How to Wear White (the Right Way): Find the Best White for Your Undertones
White may seem simple, but when it comes to personal style and color analysis, it’s anything but basic.
In this juicy episode of Midlife Moxie, Gail and Jen go deep on the science and strategy behind wearing white—and why the right white can make you glow, while the wrong one can leave you looking flat, tired, or even a little… ill.
❄️ So… Is White Even a Color?
We kick things off with a friendly debate (and a quick science detour) about whether white is all the colors or the absence of color. The truth? It depends on whether you’re talking light or pigment. But in the world of style, what matters more is what white does to you when you wear it.
🎨 What Is “Your” White?
White is rarely just white. It comes in undertones:
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Icy White – A bright, bluish white that looks stunning on those with cool, clear, high-contrast coloring.
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True White – Crisp and clean, ideal for cool undertones with some depth and brightness.
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Winter White – Slightly softened, great for cool tones who can’t handle sharp contrast.
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Ivory – Warmed with a touch of yellow, perfect for warm undertones.
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Cream – Richer and deeper, ideal for those with deeper skin tones or soft warmth.
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Soft White – A gentle, washed-out version of white for those with low contrast and softness.
🎧 In the episode, Jen and Gail walk through each type with real-life examples—and plenty of laughs.
🖤 Why White Matters in Your Wardrobe
White (or your lightest neutral) is one of the foundational colors in your closet. Even if you don’t wear it head-to-toe, it serves as a backdrop to make your signature colors pop. You’ll use it in:
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Layering basics
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Shoes and accessories
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Background colors in prints
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Makeup shimmer (yes, that too!)
💡 Tip from Jen: If your white doesn’t flatter your face, wear it further from your face—or layer with a scarf, necklace, or jacket in a better color.
✨ How to Choose the Right White in Stores (or Online)
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Always compare it to your palette.
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Check lighting. Store lighting can distort white significantly.
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Take it to the window! Natural light is your friend.
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Watch out for misleading labels. "Ivory" might be pure white—and vice versa.
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Check user reviews for real-life color photos.
💄 Makeup Matters, Too!
White shows up in makeup more often than you realize. That frosty highlighter or shimmer shadow? If it floats on your skin (instead of melting in), it might be the wrong undertone for you.
🥂 Champagne shimmer > Icy silver if you're warm
❄️ Icy pink > Golden glow if you're cool
🥇 Metals + White: What Works Together?
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Cool undertones + white = SILVER wins
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Warm undertones + ivory/cream = GOLD is your best friend
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Soft tones might love antique gold or rose gold—just keep it subtle
Final Word from Jen + Gail
White is not off-limits for anyone. But you do need to wear the right version of white for your skin tone, contrast, and coloring.
And if you're still unsure?
👉 Get a Signature Color Analysis to discover your perfect neutrals (and your whites!)
👉 Book a Makeup Analysis with Gail to make sure your shimmer and sparkle enhance your look, not float on top
🎥 Watch the episode
Which version of white looks best on you? Tell us in the comments below!
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