Simply white

Don’t be afraid to embrace the tone

It is the versatility of the colour that appeals to you and makes the pure flow into your wardrobe. White couples beautifully with every colour, and it is poised as the perfect backdrop for your stunning necklaces and accessories. Embrace the serenity it brings along to beat the glowering heat...

Larger than white

White exudes a sense of beatific calm. Says designer Varsha Wadhwa, “I believe more in the power of white than in black. Come any season, trend or mood, white simply wafts in with unbeatable poise and grace. The common misconception is that the colour magnifies your proportions, making you look larger. But it is the choice of silhouette that determines whether a person appears slim. The cut, style and fabric must complement your body type and personality. The trickiest part about pulling off the colour is the fit, and the strategic cuts and styling in terms of colour blocking (when you wish to ‘break’ the monotone with colours).”

But with a mix of fabrics and detailing like crochet, slit sleeves, different necklines and fine embroidery...the clean canvas of the colour can be played up in multiple ways. “Though it is tough to maintain a spotless run,” points out fashion designer Varun Bahl, “as India is tropical country and largely dusty. But white complements your personality like no other hue.”

Fine details

The sheer breathability of muls, cottons, linens rules the roost this season. Summer favourite fabrics like Chanderi, mulmul and khadi work brilliantly with whites. Varsha picks the organic route during summer. “I use beautiful fabrics made of bamboo, soya bean and cotton. Along with that, to add structure, my favourite is sheer organza that falls beautifully, along with crepes,” she says. “In detailing, I love pearls. Dramatic ruffles, inspired by 1980s fashion, are trending right now. I am working on a limited edition Holiday Collection centred around black and white, using leather appliqués and bugle beads with thread work and mini ruffles.”

Meanwhile, designer Anita Dongre has brought in minimalistic and simple designs in clean-cut lines, softly streaked with prints that define her summer collection in soft linens, light cotton and georgettes that make for easy breezy wear. Perfect for that chic, comfortable look as you rush off to work. “There are quick ways of making whites work for you for dressy occasions as well,” says Anita. “For instance, a pair of Benarasi trousers or palazzo pants will jazz up your crisp white shirt in minutes.” Her latest Workwear Capsule collection brings in a rush of whites as well in mid-calf length dresses, cropped jackets, shirt dresses with a twist, jumpsuits and feminine pleated pants and skirts.

Cue call

It is easy to play it both casual and formal when you slip on white. Says Varun, “A classic chikankari kurta makes for tasteful sophistication. A pair of white trousers brings in that extra finesse. Box silhouettes are the best for Indian summers, however, a structured kurta-pyjama can also do. White kurtas paired with pyjamas are our bestseller item during summer.” Serene, spiffy, sharp. You can have it your way.

Says Varsha, “When wearing whites you could go minimal, or all out. Like a well-tailored sheath dress teamed with block heels and minimal gold jewellery works well for a brunch. A white cape jumpsuit and a pair of snug white jeans are other essentials in your summer wardrobe. Kaftans work fabulously well during summer.” You can play up the contrast by teaming a pure white chikankari churidar kurta with a bright splash in the bandhani dupatta to go with it or even opting for a panel of traditional Parsi gara work on the neckline or the bottom of a white chikan kurta. Or a slinky white shirt with form-fitting black pants with high boots for that bohemian look.

A classic must is a white shirt that works beautifully in both formal and casual wear. Its smooth appeal in a carefully engineered cut is spot on. Your white shirt is versatile, a symbol of ultimate cool when the sun glowers. Slip on with high-waist palazzos or skirts for meetings or team with ripped jeans for a hang out with friends. The trick lies in accessorising it well with either a chunky neckpiece or a tasselled, grunge waistcoat or even an eye-catching timepiece on your wrist.

Wearing whites

• If you stain any piece, you must clean it immediately. Always remember, you are only a Google tip away from using baking soda or vinegar to remove the most stubborn of stains.
• It is a good idea to clean white shoes and bags after use before them putting away, as dust tends to settle in over them over a period of time, especially if you haven’t been wearing them often.
• Always wear well-pressed whites and avoid easy-crease fabrics.

— Varsha Wadhwa