Wear the White. Take the Hugs.

White has a reputation.

Too risky. Too precious. Too “not for my life right now.”

For a long time, I believed that too. White felt like something you earned — after the kids were older, after the chaos settled, after life felt a little less… sticky.

But here’s the thing: life doesn’t really work that way.

So wear the white.
Take the hugs.
Have the wine.

Why White Feels Scary (And Why It Shouldn’t)

Most of us aren’t actually afraid of white.
We’re afraid of ruining it.

But clothes aren’t meant to stay perfect. They’re meant to be worn, lived in, and loved. Saving your favorite pieces for “someday” usually just means they never become part of your real wardrobe.

And white? White especially suffers from this.

There’s Just Something About a Crisp White Shirt

A white button-down.
A soft sweater.
A perfectly broken-in tee.

White has a way of feeling fresh and confident without trying too hard. The fabrics feel cooler. Lighter. Easier. There’s a clarity to white that makes everything else feel intentional.

It’s also no coincidence that white is having a moment again. The Color of the Year hasn’t leaned this way in decades — but this doesn’t feel trendy. It feels familiar. Timeless. Like a reminder that the classics always come back around.

Not because they’re “in,” but because they work.

White Can Be Practical and Fun

Another myth about white?
That it has to be precious to be worth wearing.

Some of the best white pieces are the ones that can actually keep up with your life — washable fabrics, forgiving silhouettes, textures that don’t show every little thing.

I’ve linked a few white pieces I love that strike that balance: easy, wearable, and still polished. These are pieces you can throw on for school drop-off, a meeting, or dinner — without feeling like you need to tiptoe through the day.

These aren’t “special occasion” whites.
They’re real-life whites.

Okay, Let’s Talk Stains (Because Yes, They Happen)

Kids spill. Coffee drips. Red wine exists.

That doesn’t mean white is off-limits — it just means being realistic.

Most stains are fixable. White is often easier to refresh than you think. And a well-loved piece is still doing exactly what it’s supposed to do.

If wearing white feels like a mental hurdle, having a little care knowledge helps. I often point clients to these resources.

Stylist Tips for Keeping Whites Brilliant

Nothing complicated — just habits that make a difference:

• Wash whites separately

• Use cool to warm water unless the fabric specifies otherwise

• Avoid dryer heat on stained items (heat can set stains)

• Dry in sunlight when possible — it’s a natural brightener

And if you want professional backup, especially here in Chicago, there are great options. I often recommend Greenspin Cleaners or Cleaners on Division for bringing favorite white pieces back to life.

Think of it as your safety net — not a reason to avoid wearing what you love.

White Is Meant to Be Lived In

White isn’t delicate.
It’s confident. It’s bold. It’s lived-in.

When something fits you well — your body and your lifestyle — it earns its place in your closet. And when you stop treating clothes like they’re off-limits, getting dressed becomes a lot more enjoyable.

That’s really what personal style is about:
choosing pieces that support your life, not restrict it.

The Takeaway

If it fits you beautifully and works for your real life, it never goes out of style.

White included.

So go ahead — wear the white.
Take the hugs.
Don’t wait for someday. 🤍