There’s nothing like the sip of a pumpkin spice latte to make you crave brisk weather, weather worthy of knits hanging to your knuckles. But as the new season sets in, we can’t help but also crave something new in our wardrobes.

Both on the street and on the runway a breath of fresh air for fall is found in a somewhat unconventional color scheme: white, and yes, it’s way after Labor Day. The trend of the LWD (little white dress) started a few months ago, and it isn’t slowing down. The key to making this neutral color scream fall instead of ethereal spring is two-fold: texture and pairing.

Texture is the most important element of pulling off this hot trend. Pre-Labor Day white favorites are smooth cottons and shears, while fall favors knits, wools, leather and anything close to fur. Texture gives white depth and makes it heavy enough to hold its own in colder weather. I can’t get my hands on a chunky, off-white cable-knit sweater or white leather moto jacket fast enough. Think heavy, white coats or a bag in soft, white leather with gold accents. The home pages of H&M and Anthropolgie couldn’t get it more right.



The other way to take white all year long is how you match it. While the texture is central, mixing with fall staples helps solidify white as a fall heavyweight. Layer your chunky knits over button downs with a flirty skirt and flats for class or a casual date night. Our recent obsession is inspired by the models backstage at fashion week. The sweatshirt has been made not only acceptable but chic with embellishments like jewels, embroidery, or my favorite, fur panels. Throw this over dark-washed jeans with a motorcycle boot to get that effortless “model-off-duty” look. Bright accessories make this look modern. Think red bags or statement necklaces. Any color pops against stark white. The only thing you can’t mix is all your whites at once; you’ll just end up looking like a snow bunny. Below, New Yorkers are caught wearing the trend on the streets.


By swapping around your pieces and mixing in touchable whites, you add a sophisticated yet playful twist on fall’s must-have looks. Anyone can fit this trend into their style by replacing signature pieces with a white, chunky version. White is unexpected once the leaves begin to change, but you’ll see it has a chic new presence well into the snowy months ahead.

By: Kelly Cholko | Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5