How to Rock All White Outfits in Your 50s

Silvana Patrick
by Silvana Patrick
10 Minutes
Easy

All white outfits - utterly feminine and fresh yet decidedly modern. White outfits are summer staples, but when styled correctly, this color can have a year-round appeal. In this style guide, I’m going to be giving you lots of tips and tricks for how to style white.


Example of how to style a white dress

Different shades of white

Some women are skeptical about wearing white because they think that the color doesn’t suit them. The good news is that there are many different shades of white out there. If you have a cool undertone to your skin, you might prefer icy cool whites.

Styling an off-white shirt

And if you have a warm undertone you might prefer off-white or light beiges.

Example of how to style white pants

Metallic accessories

When it comes to accessorizing, if you have a warm undertone, you may like to pair your white outfit with accessories that have gold accents.

Example of how to wear a white blazer

And if you have a cool undertone, you might prefer silver instead.

Black and white outfit

White and black

Of course, white works really well when worn with black. 

Black and white outfit

White and black create a high-contrast look and the black also brings a bit of an edge.

Natural white dress

Natural finishes

One of my favorite ways to style white is pairing it with earthy tones such as shades of brown, as well as accessories made from natural materials like wood or straw. 

White jumper

This style is timeless and effortless.

White dress and blazer outfit

Colors

Another stylish thing to do when you're wearing an all-white outfit is to pair it with colors. 


Any color works beautifully with white or it could even be a combination of colors. 

White shirt with navy skirt

Pastel tones are more appropriate for the summer, and if you pair white with darker colors it takes you to the winter.


You can opt for a colorful piece of clothing, such as the navy skirt shown here, or bring in the color very subtly with a colorful pair of shoes, such as the pastel green ones featured above. 

White shirt with animal print jacket

Animal prints

If you're a product of the 80s, chances are that you love pairing white with animal print. This combination was immortalized by some of the greatest divas of that decade.

White animal print shirt

I think that white with animal print is a good example of a trend turned into a classic.

White dress

Show some skin

For me personally, I think it's important to show a little bit of skin in the right places. It could be around your decolletage, your wrists, or a little bit of your legs. 

White pants

If you're feeling daring in the summer, you can show a little bit of your midsection just make sure you wear high-rise pants and skirts and show only about an inch or two for a classy look.

White bow shirt

Undergarments

As you know, white can be quite see-through, depending on the fabric. Make sure that your undergarments are as close to your skin tone as possible; white under white actually shows more. 

Sleek white blazer

White blazer

Not many white pieces go the same distance as the white blazer; I think that it is one of the most versatile pieces a woman can own. 

Sleek white blazer

A white blazer looks the part wherever you're headed, whether it's a special occasion, a work meeting, or a weekend brunch - from dawn to dusk and from winter to spring. 

Examples of how to wear a white blazer

It’s no surprise then that designers have once again turned their attention to this enduring button-down.


With comfort being the prevailing factor, they've loosened the blazer up somewhat preferring oversized, relaxed cuts that feel fresh and fun rather than formal.  

White for winter

Winter tonal 

Looking for something tonal and timeless? Switch up your black winters for whites.

White blazer with black pants

Slipping a white blazer over black pants creates a mood that you can wear in both the boardroom and the bar.

White shirt outfit

White shirt

But if you do want to stop the show, try head-to-toe white. With its gentle structure, a white shirt is ideal shrugged on over floaty linen pants. Buy one now and wear it forever regardless of the weather or the season.

White pants

White pants

White pants are your sartorial palette cleanser with a myriad of versions out there. You can choose from everything between covetable denims to slouchy silks. The pieces should be simple in style, but believe me, the result is striking.

White dress

White dress

When it comes to fabrics, cotton is definitely the front runner. Look for a dress that can be dressed up or down so you can have more wear out of it.

White dress

I personally prefer dresses with some waist definition.

White dress

But roomy styles can be more forgiving.


All white outfits

In this style guide, I’ve shown you lots of different ways that you can wear white as well as some styling tips to consider.


When wearing white, it is important to bear in mind your natural coloring, your body shape as well as your personal preferences. Find the pieces that suit you and make you feel great when you’re wearing them.

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