White took on a new role in fashion during the Fall/Winter 2013 season, and it’s carrying over into its traditional role as a Spring/Summer staple for 2014, but this time it has an edge. From what we’re seeing on the runways, the softer side of white is taking a backseat to geometric shapes and boxy silhouettes like the ones from the futuristically inspired collections of designers such as Issey Miyake and Balenciaga, featuring structured draping and architectural pleating. Other designers are taking a nod from more minimalist silhouettes, like Ports 1961’s white boyfriend-style blazers, Louise Goldin’s white-cropped long sleeve tee shirts and flared white minis that rolled over from the fall season. Classic boxy shift ensembles from Simone Rocha and Narciso Rodriguez also showcase this trend quite well.
The look is about bold minimalism, so accessories should reflect this. Accessories coordinating for this trend should be big, bold and simple. As always, yellow is a fresh spring complement. Classics like Kate Spade’s silver and yellow stone necklaces and bracelets or Oscar de la Renta’s bright yellow massive cocktail rings look chic and current with a boxy white style and create the perfect garden party aesthetic that conveys spring. Holly Fulton also introduced flora inspired accessories with her silver and enameled floral earrings and chokers that look freshly picked from the garden for the season.