13 minutes
As the sun rises higher in the sky and the temperature climbs, there’s something undeniably refreshing about slipping into crisp white clothes for the summer season. Whether it’s a breezy sundress, a tailored pair of shorts, or a classic button-down shirt, renting whites delivers a timeless elegance and a sense of coolness that perfectly captures the essence of summer.
Wearing white has traditionally been considered a summer-only fashion choice. Memorial Day, falling at the end of May, marks the unofficial start of the summer season, so it was customary for people to start wearing white clothing, particularly white shoes and garments, after Memorial Day and to stop wearing them after Labor Day, which marks the unofficial end of summer and falls in early September. Whether this “rule” stands is up for debate and comes down to personal preference. If you dare to expand white season, be sure to stick with seasonably appropriate fabrics—generally lighter in the warm summer months and bulkier in cooler weather.
Why Whites
The color white reflects sunlight rather than absorbing it, helping to keep the body cool and comfortable even on the hottest of days. As a result, renting whites feels like wrapping oneself in a cool breeze, providing relief from oppressive heat.
But it’s not just the practical benefits that make white clothes so appealing in summer; it’s also the aesthetic allure. There’s a timeless elegance to the simplicity of white garments, a purity that speaks of carefree days spent lounging under the sun or strolling along sandy beaches. Whether it’s a flowing white dress that billows in the breeze or a crisp white shirt that exudes effortless sophistication, white clothing has a way of capturing the essence of summer in its purest form.
Moreover, white clothes have a magical ability to enhance a summer tan, creating a radiant glow that seems to emanate from within. Against sun-kissed skin, white garments take on a luminous quality, accentuating bronzed limbs and imparting a healthy vitality that epitomizes the spirit of the season.
And then there’s the psychological effect of renting whites in summer – a sense of lightness and optimism that permeates every fiber of being. There’s a comforting simplicity to the purity of white clothes, a reminder of brighter days ahead and the promise of endless possibilities.
Iconic Inspo: Unforgettable Whites
Marilyn Monroe’s iconic white halter dress in The Seven Year Itch (1955), billowing up around her as she stands over a subway grate, created one of the most iconic moments in cinematic history. To this day, that scene inspires women to reach for white when dressing to impress.
Another film look that inspired a monochromatic white look for the masses was, of course. Sharon Stone as Catherine Tramell in Basic Instinct (1992). Stone’s provocative and daring white dress, combined with her confident demeanor, created an unforgettable (albeit controversial) image that has become iconic in the realm of film fashion.
Before the Catherine Tramell character was Michelle Pfeiffer as Elvira Hancock in Scarface (1983). Pfeiffer’s sleek and sophisticated white suit, paired with oversized sunglasses and a platinum blonde bob, exudes power and confidence in her role as the glamorous trophy wife of a drug lord. More recently, Emma Stone as Mia Dolan in La La Land (2016) made a lasting impression in an ethereal white dress worn during the dreamy and romantic dance sequence with Ryan Gosling’s character.
These women, among many others, have left an indelible mark on cinema and fashion with their unforgettable white ensembles that inspire the rest of us to copy the look. If you bought a white button-up after seeing Uma Thurman as Mia Wallace in Pulp Fiction (1994), you’re not alone. Believe it or not, that film turns 30 years old this year (!) and Uma’s look in the diner dance scene, complete with cropped black trousers, is still very much in style today.Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the look that reminds us to never, ever put baby in the corner. The white dress worn by Jennifer Grey as Baby in Dirty Dancing (1987) serves as a visual symbol of the character’s newfound confidence and inner strength, signaling to the audience that she has come into her own and is ready to take on the world. The choice of white for Baby in the final scene is deliberate, as was her white ensemble while dancing on the tree in the lake. It was symbolic of purity, innocence, and freedom as she lets go of her inhibitions.
Tips for Pulling Off Whites
White can be a flattering color for many women, but its effect can vary depending on factors such as skin tone, body shape, and personal style preferences. White can complement a variety of skin tones, but it may appear more flattering on individuals with warm undertones, as it can enhance their natural glow. Those with cooler undertones might find that certain shades of white, such as ivory or off-white, are more flattering than pure white.
White garments can create a fresh and streamlined look, particularly when they fit well and are styled appropriately. For example, wearing white in areas where you want to draw attention can highlight those areas, while darker colors or strategic placement of patterns can help minimize areas you may want to deemphasize. The fabric and fit of white garments can significantly impact how flattering they appear. Opting for fabrics with some structure or weight can help prevent sheerness and provide a more flattering silhouette.
Ultimately, personal style plays a significant role in determining whether white is flattering. Some feel confident and stylish in white garments, while others may prefer to incorporate white as an accent color or choose different hues that they feel more comfortable and confident wearing. Experimenting with different shades, textures, and styles can help find the right whites.
The Case for Renting Whites
If your white season is as short as mine in Minnesota, your white garments may not be worn frequently enough to justify the storage space. Renting eliminates the need to store infrequently worn garments, freeing up closet space.
Plus, whites get dingy. Over time, white clothes can accumulate dirt, sweat, and oils from the body, as well as environmental pollutants such as dust and grime. This can cause the fabric to appear dull and discolored. Washing white clothes with colored garments, particularly those that bleed dye, can cause the white fabric to absorb some of the color, resulting in a dull or off-white appearance. Hard water contains minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which can build up on white clothing during washing. These mineral deposits can leave behind a residue that makes white clothes look dingy and feel stiff.
Generally, whites are harder to care for and have a shorter shelf life as a result. Using too much detergent, washing white clothes in water that is too hot, or overloading the washing machine can all contribute to dinginess. These factors can cause detergent residue to build up on the fabric, attract dirt and grime, and cause the fabric fibers to break down over time. Additionally, lower-quality fabrics may be more susceptible to becoming dingy compared to higher-quality fabrics that are more resistant to fading and wear. Of course, higher-quality equals higher price.
Enter Armoire. Renting whites provides access to a wide range of styles, cuts, and brands that may not be affordable to purchase. This allows us to experiment with different looks for various occasions without committing to a single garment. For events such as weddings, formal dinners, or galas, renting makes a heckuva lot of sense considering we’re only wearing that garment once.
Inspo for Renting Whites: 60 Looks to Try
If you embrace fresh whites this summer, you could wear a different look every single day. Here are some ideas for your first 60 days:
Renting white dresses
1. Flowy White Dress: Pair it with strappy sandals and a wide-brimmed hat for a boho-chic look.
2. White Maxi Dress: Add a denim jacket and layered necklaces for a bohemian-inspired look.
3. White Wrap Dress: Accessorize it with a straw hat and flat sandals for a timeless summer look.
4. White Slip Dress: Layer it over a fitted white tee and add sneakers for a sporty yet chic ensemble.
5. White T-Shirt Dress: Add a belt and sandals for a simple yet stylish summer outfit.
6. White Eyelet Dress: Add a straw tote bag and wedge sandals for a sweet and summery look.
7. White Tiered Dress: Accessorize it with statement earrings and sandals for a boho-chic look.
8. White Midi Dress: Add a denim jacket and sneakers for a casual yet chic daytime look.
9. White Shirt Dress: Pair with a summer heel for an effortless office-ready look.
Renting whites in tops
10. White Crop Top: Match it with high-waisted denim shorts and sneakers for a casual yet trendy vibe.
11. White Button-Up Shirt: Knot it at the waist and wear it with denim cutoffs and slide sandals for an effortless summer style.
12. White Blouse: Tuck it into a floral skirt and add wedges for a feminine and elegant outfit.
13. White Halter Top: Match it with linen pants and sandals for a breezy and relaxed outfit.
14. White Lace Blouse: Pair it with white skinny jeans and nude heels for an effortlessly chic outfit.
15. White Peasant Top: Match it with distressed denim shorts and ankle boots for a boho-inspired outfit.
16. White Ruffle Blouse: Tuck it into a denim skirt and add espadrilles for a playful summer look.
17. White Sleeveless Tunic: Wear it with printed leggings and slide sandals for a comfortable yet stylish look.
18. White Cropped Cami: Pair it with high-waisted culottes and mules for a modern summer outfit.
19. White Peplum Top: Combine it with high-waisted shorts and wedges for a flirty summer ensemble.
20. White Boho Blouse: Match it with denim shorts and lace-up sandals for a relaxed yet stylish look.
21. White Tie-Front Blouse: Match it with high-waisted trousers and pumps for a chic office outfit.
22. White Embroidered Top: Pair it with denim cutoffs and sandals for a bohemian summer look.
23. White High-Low Hem Top: Match it with denim shorts and sneakers for a laid-back summer vibe.
24. White Flutter Sleeve Blouse: Tuck it into a floral skirt and add block heels for a feminine and stylish outfit.
25. White Cropped Sweater: Pair it with high-waisted shorts and sandals for a cozy summer evening outfit.
26. White Asymmetric Hem Top: Combine it with denim cutoffs and espadrilles for a trendy and casual ensemble.
27. White Sleeveless Top: Pair it with high-waisted palazzo pants and statement earrings for a glamorous summer look.
Renting white pants
28. White Joggers: Pair them with a casual tee and gladiator sandals for a hip vibe.
29. White Cropped Denim: Cute kicks and a white tee is all you need for a casual monochromatic look.
30. White Slouchy Cargo Pants: Casual and comfortable are always on trend. Pair cargo pants with sneakers and a light outer layer.
31. White Straight-Leg Pants: Whether they’re denim or a synthetic stretch fabric, a slim pant will look great with booties or a wedge sandal. A light sweater will polish the look.
32. White Wide-Leg Pants: Wear them with a fitted bodysuit and statement earrings for a trendy summer look.
33. White Linen Pants: Combine them with a colorful crop top and chunky slides for a playful summer outfit.White Cropped Trousers: Combine them with a tucked-in blouse and dainty open-toe heels for a chic office outfit.
Renting whites skirts
34. White Midi Skirt: Pair it with a tucked-in graphic tee and sandals for a relaxed but stylish ensemble.
35. White Lace Midi Skirt: Style it with a tucked-in tank top and sandals for a romantic summer look.
36. White Pleated Skirt: Style it with a tucked-in blouse and heels for a polished and feminine look.
37. White Slip Skirt: A crop top and chunky sandals will give you a modern, edgy look.
38. White Mini Skirt: Turn heads by throwing on some fun boots with a tucked in top.
39. White Tiered Maxi Skirt: Embrace the festival look with some Earthy sandals and fitted top.
40. White Bubble Skirt: For an easy evening look, pair with strappy heels and a bodysuit.
Renting whites in rompers + jumpsuits
41. White Utility Jumpsuit: Accessorize it with sneakers and understated jewelry for a fun and playful look.
42. White Wide-Leg Cropped Jumpsuit: Add delicate jewelry and heels for a feminine summer outfit.
43. White Spaghetti-Strap Jumpsuit: Pair it with statement earrings and heels for a chic and sophisticated evening look.
44. White Romper: Pair it with wedge sandals and a straw hat for a vacation-ready outfit. Add a clutch to take the look from day to evening.
45. White Utility Romper: Cinch the waist with a white belt, typically included, to keep the look streamlined and clean. Pair with sneakers or a chunky wedge sandal depending on the occasion.
46. White Tapered Jumpsuit: Let the details of the jumpsuit be the star of the show by pairing with a neutral shoe.
Renting white shorts
47. White Linen Shorts: Match them with a breezy tank top and sandals for a laid-back summer outfit.
48. White Paperbag Waist Shorts: Wear them with a tucked-in tank top and sneakers for a casual summer look.
49. White Dress Shorts: Dress up the white shorts with a fitted, embellished top or sequined camisole for a glamorous evening look. Add strappy heels or wedges to elongate the legs and create a more formal silhouette.
50. White Denim Shorts: Pair with a comfy tee and sneakers for a laid-back and comfortable look.
51. White Trouser Shorts: Pair with a tailored blouse or button-up shirt for a sophisticated urban look. Tuck in the top and add a skinny belt if you wish to define your waist. Style with loafers and a structured handbag for a polished outfit.
52. White Bermudas: For a preppy and sporty look, choose a good quality knit sweater and a canvas sneaker.
53. White Drawstring Short: Looking comfortable is always in style. Tuck in a cozy top and wear with slides.
Renting whites in blazers + jackets
54. White Linen Blazer: Layer it over a white button-up and tailored shorts for a monochromatic ensemble.
55. White Sleeveless Blazer: Pair it with a fitted tank top and tailored shorts for a sophisticated summer look.
56. White Cropped Jacket: Pair it light denim and a tee for a casual yet polished outfit.
57. White Double-Breasted Blazer: Lighten the look for summer by skipping the undershirt.
58. White Structured Blazer: For a fresh summery look, wear with a camisole and denim. Finish the look with strappy heels.
59. White Suit Coat: Style with a lightweight tee and denim skirt, along with a comfortable stacked sandal.
60. White Moto Jacket: Throw over a t-shirt dress and wear around town with clean white sneakers for a day of errands.
