With double-digit temperatures here to stay for a while, wearing white makes a lot of sense for summer. Not only is it okay to wear it after Labor Day, it is certainly okay to wear it year round - depending on the type of fabric the garment is made from and the type of event you’ll be attending.

Lightweight White Cotton Skirt
A lightweight white cotton skirt is an awesome way for a woman to beat the heat in style while still looking feminine. Look for details like full ruffles, eyelets and lace to keep it flirty. Or if you prefer a more streamlined approach, opt for a more form-fitting pencil or A-line skirt. There is no wrong answer when you can pair a skirt like this with so many other pieces in your summer bag of style tricks.

White Shorts
White shorts of all types are also a great staple for this time of year. They can literally “anchor” a nautical striped top, or any other solid color blouse for that matter. Whether you prefer a slouchier soft short or a more fitted cotton, this is absolutely the way to go for versatility in creating look after look with just a few changes of accessories.

White Tank Tops & T-Shirts
White tank tops and t-shirts are also a great way to help you stay “looking cool” when the humidity is high. The cotton of the shirts will wick away perspiration from the body while deflecting the rays of the sun. Go classic with a knit tank, or venture into the design realm with ruching, ruffles and draped cottons. Absolutely a “go to” item for the wardrobe this season.

White Jeans & Capris
White jeans and Capris also easily commingle with tropical floral and jewel-toned prints so prevalent for the summer. Look for a fit that flatters but doesn’t look too tight. Ease is the name of the game for balmy days and nights, so keep them loose and on the breezier side. For proper Capri length, make sure that they reach just about where the calf of the leg starts to get wider. If you like yours shorter, go for a little past the knee. Avoid those “clam diggers” that hit at the widest part of the calf; they will only make that part of the leg and everything above it seem wider. Pair Capris, if you can, with the latest in wedge-heeled sandals or peep toes to keep the look long and lean.

Now that we’ve covered the hows and whys of white items for your wardrobe, here’s a few tips to keep them looking their best. I found a great recipe online for a gentle and effective way to keep your whites looking bright without bleach!

Just follow these simple directions:

1. Into a large bucket (5 gallon would be great), mix the following:
   1 gallon warm water
   2 tbsp. ammonia
   4 tbsp. dishwasher detergent
   4 tbsp. regular dish soap
   
   
   
2. Place clothing in the bucket and soak for about 30 minutes. Remove and wash as you would normally for the type of fabric the garment is made of.

You may also make an overnight soak from 1 cup of baking soda added to a bucket of warm water. Wash the following day for a bright and sunny white! Of course good old-fashioned bleach can be used for all cotton items or anything that is not labeled otherwise. I like it for my white denims. But I use the solution above for knits and delicate sheer cotton shirts.

So take a moment next time you’re at the Goodwill Store & Donation Center near you and really take a look at all the non-color items and see what you may need to keep your summer wardrobe “White Hot”! You know you can always take fashion risks for less at Goodwill!

askbjorn@goodwillsew.com

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