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Summer Whites For All Ages
By Erin Donnelly
You love bright hues as much as the next girl, but the season’s blinding rainbow shades are giving you a Technicolor overdose – and the mere suggestion of baking under the hot summer sun in black is enough to make you break into a sweat. So why not opt for white? It’s classic, it’s unfussy, it looks great on everyone, and it’s one of the coolest colors of the season. From romantic eyelet dresses to tan-accentuating bikinis, we’ve rounded up stylish summer whites for every age group. But feel free to mix and match – you’re only as old as you feel, after all.
20s:
Dress: Who says simple can’t be sexy? This strapless Susana Monaco Pocket Tube Dress (http://www NULL.pinkmascara NULL.com/) can go from the barbecue to the bar.
Top: While you can never go wrong with a classic white tank, this Ted Baker Silk Chiffon Double Layered Top (http://www NULL.asos NULL.com/Ted-Baker/Ted-Baker-Silk-Chiffon-Double-Layered-Top/Prod/pgeproduct NULL.aspx?iid=312845&cid=4169&clr=White&Rf-200=5&sh=0) is a gorgeous, ethereal-meets-edgy choice.
Swimsuit: Make like Honey Rider in this ring-accented Glam Bikini from Nina Swimwear (http://www NULL.couturecandy NULL.com/nina-swimwear/glam-bikini-in-white-/product NULL.html).
Bottoms: For a more sophisticated take on short-shorts, look to the Baird McNutt crisp linen cuffed short (in sea salt) from J.Crew (http://www NULL.jcrew NULL.com/catalog/product NULL.jhtml?id=prod93665171&catId=cat302229).
Handbag: Cynthia Rowley’s hip and roomy Hilary Patent Tote (http://www NULL.shopbop NULL.com/) is the perfect bag for summer.
30s:
Dress: This Black Halo Jackie Dress (http://www NULL.pinkmascara NULL.com/) has two things going for it: 1) its trendy one-shoulder cut, and 2) its sexy and confident (without being too revealing) design.
Top: Give the menswear trend a romantic twist by wearing this Newport-News Seersucker Vest (http://www NULL.newport-news NULL.com/shop/product_ensemble NULL.aspx?ifn=F0616068_NAJ08_027_BKG&effort=1E&style_id=33763137&index=50&gp_coll_id=9&gp_cat_id=1649&nav_cat_id=9336&category_id=9343) over their delicate and ultra-feminine Floral Lace Blouse (http://www NULL.newport-news NULL.com/shop/product_ensemble NULL.aspx?effort=1E&style_id=26406137&ifn=S0863054_NAJ08_037&associated=1&index=2&gp_coll_id=9&gp_cat_id=1649&nav_cat_id=1675&category_id=7658).
Swimsuit: Revel in the retro glamour of Poko Pano’s Copacabana one-piece (http://www NULL.couturecandy NULL.com/poko-pano/cocacabana-bikini/product NULL.html). The front features a classic halter, while the laced-up back provides a tantalizing surprise.
Bottoms: Want to show some leg without venturing into Daisy Duke territory? Slip into Cache’s Cotton Sateen Bermuda Shorts (http://www NULL.cache NULL.com/cache/control/product/~product_id=03056A70281510). Wearing a high heel will help lengthen the appearance of your legs.
Handbag: MICHAEL Michael Kors Ranger Wild Venus Large Hobo (http://www1 NULL.macys NULL.com/catalog/product/index NULL.ognc?ID=293945&CategoryID=27687&LinkType=EverGreen) combines utilitarian function (gotta love those extra pockets!) with a fun, modern design.
40s:
Dress: It’s all in the details with Catherine Malandrino’s stunning cut-out Knit Dress (http://shop NULL.catherinemalandrino NULL.com/). The beautifully detailed knit is sure to invite plenty of compliments.
Top: This Velvet Ruched Top’s (http://www NULL.neimanmarcus NULL.com/store/catalog/prod NULL.jhtml?itemId=prod52640091&parentId=cat6530740&masterId=cat7690734&index=41&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat000111cat7690734cat6530740) skillful draping conceals the belly while offering a sexy but subtle hint of cleavage.
Swimsuit: Make a splash in St. John’s tasteful (and tummy-concealing) Pleated Swimsuit (http://www NULL.neimanmarcus NULL.com/store/catalog/prod NULL.jhtml?itemId=prod51680011&parentId=cat9340752&masterId=cat9280748&index=14&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat000111cat9060734cat9280748cat9340752).
Bottoms: Pair Nanette Lepore’s Barrier Reef (http://shop NULL.nordstrom NULL.com/) slim-fit capris with a bright tee and your favorite sandals.
Handbag: Kate Spade’s Nob Hill Flat Serena hobo (http://www NULL.katespade NULL.com) contrasts pure, snow-white calfskin with a funky red strap.
50s & Up:
Dress: Turn heads in this lovely cotton eyelet sheath dress from Ann Taylor (http://www NULL.anntaylor NULL.com/).
Top: Keep your cool in this lightweight Lauren by Ralph Lauren V-Neck Eyelet Top (http://www1 NULL.macys NULL.com/catalog/product/index NULL.ognc?ID=307883&CategoryID=35907&LinkType=EverGreen), accented by a pretty lace trim.
Swimsuit: A sheer striped overlay gives the Anne Cole First Class Swimsuit (http://www1 NULL.macys NULL.com/catalog/product/index NULL.ognc?ID=286520&CategoryID=12420) a glamorous edge.
Bottoms: Stay cool and comfortable in Spiegel’s Washed Linen Walking Shorts (http://www NULL.spiegel NULL.com/).
Handbag: Coach’s Ergo Pleated Frame Tote (http://www1 NULL.macys NULL.com/catalog/product/index NULL.ognc?ID=319618&CategoryID=30345&LinkType=SiteAd&LinkLoc=25411&AdID=45978) in gleaming white makes for must-have arm candy; it’s spacious but stylish and modern.
Shoes: Woven details – like on this Cole Haan Mara Woven Wedge (http://www1 NULL.bloomingdales NULL.com/catalog/product/index NULL.ognc?ID=111354&CategoryID=9549&PageID=9549*1*24*-1*-1*22) – were made for summer.
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