It started, like so many trends do, with Isabel Marant. When the designer – who embodies the essence of Parisian style – made her autumn winter 2021 show at Paris Fashion Week a nod to the winter white trend, we knew something was up. 

Of the 48 looks Marant sent down the runway a solid portion of those experimented with white-on-white dressing. Some featured ecru jackets paired with snow white trousers, another saw a 1970s waistcoat layered over a white peasant dress, others played on white paired with pink or festive, berry tones. But our favourite, without doubt, was a cream boxy coat worn, in true French style, with nothing else other than a chunky chain-mail collar. Could this be the outerwear trend to usurp the black leather blazer? 

For some, the idea of white on white – at any time of the year – can be a nightmare. There’s the staining, the high maintenance washing and/or dry cleaning – and, again, the staining. However, this crop of fresh fashion looks is inspiring us to dabble in the winter white trend. Here are four reasons why. 

Let’s be frank: going white on white requires some effort. In fact, it could be argued it’s one of the most high-octane autumn winter trends you can buy into. (Bar, say, underwear as outerwear or frou-frou feathers.) So, when you do trial the winter white trend you can do so with a little gusto, knowing you are one of the brave few exercising your fashion flair (and possibly eating only white foods for the day.) 

Contrary to belief, playing with shades of white can feel just as good in winter as it might do during warmer seasons. Add some texture to your outfit through a cosy knit or a stand-out piece of jewellery. Our tip? Choose the right shade to match your skin-tone: sallow tones can get away with pure white, whereas paler complexions should veer towards warmer, vintage whites and ecrus.

As popularised by Khaite’s knitted sweetheart neckline tops, which took the runway by storm in spring summer 2020 and are still going strong (see: Rosie Huntington Whiteley who wears hers with aplomb) there’s nothing nicer than a fresh knit in super-clean white.

Sometimes there’s nothing more satisfying than creating a beautifully tonal look. Think: crisp white slacks, a buttermilk knit and a classic beige trench coat layered on top. As well as looking good, you suddenly pay attention to those smaller details in your look: the stitching on the denim, the button on a knitted top. Calming and chic: what’s not to love? We like to think of it as mindfulness for our wardrobes. 

Images, from top: Khaite autumn winter 21, Isabel Marant autumn winter 21, Isabel Marant autumn winter 21, Jil Sander autumn winter 21, Jil Sander autumn winter 21, Isabel Marant autumn winter 21.