> 2. I am a walking series of spills and accidents.<br /> 3. I feel like it makes me look fat/frumpy (and this is a RARE feeling for me since I wear oversized and slouchy clothes)<br /> 4. I feel too precious in it.<br /> 5. I rarely see styles I like in white - for instance, I am not a crisp white buttondown kind of gal, nor am I a carefree white denim person</p> <p>However, it's obviously hugely limiting to not wear such a basic color ever. I am not sure even what shade of white might work for me, or even how to test it other than to go buy a series of cheap t-shirts from F21 or thrifted in different shades/tones and post them for opinions. I do know optic white is not great.</p> <p>Would love to have input from pinners and blog-readers with pictures of white items and/or outfits that would suit my UWP/RATE/androgynous style...</p> <p>Thanks for any help! As I told Angie, I'm going to be a group project here! </p>