May 11, 2016

My colour of the year for 2016 is...


It occurred to me recently that in the midst of a somewhat rocky, stressful, and very busy start of the year, followed by suddenly being unexpectedly computer-less for all of February, I hadn't yet had a chance to share my colour of the year for 2016 with all of you.

Historically, I've often done my reveal as part of a Flickr Favourites post, but as I opted to retire that series at the end of last year, I no longer had have it available do so in come January and that, too, no doubt played into while I'm only now just getting a chance to blog about it.

In years past, my colour choices have included brown, purple, and green, and the premise behind such is dead simple: after a fair bit of thought and a thorough survey of my current wardrobe, at the start of the year I decide on a colour that I want to add more of to my closet and/or focus on in other areas of my life (here on the blog, home decor, crafting - even cooking, in some cases) and then try to focus on in various enjoyable ways throughout the following twelve months.

This year's choice came to me quite quickly and instantly felt right. I entered 2016 really feeling like I was ready for a clean slate and though such didn't happen entirely, I have been making changes and managing my time (all the more) in ways that have created a degree of such over the past few months.

Seeking an even greater sense of serenity in 2016 as well, this hue was especially logical to me and while it isn't one that we typically wear head-to-toe (save for on our wedding day), it is a gorgeous achromatic colour that has the added bonus of suiting summer's sizzling heat especially well.

As I'm sure you've deducted by now, I'm talking about none other than the colour white!



Technically known as a colour without a hue, white is a delightful mix of all the frequencies that we're able to see on the visible spectrum.

For ages upon ages, it has been associated with things such as tranquility, innocence, newness, stillness, rebirth, care and love, goodness, light, and of course purity. We think of it during winter, at christenings and weddings.

We natural picture it when we think of with winter, soap, clergy, angels, various animals (including unicorns), our eyes, dairy products, hospitals (very much including nurses), and peace, amongst many other things.

Being every inch the neutral that it's dark counterpoint black is, white goes with just about every other colour and shade under the sun and indeed, we need it in order to get many of the hues that we enjoy in all areas of our life, as it softens dark primary and secondary colours to create lighter shades such as pink, peach, and violet.

White enjoyed many moments of great popularity during the 20th century, though perhaps never more adored than during the Edwardian era, when it regained supreme as the lawn/lingerie dress colour choice of countless women the world over (though such frocks and skirt + blouse combos did certainly exist in other, generally pale, shades as well).




A true classic - and a colour that is worn frequently by both men and women - white has never gone out of style, no matter the prevalent palette of the era and chances are, it never will.

It appeared, for example, on boater hats and beaded bags, kid gloves and linen suits in the 20s and 30s; peasant blouses, gingham patterns, winter knits, and high heels in the 40s; fitted dresses, circle skirts, elegant suits, beaded jewelry, buck shoes, and millinery flower bedecked hats in the 1950s, and lead the pack on the Mod front during the 60s, where it also cropped up in earthy, boho and chicly tailored garments alike, too.

At times, being fair skinned (with pink undertones to my colouring), green eyed and auburn/red haired, white can, in larger doses, be overpowering on me and objectively, as most women in particular will tell you, white is not exactly famous for being the most figure flattering of hues, so in some respects, I've shied away from it at various points in my life.

I always had at least one or two white blouses/button front shirts, pairs of gloves, socks, a few other accessories, and maybe a snow coloured pair of shoes, but it hasn't been until just the past couple of years that I've intentionally sought other solid or primarily white hued pieces.

It's rather unlikely that white will ever eclipse other neutrals like grey, brown, navy blue, and black in my closet, but there is an enchanting quality to this colour that makes me appreciate it and I find that if a garment's fit is truly on point, white can be surprisingly flattering, especially if there's a bit of roominess (say, billowy sleeves on a blouse, for example) to it.

To mark my colour of the year choice, at the start of  2016 I bought a garment that I hadn't owned in more years than I could recall: a solid white dress from Hell Bunny.

Fitted, flirty, sweet and unendingly summery, it is ultimate proof to myself of how far I've come in terms of welcoming white into my wardrobe and with the weather really starting to heat up, not only will I be wearing it, but it may even land here in a blog post of its own.



{Something I'm always keen to add more of to my closet: vintage (or vintage appropriate, as the case may be) white shoes like these mid-century beauties! Vintage image source.}


I don't foresee stocking up on white pieces right, left and center, but I have been enjoying looking for more and seeking out garments, such as that dress, that I didn't previously have in solid white.

I've always adored the pairing of white and classic denim shades, and now that summer is (almost) here, I'm sure I'll be marrying those two, while also letting white shine along side a wide array of other colours, from coral to mint, turquoise to mustard yellow and have already begun thinking of ways to include it more heavily in my fall wardrobe.

So there you have it! :) White is my colour of the year for 2016 (Pantone's, in case you hadn't caught wind of such yet, are rose quartz and serenity blue) and so far I've really been enjoying having the chance to get to know this peaceful hue better.

Are you a fan of white? What decades do you most associate with it? And perhaps most intriguingly of all, would you wear a completely white dress for any occasion other than a wedding?


*PS* I truly want to thank everyone who has shopped my Etsy store's 32% second anniversary sale over the past five days. I've been thrilled to watch nearly 100 vintage and antique items fly off the shelves there in that very brief time and can't begin to tell you all how much I appreciate your stellar support of my shop.

If you haven't picked up a vintage treasure (or ten! :)) for yourself there yet, you'll definitely want head on over and do so today, as this sale will wrap up at midnight tonight and I won't be having another storewide one there again until summertime.



43 comments:

  1. White garments and accessories can look so lovely and fresh. I look forward to taking inspiration from how you might incorporate white pieces into your outfit posts.

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  2. Great choice! I really want a white skirt, especially since I found a gorgeous sheer floral blouse when I was antiquing last weekend. I do worry about stains though whenever I wear white.

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  3. I think its a great choice Jessica.
    I am guilty of owning waaay too many tops in this color. In fact, I am actually doing a closet edit, trying to focus just on that color.
    The only thing I don't own (currently) in this color is shoes.

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  4. I love white. White, red and black are the colours I am most drawn too, followed by purple and pink. I always think of the Edwardian period for white with the beautifully delicate dresses and then the sixties for the monochromatic look, particularly white patent boots.

    As for wearing white for something other than a wedding, I recall wearing a white sixties satin mini dress with matching length white lace over jacket to a sixties club and was immediately asked if I was getting married. I was slightly taken aback by this! To be honest though, I am very sure it was in fact a handmade sixties wedding dress!

    xxx

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  5. Hi Jessica,
    I am delighted to know white is your colour of the year.
    I always associate white with the Mediterranean Sea and summer time, Greek islands like Santorini are a perfect example for me.
    In Mediterranean countries we paint our houses in white, dress in white for summer time and in general love white colour. I do not own a white dress, but I combine my white skirts with white blouses for the same effect.
    White is not only for weddings, christenings or hospitals for example.
    While white is in western cultures associated with purity, spirituality and clean places in other countries it has a different meaning.
    We also have to take into account that for other cultures white is associated with mourning. White is also the colour to dress for men in some Muslim countries (like Arabia Saudi and Arab Emirates), etc.
    But for me, as I said before, I will always associate it with my very much beloved Mediterranean Sea and Summer time.

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  6. Hi Jessica,
    I am delighted to know white is your colour of the year.
    I always associate white with the Mediterranean Sea and summer time, Greek islands like Santorini are a perfect example for me.
    In Mediterranean countries we paint our houses in white, dress in white for summer time and in general love white colour. I do not own a white dress, but I combine my white skirts with white blouses for the same effect.
    White is not only for weddings, christenings or hospitals for example.
    While white is in western cultures associated with purity, spirituality and clean places in other countries it has a different meaning.
    We also have to take into account that for other cultures white is associated with mourning. White is also the colour to dress for men in some Muslim countries (like Arabia Saudi and Arab Emirates), etc.
    But for me, as I said before, I will always associate it with my very much beloved Mediterranean Sea and Summer time.
    Eva (from Luxembourg/Germany)

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  7. I love white but being a clutz it does make me nervous when I wear it. However, nothing can beat a simple white top for a wardrobe basic.

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  8. White is a fresh/clean color and always adds a crispness to items. I'm usually not brave enough to wear a full white ensemble (despite having 2 white dresses in my closet), I make to many messes. However, I have been adding some white accents to my sewing, like a white color or white trim. White pretty much goes with everything, so great choice.

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  9. I love white! It's a colour people really don't tend to wear these days unless it's a man's work shirt. I'm trying to add more of it to my wardrobe and my latest additions will be a pair of pure white 1940s style summer shoes. Top choice! xx

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  10. i did not wear white for my wedding :-)
    because i was over 40, we had a civil marriage, white is not the most flattering color on me.....
    but sometimes, in hot summers, with a bit of tan on my skin - i like to wear all or mostly white looks!
    can´t wait to see your new white dress!!!!! <3
    xxxxxx

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  11. White is so fresh and crisp! I don't wear a lot of white, but I love that vintage halter dress :)

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  12. Although I love white, it is not a flattering colour on me, nor indeed is anything pale. All the white things I have are patterned. I love white, red and blue together. I wore cream when I got married, but let's not go there: it was the 90s after all and even thinking about what I wore is making me cringe. White should look lovely on you, though. Many hugs, Ann xxx

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  13. I love wite, my color for this year is purple <3

    Hugs!
    Pri
    vintage.blogspot.com

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  14. I love white especially those wonderful lace dresses worn by the Edwardian ladies.
    I've a vintage white Grecian-style maxi dress which I should wear more often as it gets loads of compliments - trouble is that I need flesh coloured knickers underneath and I keep forgetting to buy some. xxx

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  15. I am currently working on a 1940's blouse out of a white dotted swiss. I have been having so much fun working on it. Except for when I get married, I doubt that I would wear a completely white ensemble. I would have to include some accent color at least.

    Sarah
    www.sewcharacteristicallyyou.com/blog

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  16. I do love white but amazingly I don't wear it much! I do have a white winter jacket and I wear that often, it is warm, comfortable, pretty and waterproof. I love all those white shoes, Jessica! You are so right, white never goes out of style. Thank you so much for sharing and for bringing back some great memories for me.

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  17. White...My absolute favorite color, next comes pink. I admire the beautiful hand stitched lace detail on crisp cotton dresses from the Edwardian era. Can you imagine the time spent? I have a white drawstring purse from 1900-1910, with beautiful lace detail that is perfect for summer weddings, parties etc. It is a treasure! Thank you for this wonderful post on such a awesome color, in any season!XOXO.

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  18. What a fantastic selection! I'm excited to see some lovely white ensembles popping up!

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  19. Wow, what a great, unexpected choice. White looks terrific in many ways and has a vibrancy that's appealing.

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  20. White is an amazing color, one of my favorites!
    good choice doll :)
    xoxo

    ❤ Johanna.
    http://www.dreamscolorsandglitter.blogspot.com

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  21. White? Brainstorming - START:
    white dove brings hope, white sheet to sleep on, white sand on the beach in Greece, white hair of a vise woman, white paper to start writing, white table-cloth for a family meal, white porcelain cups for tea... white brings many emotions.
    When it comes to fashion, I'm still using white as a background color, and not as a main one.
    I know myself, I'm incapable of keeping myself dirt-free. :)

    I hope to see many more "white posts" coming from you.

    M.

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  22. I always think of white as very Edwardian - all those white-on-white dresses. I have a couple of white blouses but shy away from it for any other garment as i'd just get it mucky.

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  23. Your shop is so beautiful, dear Jessica! I wish I were back at home in England, so I could buy something. Now I can't, because they would be heavily taxed. One day, I am sure, I will get one of the beauties of your shop! White is beautiful, and yes, like you said, a symbol of purity, innocence, clean things. But as you said too, I am fair skinned (I wear a tad darker shade of makeup) and although everybody thinks I have brown eyes, they are dark green. When I wear white, not only I look twice my size but the color and I disappear, like a ghost. So it's a pity, I don't have many white items :) I loved the Edwardian dresses and the amazing shoes! Hugs, dear Jessica!
    DenisesPlanet.com

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  24. I love white, it can really lift a skin tone. It's always so summery too and I know it was popular in the 30s, with some stunning outfits I've seen on various tv shows. It's not the best colour for me to wear though, as I can never keep it clean. You can guarantee that 2 minutes after putting on something lovely and white, I will drop something down it! I have even tried a white skirt, thinking it was less near to my mouth and therefore less likely to have food dropped on it, and it was, but it didn't stop me dirtying it on my car door as I got in. Still, I know you will look gorgeous in white, and I can't wait to see what you will come up with xx

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  25. Ahh, white for summer! I love white, and yet I hardly ever wear it. Now I'm asking myself, "Why not?" Maybe fear of looking too large? Or dread of keeping it clean? No matter. I'm in the market for some white clothes this summer, particularly a pretty dress (and hopefully some occasions to wear it to!) Love this post so much, I linked to it. Thanks, Jessica!

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  26. I'm a HUGE fan of white! I have three white dresses and I'm making a shirt out of white oxford right now. Looking forward to seeing your new white things this year! :)

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  27. White has grown on me a lot, as well as B&W, so I totally get it! And it's timeless! XO
    Lauren-Blair
    www.prefertobedemure.com

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  28. Ooh yay, how timely, seeing as my colour of the year has just become white too ;) can't wait to see you rocking it, it's become one of my favourite neutrals over the last year xx

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  29. I do love wearing white! It's such a simple color, but it seems to also have endless possibilities, because you can choose any color accessory to go along with it. I can't wait to see the outfits your put together this year!

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  30. Thank you each very much for your wonderfully lovely comments and encouragement regarding my choice of white for 2016's colour. I really appreciate that and am looking forward to weaving a bit more of this tranquil hue into my outfit here as the year continues to progress.

    Many thanks again & have a stellar weekend, everyone!
    ♥ Jessica

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  31. Hello my sweet friend, White? Oh yes. From birthday party Jessica McClintoks frocks at 12 years old, my mother dressing me as a tot in white, my favorite white patent leather shoes at my Aunt Pamela's wedding in 1979. I grew up in the 80's and even though neon colors were in style, Madonna made white lace very popular to wear. White Ked tennis shoes are still a favorite. I've moved on to white dresses by Calvin Klein in different styles as well as my white lace top with matching white lace bra and a 3/4 cardigan sweater. So yes. I'm a fan of white. I always feel a bit more glamorous while wearing it and with a pop of pink on my lips I'm done and ready to go. ��

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    1. Hello lovely Christy, thank you very much for your great comment and for sharing some of your memories of the colour white in a fashion context with all of us. You know, I've never had a pair of Keds! Similar shoes, yes, but not true Keds. They've been on my wishlist for ages and I do hope to give them a spin eventually. They're such a great, classic brand and style of shoe.

      Great point about the sense of elegance and glamour that white imparts. I feel that way about it, too.

      I hope that you're having a sunny, terrific weekend. Things are well (uber busy) here on our end at the moment.

      Big hugs & happy Sunday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  32. Such a timely post! I have surprised myself in branching out more towards white recently! Last December I bought myself an all white dress which I've never done before (other than for my wedding) with the intentions of wearing it in the summer! And just earlier this year and last year I bought two skirts with primarily white backgrounds. It's a color I never would have imagined I would buy and wear (other than blouse style tops) but I suppose never say never, right? I'm looking forward to seeing the outfits you create surrounding this color! <3

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    1. Indeed! That's really the best mindset to have when it comes to fashion in general. How exciting that we've both been gravitating heavily towards white pieces in recent months (great minds and fashion senses! :)). Your skirts and new frock all sound really lovely. Interesting, towards the end of last week, I just splurged and treated myself to a new 1950s novelty print skirt (on Etsy) that has white as its background hue, too. We're definitely on the same colour wave length at the moment. :)

      I hope you're doing well and having a terrific month of May, sweetheart. Thank you for your great blog comments here this weekend.

      Many hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  33. I love those brown and white shoes on the image you used! I have next to no white in my wardrobe so ?I will be very interested to see how and where you had white to yours. I am always fearful of getting it mucky, I would be guaranteed to drop food down me!!

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    1. Are't those shoes marvelous? I wish there were more repro footwear brands out there and that they were producing classic styles like those charmers.

      Thank you, sweet gal! I'm looking forward to it as well. :)

      I hope that all is well on your end and that you guys are having a terrific month of May.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  34. Interesting choice! I do really love a white dress, especially during the warmer months of the year. It always feels so crisp and fresh. Of course, if you're like me you immediately stain it with something, but for a little while it's lovely!

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  35. For once we are not alike. I'm not a fan of white and don't think I will ever be. My wedding gown wasn't even white, it was blood red, which you might remember as also being my signature colour. I have a few vintage lovely white blouses and two or three pairs of white shoes, and lingerie of course, that's it. But I can feel that I've started loving orange a lot more this year. :D Right now I'm looking for fifites jools in orange. Have a lovely weekend, dear. :)

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    1. It's downright awesome that your wedding dress was blood red. That appeals to me immensely!

      No worries at all - I super-duper understand why many people aren't wild about white and have, as touched on here, often sidestepped it throughout my life, too.

      My colour of the year is, interestingly, often less about personal favourties and more about coming to appreciate colours that I don't wear a ton of on a deeper level. There really are few (save for neons) that I wear less (in large doses, that is) than white, so it seems like a fun one to tackle for 2016. Wish me luck! :)

      That sounds like a very fun hunt. If I come across any orange fifties pieces that I think you might like, I'll be sure to let you know (any shades and/or types orange jewelry in particular that you're searching for?).

      Oodles of hugs & happy weekend wishes (it's a long one here, yippee!!! :)),
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. I think I shy away from white because I am so pale. I do the same with black. I never wear black near my face and hardly own anything in black, save for a few skirts, shoes and one pair of jeans (which I never user).

      Orange like the citrus fruit orange. It is such a happy colour. And it doesn't become me at all, but accessories can do the trick. A pair of fifties simple button earrings and a bangle would suit me perfectly. Wishing you a lovely day, dear. :)

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    3. I hear you there big time and don't wear a lot of black near my face for the very same reason, often opting for navy blue, brown, or (some shades of) grey instead, as I tend to find they help perk up my colouring more. Another point that we share in common, my sweet friend. :)

      Great to know! Thank you for sharing the sorts of orange vintage accessories that you're presently on the hunt for. I'll let you know right away if I come across either (or both).

      Many hugs & happy wishes for this new week,
      ♥ Jessica

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  36. Nice Choice! I think white can look really sweet, but I can be a little wary of it because I am clumsy and usually stain lighter coloured clothes. I like off-white because it makes me look less sallow. I didn't really pick any colour for this year, but I'm trying to step out of my comfort zone and wear some brighter hues this year.

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    1. That's a fantastic thing to work towards. Are there any brighter hues in particular that are really calling to you at the moment? Personally I'm still as smitten with purple as I was earlier this season, though am also feeling cerise and fuschia shades (a natural progression, one might say) as the temps warm up here and summer starts to round the bend. On top of that, I wouldn't say no to some more orange or lime green these days either. :)

      Have a fantastic weekend, my dear!

      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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