seasonal dress disorder
Henry & Belle Ideal Skinny ~ Kiskadee
It’s always nice to get away for a few days to a warm tropical climate…at least until you start trying on your white denim and come to the realization that it’s been a very long cold winter. I faced these facts last weekend as I prepared for my brief trip with two of my best friends. The agenda had been dutifully sent to my phone. Upon arrival we were heading to dinner to celebrate their birthdays with possible dancing afterwards. South Florida is always welcoming of white denim so I retrieved mine out of the bin of spring/summer clothing and gave them a “whites” prep wash.
Christopher Blue Slim White Denim ~ Kiskadee
This is where my idealistic dream of basking in some long overdue sunshine disintegrated into the realization of how I was going to get the extra 5(+) lbs into those pants (were these even mine?)! Putting on extra weight to endure frigid temperatures is necessary – call it survival of the fittest, it’s nature’s recipe for perpetuating the species. White denim is a staple for many of us. Tops, jackets, sweaters, tunics…everything pairs well with white denim (everything but the past four months of Darwinism that took hold of my body).
Here’s the skinny on white denim…sizing up in white is almost mandatory. Also be aware of the fabric weight of brand you choose. I’ve seen young women come to tears upon trying on white denim in March while I was at Hysteria. The lesson I learned as a buyer was that white denim needs some lycra and also needs to be a little heavier in weight. Imperfections show in light colored fabrics and white is your most unforgiving.
Minnie Rose Skinny Minnie ~ Kiskadee
Therefore, as you set out to find white denim you have a few options…
1. Cut your losses and go buy a comfortable pair of white denim that will provide you the flexibility you need for upcoming trips.
2. Cut your calories and get thee to Fitness on the Run and/or Mind the Mat (they’ll get you into white jeans before Memorial Day).
2. Swear off this tortuous staple item and find refuge in the flowy wide leg pants, A-line skirts & maxi dresses this season.
Some other white denim fit advice for a variety of figures…
– If you have a tummy, look for a denim with a higher rise (crotch to waist measurement)
– Hourglass figures need a nipped in waist to avoid “the gap” – you should also see the back is higher than the front when you hold them up which will provide the fabric to wrap your backside
– A straight or boyish figure requires straight lines – avoid exaggerated flares
– For full hips and thighs, make sure you have the higher rise in the back with a contoured waistband (keeps them up)
One more word to the wise regarding white denim ~ check for pocket shadowing. If you see the outline of the pocket or a “shadow” around the front pockets, take them to your tailor and have them remove the front pockets. It’s an easy fix and will keep the lines of your white clean.
Henry & Belle Ideal Skinny ~ Kiskadee
For the record, I got my white denim on (although it was a most un-cozy flight) with my new long (covering the rear) split hem Wilt tee from Kiskadee (which I love!), but never donned them again for the entire trip. I also found the time to finish The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing on the flight home. Later this month I’ll do a follow-up post with my progress (and my clients are benefitting too).
