White is one of the most wearable trends during the holidays and was seen on almost every runway show during winter 2013/2014 previews.
So we’re not surprised that we’re seeing a slew of celebrities making a statement wearing head-to-toe white party dresses and we'll fight anyone who tells you white isn’t flattering. The trick to rocking the hot look is all in the cut, silhouette and fabric. Just ask curvy mama Kim Kardashian who favours a white-on-white look. (Black isn't the only colour that can makes you look slimmer!)
With the holiday season approaching, you’ll be seeing a lot of women trying out this trend in various fabrics, shades and shapes for Christmas parties and gatherings. Give white a chance with inspiration from Hollywood starlets who aren’t afraid of being bold in blanche!
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White Party Dresses
White Lace Dress
There’s nothing more feminine or festive than white lace. Actresses Jennifer Lopez, Isla Fisher and Selena Gomez all wore variations of white lace and looked nothing short of spectacular. The trick to a great white lace frock lies in the colour: If it's ivory, then it's a wedding dress, but if it's a warmer white, then it's perfect for a Christmas fête.
White Sweater Dress
Here’s where fashion meets function in perfect harmony. Who doesn’t want to be comfortable and stylish all at once? The white sweater dress is a classy and cozy option you could wear to a less formal function. Actress Ashley Tisdale did a great job dressing down her cream sweater dress with equestrian boots but it could easily become an evening ensemble with a pair of heels and some bling. Kate Hudson is an expert at dressing up the sweater dress and wore a memorable Jenny Packham cable knit frock paired with matching white heels and a brown clutch to a movie premiere.
Off White a.k.a. Cream
If you’re hesitant to wear stark white, give cream a try first. It’s a much easier shade to pull off for everyday wear. Supermodel Miranda Kerr looks great in everything but if you’re curious to see her take on the cream dress, she rocked a form fitting cream sheath accented with a brown belt and nude pumps.
White Ball Gown
There’s nothing more showstopping than a white floor length gown. (They’re not just for weddings anymore, friends!) If you have a formal holiday function approaching, consider something like actress Kate Mara’s white Prada gown with large bow detailing on the front, paired with a funky coloured clutch for a little unexpected pop! When choosing a floor-sweeping dress, just make sure that the key is still subtlety. Think more SAG Awards and less Oscars prom dresses.
White Tuxedo Dress
Anything tuxedo-inspired will turn heads, especially worn in dress form. A white tuxedo dress paired with tights and heels as per Blake Lively is as sexy-chic as you can get. We’re also quite enamored with model Chrissy Teigen’s take on the menswear-inspired look which put the sexy in the suit thanks to the tailoring which made it look like she were wearing just a shirt, and nothing underneath.
White Blouse and Skirt Combo
This look requires selecting two items so you’ll have to work a little harder but the effect is well worth it. Julianne Hough paired a white skirt with a long sleeve white blouse and a colourful brooch and she looked polished and fabulous.
White Sparkles
If you want to shine, literally, we think that’s a great idea! Kirsten Dunst showed us how white and sparkly is done in an iridescent white embroidered gown by Dolce and Gabbana at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival. But fear not: You aren't in danger of looking like a Christmas tree ornament if you choose a matte sequin dress that still has flash but won't blind your friends and/or co-workers.
White Peplum
A little white peplum dress is the perfect holiday party attire not only because they (still) stand out from the rest of the evening frocks but they are also super flattering. Take a cue from Angelina Jolie who looked chic in a strapless peplum dress by Ralph and Russo which she paired with a metallic belt. Hot!
White Feathers
If you're thinking of rocking full-on feathers, don’t be afraid to be confused for the Swan Princess because frankly, she was a babe and, obviously, a princess (therefore she wins at life). Try achieving this sassy but regal look by channeling this Marchesa number worn by Camilla Belle and Katy Perry. The trick is to use the feathers as accents rather than cover yourself in them or else you will be leaving a feather trail wherever you go.
White Full Skirt
If you’re more body conscious, you’ll feel completely comfortable and likely able to eat more hors d'oeuvres wearing a white dress with a full skirt. Taylor Swift read our minds when she wore a ladylike white lace dress with a full skirt to the 2013 Grammy nominations concert.