S. Worthen | Weblog

I am dressed in a stylish, comfortable outfit I would never dare venture out in public wearing. The problem isn't that it's too elegant or not elegant enough for everyday use; the problem isn't with the washability of the fabric - it's all machine washable; nor have I any issues with the cut and fit of the clothing. The problem is that it is all white.

White is a hazardous color to wear, unless your primary worry is whether or not you'll spill baby powder all over yourself. It doesn't get dirty any more easily than other colors, but it shows it more readily than most. The only clothing I have lost to permanent tomato staining were white: the lovely, densely embroidered Yugoslavian blouse I was given when I was young was made of an extremely thin, light fabric which refused to yield its tomoto stain, once attached to it. In full-outfit form, white is suitable for christenings, weddings, Ivy Day*, (all of which are formal and ceremonial events) and anyone who is accustomed to carrying around a full-length coat with them at all times, just in case.

Yet, now that it is summer, now and again I will see someone who is dressed entirely in white: white cocktail dresses and tuxedos seem to be stylish displays of summer luxury, proof that the owner can afford to only wear the outfit once, if need be, or has sworn to only eat cream sauces and vanilla ice cream for the evening, and has the ability to avoid leaning against anything, just in case.

[Poll #316743]

* A Smith tradition involving a collegeful of young women all dressed in all-white outfits. Thanks to flos_campi, mine was a lovely Tudor-style confection.