There's something cool and refreshing

There's something cool and refreshing about white clothing

that makes it chic on even the hottest days. Since it

reflects light and absorbs perspiration, making it less

noticeable than rechargeable torch light manufacturers other colors, the wearer looks cool and

collected, even when the temperature soars. Small wonder

then that white has been a long-time favorite of residents

of hot, tropical climates.

Now that the Memorial Day holiday has come and gone in the

United States and temperatures are beginning to rise all

over the Northern Hemisphere, it's time to take a quick

look at some basic guidelines for wearing white. While

some of the old "rules" have begun to relax in recent

years, there are still a couple of things to remember when

wearing white:

1.Always Wear Flesh-Colored Undergarments

Years ago, the rule was to wear white under white. Not

anymore. Since white bra, panty, and camisole lines tend

to show through, your undergarments will be less obtrusive

in flesh tones. Look for pieces that closely match your

natural skin tone to create a clean, seamless look.

2.Be Careful Where You Put Your White

Since white reflects light and makes anything it's put on

look bigger, don't put it all by itself on your largest

body part, like your chest, hips, or thighs, because it

will only make it look bigger. Instead, opt for white

monochromatic (all one color) ensembles, which elongate,

put white on a small body part, or use white to accentuate

a figure asset.

3.Steer Clear of White Hosiery

Unless you're a nurse, a bride, or under age 5, white

hosiery has no place in your wardrobe. Yes, it was popular

20 years ago thanks to Diana, the late Princess of Wales,

because it did for her what it does for everyone: it

"chopped her up" visually and made her look shorter. Which

is fine if you're a tall princess trying to look shorter

than your prince - but not so great if you're short,

medium, or plus size, trying to look taller and slimmer.

4.Think Twice About Wearing White Shoes

White shoes scream "summer!" and are a popular choice for

warm weather months. But since white shoes make your feet

look bigger and can also visually "chop up" your leg and

make you look shorter, they may not be the best choice for

your image goals. Look for shoe styles that elongate, or

steer clear of white shoes entirely and opt for

flesh-colored shoes instead.

5.Don't Wear White to a Wedding

Unless you're the bride or in the bridal party, don't wear

all-white to a wedding. While a white blouse worn under a

different-colored garment is okay (like a pastel suit, for

example) the tradition still holds firm: white is reserved

for the bridal party. Don't try to compete with the bride

on her big day.

Finally, if you don't like the way white looks on you or

if white just "isn't your color," try an off-white shade

instead like ivory, eggshell, or oyster. Pure white looks

good on only a fraction of the population, so don't

despair; try another shade instead.