Women in white - Beauty And Style For The New Black Woman - Brief Article

Ebony, July, 2002

IT'S crisp, it's clean, and it shouts summer. When the weather changes from cool to warm to hot, the color white mesmerizes, inspires and gives you a look that will make you stand out in the crowd of summer beauties. It brings to mind beautiful summer scenes--carefree frolics in the park, glamorous social events and just looking and feeling good in a sun-swept setting. When the weather turns hot, white cools it down; as attire, it says, "I'm fresh, I'm chic, I'm summer epitomized."

Most of us have white in our summer closets, but sometimes we are reluctant to wear it because white clothing gets dirty easily. But don't worry about staying clean; instead, change your attitude, change your look and update your summer style. Wear white, wear it well and wear it often.

White goes everywhere and with everything. And nothing is more stunning than a well-turned-out Sister dressed in white. On weekends dress up your dress-down look by pairing white jeans or casual pants with a big white shirt of a comfortable tee shirt. For that Saturday night date, how about a white jumpsuit with deep-V neckline or dropped-waist white slacks or a slinky, body-hugging white dress? When it's time for that big summer soiree, dazzle those in your social circle with a white linen or white chiffon ensemble of a slinky ivory gown. To make a powerful fashion statement, go white from head to toe--with accessories and footwear towing the un-color line.

When planning your summer wardrobe, take time to make sure you have the right foundation garments to complement your outfit. Dark or improperly fitting undies can spoil your look. In addition, fashion experts say you should not wear white over white underwear. Nude or flesh-tone undies work best. Also, don't overlook accessories. The right shoes, purse, jewelry and scarf can transform you from simply looking "all right" to looking "super."

There are as many stylish white fashion combinations as there are Sisters. Here we feature a few celebrity women who chose to shine in white. Demonstrate your distinct personal style by creatively coming up with your own white-hot summer ensemble. And get ready to steal the spotlight.

YOU CAN'T GO WRONG WITH SUMMER WHITE

* You can wear white almost anywhere--to picnics, the beach, luncheons, dinners, just hanging out.

* It is a myth that white makes you look bigger. In fact, in the right outfit, it can actually make you look slimmer.

* White goes with anything, but for a truly dazzling look, go white from head to toe. Dress up in glamorous white for big social events. You will look stunning.

* It is no longer a fashion no-no to wear white before Memorial Day and after Labor Day. White is right for every season.

* This universal color also is at home in the office. It's not hard to find just the right white pantsuit, skirt suit or dress for a successful career look.

* Sexy white lingerie sizzles in the bedroom.