The old adage goes that Labor Day marks the end of summer, and thusly, the end of white clothing. But it’s 2013, readers, not 1913 or even 1813, so we say go for broke and sizzle in white hot looks no matter what time of year it is. Summer’s still here in SoCal, with a heat wave on the books for the coming week and while East Coasters have decamped from the Hamptons, the kids are back in their school uniforms and ladies have stowed their espadrilles until Memoiral Day 2014, we Angelinos are still worshipping the sun and wearing our white. Here are Fashion Trends Daily’s top picks to eschew the rules, all under a cool $150. Some trends never die, there’s nothing, in fashion or otherwise, that’s completely black and white — Chanel tweeds excluded.
Citizens of Humanity
Racer Distressed Skinny Jeans
White denim is one of fashion’s most fickle friends. One minute it’s a necessity and the next it’s gone the way of acid wash and ankle zips. At Fashion Trends Daily, we love white jeans for girls and guys, no matter what time of year it is. Pick up the distressed Citizens of Humanity Racer Distressed Skinny Jeans ($97.97) and add a touch of tough to your look. Instead of the crisp white jeans you’ve seen all over, these are giving a slight rebel yell with their rips and tears. Wear them with fall’s grunge revival looks to temper the color or pair with a floaty top to give more femme looks a hard edge. Whatever you do, don’t baby them and they’ll look better than ever.
Available at Nordstrom.
J. Crew Panama Hat
Straw hats might be a summer go-to, but with the blazing sun staying just as unrelenting this time of year as high summer, we say these toppers are a staple no matter what the calendar says. The J. Crew Panama Hat ($58) in white straw will keep you shaded and coordinate with just about anything you pair it with, so wear it with your favorite maxi dress for beachside chic, pair it with tailored trousers for a look that says urban oasis or throw it on with jeans for a borrowed-from-the-boys cool that celebs such as Eva Mendez and Reese Witherspoon adopt no matter the clime.
Available at J. Crew.
INC International Concepts Embroidered Band Jacket
If you can’t do crisp, clean white, then opt for the off-white of the INC International Concepts Embroidered Band Jacket ($129.50). It’s still white, but it’s not as bright as some of our picks. The style, while a little more sedate, makes a big statement. Ever since Stella McCartney debuted band jackets in her main line and her pint-sized collaboration with Gap Kids, we’ve all marched to her beat and coveted the tailored, slightly military feel of these Sgt. Pepper blazers. INC’s version is more understated with tonal embroidery (no gold, no crests, no problem) and silver buttons for a more covert homage to the trend.
Available at Macy’s.
Michael Kors Sicily Metal Aviator
Designer Michael Kors is rarely seen without his signature shades. But no matter what the occasion, he’s sporting black frames. We’d like to see him make the switch to white, too, because as far back as we can remember, his ads and his brand have always been about tropical locales, urban glam and American cool, which is exactly the look of the Michael Kors Sicily Metal Aviator ($99). The white frames are offset by a deep ombré blue lens, which gives these simple, straightforward frames a little more character. If Kors can wear his aviators indoors and out, and with everything from jeans and a t-shirt to a full on suit, we suggest you just follow the master and do the same.
Available at Michael Kors.
ASOS Premium Longline Zip Detail Leather Biker Jacket
Go for broke — but still keep your stash — with our most expensive pick. The ASOS Premium Longline Zip Detail Leather Biker Jacket ($151.88) retains all of the moto details you’d find on a traditional black jacket and gives it to you in a fresh white. Zips, buckles and more add to the authentic motorcycle look — the Lady Harley isn’t included, unfortunately — so throw this on whether or not you’ve got a two-wheeler in the garage. We love it over a dress for an Alexa Chung gamine look or with your favorite boots and skinny jeans for a rocked out, take-no-prisoners outfit that will kick any fashion rule’s ass.
Available at ASOS.
Images courtesy ASOS, Michael Kors, Macy’s, Nordstrom and J. Crew
