Colgate Couture – White Wash

Sorry it’s still snowing in Hamilton, but if it’s any comfort, even in Rome, where the weather is 70 and sunny, there’s a huge blizzard; a blizzard of clothing, that is.

Everywhere you look, it’s white pants, white blouses, white boots, white glasses; the storm is unavoidable! The Spanish Steps almost resemble your current climb up to Persson. So look on the bright side, if spring ever emerges from underneath that blanket freezing fluff, you can use Colgate’s April blizzards as inspiration for your warm weather wardrobe.

Let’s take it from the top. White shades are essential for those sunny spring days, or, in your case, to keep the snow out of your eyes while you’re walking to class. Aviators, oversized, plastic or frameless, they all look better bleached. Leave those 80’s style gold Ray Bands in a snow bank because Dolce & Gabbana’s white aviators are a fresh, fashion-forward way to shield yourself from the sun. Thin, white wire frames wrap around dark grey lenses for a sharp contrast of dark and light, and the large size and square shape make Dolce’s aviators an updated classic.

Aviators are crisp and chic, but if you’re looking for something that’s a little more white and wild, peer into Oliver Peoples’ Harlot oversized sunglasses in ivory spice. These marvelously large circular white plastic frames are really retro with the shades’ fading purple lenses. Wear them as the final touch to an all white outfit, or let them pop with a dark ensemble.

Skin-tight white jeans are undoubtedly one of the biggest trends this spring. For a funky and frosty look, slip into Diesel’s worn white skinny jeans. These long, fitted jeans are low rise and have crinkle detailing at the thighs for that icy “I’m too cool to care” look. Wear them with a white tee and tan boots for a relaxed day outfit, or wear them out on the town with black stilettos and a loose but scandalous black top. For a look that’s both more formal and fitted, squeeze into Radcliffe Denim’s EC2 Super Skinny Ankle Skimmers. These sexy “second skin” white jeans hit just below the ankle and are adorned with short zippers at the bottom of each leg. Wear them closed with heels for a slim and sassy style, or leave them unzipped and slip into some flats for a breezy day look.

The white shirt is certainly a spring staple. Whether you wear it big, blousy and belted with leggings, tight and tantalizing with dark jeans, or tucked in with a pair of trousers, a white top must be present in your wardrobe this spring. For a formal-goes-fabulous motif, button up Dsquared2’s tuxedo-style white blouse. Shown with dark blue denim, this semi-fitted blouse is topped of with sweet capped sleeves, closed by two rows of buttons, and finished with a classic collar. The girly puff sleeves play with the otherwise masculine style of the shirt for a final look that’s icy hot.

Vince’s laundered cotton shirt dress is everyday ideal. This loose cotton blouse can be tapered at the waist by the attached tie and its rouched, puff sleeves emphasize the feminine cut. Wear Vince’s top with leggings and ballet flats for an easy any-time outfit.

Throw your LBD aside because the little white dress is taking over. Cute and innocent or sexy and seductive, this spring’s LWD’s range from daytime delights to cocktail classy. Hanii Y’s Madeleine scoop dress simply charming. Reminiscent of 1920’s style, this cotton day dress has a deep scoop neckline trimmed in satin and sequins. The ribbed, drop waist rests lightly on the hips and satin ties and short, gathered sleeves make this dress exude a soft sweetness.

Rachel Roy’s Caroline dress is pearly and sophisticated. Frosted with flurries of shimmering sequins, the short sleeve dress looks sweet and simple from the front, but a low keyhole back make the Caroline dress a sultry and steamy cocktail number.

For those chilly spring days, slip on Aquascutum’s white Arna Coat. This traditional trench is fresh and feminine, but this coat’s crystal collar makes it one unique snowflake. Wear it with anything from jeans and a simple blouse or wrap it around your LWD on your nights out.

For those days when you just feel like being casual-cool, wrap up in Norma Kamali for Everlast’s Kangaroo hooded coat. With a long back, ribbed edges and pouch pockets, this French terry white coat looks like a cozy cocoon. Wear this with leggings or jeans and won’t have to sacrifice fashion for comfort.

We’ve reached the bottom. Yes, it’s spring, yes everyone wants to show off their newly painted toes but don’t splurge on a French manicure just yet because white boots are a must. With topstitching detail and a high wooden heel, Chloe’s knee-high white round toed boots are the perfect spring accessory. Wear them with light, ripped jeans or a flirty spring dress for a bohemian look.

Don’t fret about Colgate’s spring snow showers; embrace them because this season’s fashions are a real white out!