Ask Allie: When to Wear White, Tucking in Shirts

I bought this. I really like it, and am anxious to wear it. The thing is, it is white. Really, really white. Do I have to wait until Memorial Day? Or can I add strategic accessories and do it earlier? I was thinking of adding a cardigan or a jacket and a red necklace to tone it down a bit. And of course, I can belt it, which is what I was planning on doing anyway. Ideas on styling (for both now and later)?

What a super cute dress! I love Lands End Canvas and that dress looks to be so versatile.

Many people would tell you that wearing white before Memorial Day is totally acceptable these days. I disagree when it comes to white shoes and white bottoms and white pieces out of very summery fabrics like linen. Usually I would say that wearing white eyelet is not really appropriate for pre-Memorial Day, however I think you can accessorize it to make it spring-appropriate.

Looking at the dress, I can imagine it with a denim jacket, hip-slung belt and a pair of boots (Frye Harness boots, which would be a perfect choice). This way, the white is broken up and not so obviously “Hi I am a white summer dress!”

I could also see you tempering the cutesy eyelet with black engineer boots and a biker jacket for a “tough but sweet” ensemble.

Once summer has arrived, you can do so much with this dress. Add color with a brightly-colored cardigan and/or skinny belt. Keep it simple with tan flat sandals and a few brushed gold bangles. I love turquoise with white – a chunky stone statement necklace and nude wedge sandals would make it look fresh yet still modern. Lands End Canvas shows it with a hip-slung belt, however I think this style of dress offers real belting versatility – a belt at the ribs, natural waist, or hips will all work; you can also try wide or narrow belts and find success with either size.

I would love to start tucking my shirt/blouse into skirts/pants but tummy issues make me very conscious. My skirt/pant size is between a 14-16. Do I go with a bigger size bottom and tuck?

I was absolutely terrified of tucking in shirts for all my life – I have always carried my weight in my lower belly and felt that this did nothing but emphasize my gut. However lately I have found it can actually be quite flattering.

I find it has less to do with the size of the skirt or trousers, and more the cut and fabrication. A stiffer, heavier or lined fabric keeps its shape and will help smooth the tummy. A wide waistband also does a great job of keeping the tummy smooth, and the doubled fabric of the band also keeps the garment from stretching out during the day.

I find a very straight or slightly wide-leg trouser or a straight or slightly a-line skirt are the best choices to wear to hide your tummy. Flared and fuller skirts, or very body-con styles can cling to the curves, accentuating the tummy (an exception is a midi-length gathered skirt – the length gives weight to the fabric, making a fuller style work on many figures without too much fullness at the tummy – example).

Adding a wide belt to the ensemble and wearing it a tad above your natural waistline will elongate your leg line, highlight a smaller part of your torso, and break up the line while also making it look more complete.

Be very conscious of where the skirt ends on your leg. Since you are already accentuating your curves with a tucked-in shirt, you want to be sure the skirt hits at a flattering length on your leg. Have it hit at a small part of your leg – just above or just below the knee are usually flattering on most women.

Don’t fear control garments – I have a high-waisted thong control garment that is my go-to when I wear a pencil skirt and a tucked-in blouse. It’s not super restricting, but does enough to keep the tummy looking smooth under clothing.