White Takes Over As The New Neutral

Few shades are riddled with as many taboos as white. But we just don't get it. While some might feel this colorless canvas can feel too puritan, we think fashion's oldest neutral is having something of a renaissance. No longer quarantined to summertime, white in all its cool variations has been showing up on fall/winter runways as well as the sidewalks of New York and Paris. And now that spring is finally poking through the clouds, we're feeling inspired by all the ways white can lighten up our look. Just take a lesson from any of these four ladies, who each in their own way shows us how to do white right now.

1. The Little White Dress—For spring, the classic look has been reversed, proving a LWD paired with serious stilettos and a bad-girl leather jacket can have just as much attitude as its opposite.

Above, from left: Harley Viera Newton photographed at Paris Fashion Week by Mr. Newton; Thakoon Shadow-Print Smocked Minidress, $615, available at Saks Fifth Avenue; French Connection Ribbon Waist Dress, $76.92, available at ASOS; Alice By Temperley Mini Tiddles Lace Dress, $395, available at Net-A-Porter.

2. The White Trench—We'll never pack up our classic khaki trench, but inaugurating a crisper, paler version has a positively glamorous effect.

Above, from left: Style blogger Denni photographed at Paris Fashion Week by Mr. Newton; Old Navy Belted Trench Coat, $49.50, available at Old Navy; White House Black Market Trench Coat, $178, available at White House Black Market; Abas Rose Envelope Clutch, $132.75, available at Endless.

3. The White Lace Dress—There's something angelic and also mysterious about a white lace dress, and we're loving how this redhead brings the etherealness down to earth with black gloves and a vintage cape.

Above, from left: Audrey Marnay photographed at Paris Fashion Week by Mr. Newton; Opening Ceremony Embroidered Mesh Flapper Dress, $575, available at La Garçonne; ASOS Petite Lace Backless Dress, $64.96, available at ASOS; Topshop Vintage-Inspired Lace Dress, $90 , available at Topshop.

4. The White Princess Coat—More retro than the trench, a feminine princess style can border on prudish—especially in white—but worn with a bold red lip and Alice-inspired platform Mary Janes, the look is almost avant garde.

Above, from left: Louise Ebel photographed at Paris Fashion Week by Mr. Newton; Aquascutum Arundel Silk Trench, $898, available at The Outnet; Emilio Cavalini Back Seam Tights, $28, available at Topshop.