At a white party, the invitation leads: sometimes bright white is expected, sometimes cream, ivory and off-white are fine too. Within that colour agreement you can play with texture, fit and accessories. Check light fabrics beforehand for show-through and choose shoes that suit the location and dress code.
What is a white party?
A white party is a party with a white dress code. How strictly it is applied differs per organiser. When in doubt, ask whether off-white and cream are allowed. Light clothing can show stains more quickly and some fabrics can show through, so check the outfit beforehand in daylight and artificial light.
Four rules for white from head to toe
- Follow the colour agreement. Only mix white, cream and ivory if the invitation leaves room for it.
- Vary the texture. A matte weave, a satin look and a fine knit give depth to a single-colour outfit.
- Check the underlayer. Underwear in a shade close to your skin is less noticeable under many white fabrics, but test this with the actual outfit.
- Think of stains. Choose fabrics and a cut in which you can move freely with a glass in your hand.
For Women: three looks in white
1. The dress. The white Marianne is a tailored-fit polo dress with princess seams and light stretch. Combine her with sandals, loafers or other shoes that suit the location.
2. Blouse and trousers. The white Rosamund has a lavallière collar, satin look and regular-fit shape. The white Florence is flared and ankle-length. The difference in shine and shape gives variety within the same colour.
3. Cape and skirt or trousers. The Isadora cape T-shirt in white (100% polyester) has an elegant cape that falls loosely around your shoulders. Wear it with white trousers or a skirt for a look with movement. It is a pleasant choice for an evening in which you go from the terrace to the dance floor.
For Men: shirt and trousers in white
For Men, the white Hamilton shirt with Italian collar can be combined with the white Harrison, slim-tapered trousers with a single pleat. Keep the combination completely white or add an off-white accessory if the dress code allows it.
White, cream or ivory?
| Shade | Look | Combine with |
|---|---|---|
| Bright white | Fresh and sleek | Silver, nude, beige |
| Cream | Warm and soft | Gold, sand, taupe |
| Ivory | Rich and calm | Mother-of-pearl, brown leather |
| Off-white | Neutral and versatile | Everything above |
Prevent show-through
White shows through more quickly than other colours, especially in bright sunlight or with artificial light shining from behind. So choose a fabric with enough density, a lining where needed and underwear in a skin tone. A good test is the hand test: hold a hand behind the fabric. If you can clearly see the shape of your hand, the fabric will show through at the party too. Try the outfit on beforehand in daylight and in lamplight.
Eating, drinking and stains
At a party there is often something red: wine, sauces, berries. Take that into account. When eating, choose things that splash less and take a napkin to your place. Dab a stain as quickly as possible with a dry cloth, without rubbing; at home you treat it further according to the care label. Also avoid brightly coloured cocktails if you do not want to take the risk. A stain pen in your bag is therefore no superfluous luxury.
By day or in the evening?
A white party by day calls for airy fabrics such as cotton, linen and fine knit, flat sandals and sunglasses. In the evening it may be a little richer: a satin-look blouse, a soft shine and a wrap or cardigan for when it cools down. If the atmosphere changes during the day, bring an extra layer. White under lamps often looks warmer than in daylight, so when in doubt choose a shade that stays lovely in both lights.
Common mistakes
- Mixing white, cream and ivory without an eye for the undertone, making the outfit look messy.
- Adding an accent colour when the invitation explicitly prescribes fully white.
- Choosing a fabric that shows through or is too thin.
- Wearing shoes that are already dirty or worn.
Accessories and shoes
First check how strict the dress code is. With a fully white dress code, you choose accessories and shoes within that palette. If metallics or natural shades are allowed, you can use them for contrast.
The day after: making white fresh again
After a party, hang white clothing up to air and treat stains as quickly as possible. Wash white according to the label and use a detergent for whites. You will find more explanation on our care instructions page. For other festive occasions, take a look at our Signature Occasions for Women and Signature Occasions for Men, or the Celebration collection.
Shop the look
Marianne: polo dress, white
Rosamund: lavallière blouse, white
Florence: flared ankle-length trousers, white
Isadora: elegant cape T-shirt, white
Hamilton: cotton shirt with Italian collar, white
Harrison: tapered trousers with pleats, white
Frequently asked questions
What do you wear to a white party?
Follow the invitation. At a strict white party you wear white from head to toe; with a looser interpretation, cream and ivory can work too.
May you wear cream or ivory to a white party?
Yes, as long as it stays close to white. A mix of white, cream and ivory often looks lovelier than one shade of white.
How do you prevent white from showing through?
Choose a fabric with enough density, a lining where needed and underwear in a skin tone. Hold a hand behind the fabric to test.
Which accessories suit a white party?
Gold, silver, mother-of-pearl or natural shades such as beige and cognac. Keep bag and jewellery small and neutral.
