White Mantra

If you are looking for a fashion statement, you need not look any further. It's right here, in white. Time has done nothing to rob it of its verve. Just look at what's dazzling at poolside brunch parties or on the streets of the city, and you'll agree white is always right

White is the sum of all other colours in the spectrum. It reflects light and is considered a perfect summer colour. Wearing white keeps you cool. It contrasts with bright colours of spring and summer nicely. Brides wear white to symbolise innocence and purity. Doctors and nurses traditionally wear white to imply sterility.

Designers love to play with the colour too because there's lots they can do with simple white. From formal wear to party wear, white is the most sought after colour.

How to flaunt your whites

Lunch with friends: A plain white top can be teamed with a colourful stole and accessories. Your handbag, your shades, your ewellery and your belt should be in bright red or blue, or maybe a mix of a few bright shades if you want to look like a diva. Flaunt those flashy nail paints as well.u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0
Make work fun: Go grab a formal shirt with a pair of formal trousers or even a pair of blue jeans. And make sure you have a nice white pair of shoes to go with your outfit.
On your date: Wear a white lace or frilly skirt with a colourful shirt. A big white bag will always come in handy to keep all your cosmetics in place.
Party hearty: A white cocktail dress with a white clutch is the way to go in summer. Use seductive pink make up to dazzle if it's a night out. Don't go overboard with the accessories. Just wear simple silver trinkets, or if you want a classy look try platinum or white gold.u00a0u00a0u00a0

What's out

White can expose you to fashion faux pas, however, since lightweight fabrics in this colour easily reveal visible panty lines and/or colours and patterns of your inner wear. Wear a thong, spanx or flesh-toned undergarments to avoid arming standers-by with x-ray vision.

Also, whites can get dirty easily, so handle them really carefully...one tiny spot and you are dead.

"White is the most versatile of all the neutrals.

It can be simple, it can be bright and stunning, soft and sensual or plain as plain can be. I have just designed a summer collection in white with tulle, net and crystal work. Whites look stunning both in Indian and western styles and cane be worn differently everytime. I personally wear a lot of whites."
Sadia Sayeed, Rumour, Indiranagar

"White has timeless appeal be it au00a0 white shirt or a white kurta. The linen white shift and the chikan kurta are in vogue this summer albeit with a twist like a broken placket, seam allowances on the outside and gold overlocked edges and unexpected details. Cottons always looku00a0 best in white, and the way to wear white is to coordinate it subtly with gold and silver accessories"
Anjali Sharma, Designer, Label French Curve, Off Castle Street
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Sakhi recently launched its summer collection called Flicker in shades of whites. "White, to me, is the most pure form of expression. There is something so inviting about white fabric that creativity flows effortlessly. White, to me, is synonymous with relaxation and a state of peace. The new collection at Sakhi pure organza silk with intricate detailing. For Spring-Summer, we have a unique blend of organza silk, which features woven mirrors layered above and below by sheer organza silk. The beauty of the fabric lies in the subtle reflection of light one can catch at various angles as the fabric flows."
Chandra Rajendran, Sakhi Boutique, Indiranagar

"We have unveiled our vintage collection in whites for the summer, comprising silhouettes from the 60's with a very contemporary edge. We've used pure cotton, khaki, silk, chiffons and georgettes in whites with the monotony broken with lace detailing."
Anu Nagappa and Susan Fernandes, label Astara, Ulsoor