The ultimate neutral makes a comeback

May 31, 2008 11:12 GMT  ·  By
Katherine Heigl donned a white mermaid-tailed Zac Posen denim gown at the 2007 Emmy Awards
   Katherine Heigl donned a white mermaid-tailed Zac Posen denim gown at the 2007 Emmy Awards

White is the ultimate summer neutral tone, and this season, it's not only a great way to keep cool in the hot sunshine, but also the perfect way to come across as stylish and effortlessly classy. Whether we're talking bags, shirts, jeans or shoes, this summer, ice-white is a subtle and strong fashion statement. It's youthful, can be worn at any age, matches any complexion and can be worn with any color, marking it as a remarkably versatile and style-friendly tone.

The white shirt, for example, is not the classic, masculine version of it, but rather a new and improved versions, made interesting by it's edgy cut, the voluminous sleeves and various feminine embellishments such as frills, ruffles, ribbons or bows. Pioneering the white shirt revival is Venezuelan born New York fashion designer Carolina Herrera who, in the words of a fashion critic, "has done for the white shirt what Burberry did for trench coats", removing it form the list of casual clothing and giving it red carper glamor.

White evening dresses are also a major trend, as demonstrated months ago by "Gray's Anatomy" star Katherine Heigl, who donned a white mermaid-tailed Zac Posen denim gown at the latest Emmy Awards ceremony and officially cleared the path for the white evening wear revival. White also works well on shoes and bags this summer, and in terms of smaller accessories, anything from a pair of white-rimmed sunglasses, watches, brooches and ivory cuff bracelets goes very well. Just keep in mind that wherever you go, white will make you look chic, cool, classy - and clean.