What on earth is all this fuss about white parties? I thought they were mainly an Ibiza thing, or something you might find on the occasional cruise, but now they seem to be popping up across the all-inclusive holiday world. Maybe I’m completely out of touch, but I don’t quite get it. Why would anyone want to dress like everyone else, in the most impractical colour, just to drink and be merry – especially when spills are almost inevitable? Additionally, most all-inclusive hotels are havens for young children and if you’re anything like me, white was not a colour you wore when your children were little. I’ve only just dipped my toe back into white in the past year – my youngest is 16! Also, is it just a little—dare I say it—cultish? In how it looks at least? That said, people seem to love the idea of wafting around in white, and I appear to be in the minority, so let’s look at why.
Why are we drawn to white?
White is an excellent base colour and a perfect neutral, so most of us probably have at least something white in our wardrobes. It symbolises purity, innocence and new beginnings. It has an ethereal quality as well as looking clean and smart, but it can also feel cold and sterile. Does that sound like party to you?
Being part of something?
It’s human nature to want to feel included and part of the gang, so wearing the white “uniform” gives you instant entry into the proverbial club. You’re on the VIP list. And once you’re there, you won’t be wearing the wrong thing—a common worry—because as long as it’s white, you fit in. And everyone wants to fit in, right? Personally, looking like everyone else is the last thing I want, but I do understand the safety net appeal.
But I like Fancy Dress?
Yes, I admit it. I love fancy dress. Fancy dress at a party is a great leveller and a brilliant way of getting different groups to talk to each other. Nobody needs to worry about if what they’re wearing is the right vibe because when it’s fancy dress anything goes! So, maybe a White Party a simplified fancy dress?
Furthermore, I’m going to throw this in – not everyone suits white, it’s the summer ‘black’ – we all wear it because it’s an easy option, a safe option. However, there are other colours that are often kinder to our skin tone. However, I hear you, with a tan…everything looks better with a tan!
How can we make white work?
Yes, a tan helps. Of course it doesn’t have to be a natural tan, out the bottle is safer. If white is not your colour try ivory or cream or add colour next to your face. If pure white is the rule, make sure that your jewellery and makeup light you up. Cool skin tones will usually suit white, and silver jewellery will be lovely with your skin tone. Winters can take strong makeup – try a fuschia lip! Summers usually prefer minimal makeup so pink blush and a slick of gloss is perfect. On the other hand, warm skin tones are better with off-white tones and creams, coupled with turquoise or gold jewellery.
I should caveat all of this with – I’ve never been or even had the opportunity to go to a White Party! If there was a White Party in my hotel on holiday this summer, would I go? Yes, probably. I’m not good with FOMO!
