As we come into the summer months, it’s time to think about keeping your style light and bright – and what better way to do that than introducing some white into your wardrobe? But be warned, this season’s white isn’t the tame, flavourless palette-cleanser you may have come to expect from this plain hue. No, this season, white has come over all avant-garde, with elements of grunge and futuristic fashion elevating this simple it into something sizzling and street-ready.
Mugler Resort featured subtly futuristic monochrome fashion with metallic and corset detailing. Short, crisp dresses with unexpected cut-outs were simple yet sensual. Yde also featured short silhouettes, but combined their delicate sheer white fabrics with silver metallic skirts and clunky white patent boots and sneakers for an edgier, street-ready ensemble. Christopher Kane also embraced white sheer fabrics and clunky boots, while Custo went all out with their metallic accessories, creating elaborately futuristic ensembles from white ridges and ruffles, metallic jewellery and belts, and statement sunglasses.
While white is often viewed as being the most fresh, crisp style available, a few of 2017’s more controversial trends can also be employed to play up the futuristic elements of your clean brights. Calvin Klein, Jonathan Anderson, Raf Simons and Demme Gvasalia have recently been playing with plastics on the runway, with plastic overcoats, shift dresses and trainers all making an appearance. Pairing transparent and plastic fabrics with whites keeps ensembles looking light and fashion forward, while avoiding the wintery goth vibes that a similarly constructed, dark hued outfit could inspire.
To rock this trend, layer as many elements of whites, plastics and light metallics as you can. When it comes to the latter, stick with silvers or hologram tones to avoid some major ’80s throwbacks! Plastic anoraks are set to be huge this season, keeping you dry during any spring showers while also showing off your outfit. Mesh underlay tops are also set to be big, and make for perfect festival gear. Layer mesh bodysuits over white bikinis if you’re feeling brave, or long-sleeved mesh tops under white crop tees for a bit of clean grunge – our favoruite oxymoron of the year!
Statement jewellery and accessories are also important for this look. Keep your jewellery silver to keep the light, reflective balance of your all-white ensemble in check. Statement necklaces and chokers will complement even a simple white tee perfectly, while silver shoes or plastic trainers will bring a touch of the Jetsons to your rigout. For bags, look for patent leather, plastic or holographic fabrics to keep your look crisp and on-point – and don’t forget some white statement sunglasses. Your fashion sense is going to be glaring this summer.