No matter where in fashion history you look, white is a constant. Marilyn Monroe’s iconic white dress in 1955’s The Seven Year Itch paved the way for the seductive glamour of that era, while Studio 54 queen Bianca Jagger wore the colour at every turn, breathing new life into tailoring with her white YSL suit. The draped dress Princess Leia wore to fight battles of the galaxy? All white. And what did the Spice Girls wear to the 1998 Hollywood premiere of Spiceworld? Matching white suits, of course.
While there’s no doubting the impact of head-to-toe white – whether you’re emulating '70s bohemia, the disco dance floor, or '90s athleisure – there’s something so perfect about it for spring. Designers certainly agree; the catwalks of SS17 were awash with white, from Hermès’ belted palazzo pants to Burberry’s deconstructed shirts. There was ultra-feminine white tulle at Dior, while Lanvin showcased new-age trenches with sheer white sleeves. Loewe played with white mesh and Max Mara models strutted in icy '80s power suits.
Now our Instagram feeds are white hot, with fashion’s most switched-on seen in the (achromatic) colour of this spring. Click through to see our roundup of the best white get-ups.
Tahmina Begum's all white look is as spring fresh as the florals behind her. Push your classic shirt off your shoulders for an SS17 update.
Lulama's white split dress is almost as enviable as her below-the-waist hair.
This outfit is equal parts Jane Birkin and spring 2017. Subtle silver jewellery and high-waisted trousers keep it contemporary from Marjon Carlos.
If you're afraid of top-to-toe white, try adding a wavy print like Karen Yeung's psychedelic checkerboard skirt.
Shope Delano just provided us with super-relaxed inspiration for sunny weekend days in the park.
Okay, Aoife Turner's Mango skirt may be more cream than white but her whole outfit is making us so excited for summer, we'll let it slide.
Clara's frou-frou ruffled Simone Rocha dress taps into this spring's obsession with overly feminine dresses. Stop it from looking too much like a christening smock with chunky boots and red lipstick.
This is perfect spring workwear from Viola Bergström: a white oversized shirt and crisp white denim. Topped off with trusty classic Converse, of course.
Linn Eklund proves the key to making colour-blocking interesting is texture play. Lace trousers and silk blouses are a breezy holiday look.
If you're worried about ketchup spillages, white-backed florals are a less frightening option. Julia Dalia's two-piece is comfort dressing at its finest.
La Redoute silk and classic white denim makes for a peachy beachside outfit for Lindsey Holland.
All-white overalls are an easy way to tackle the trend, as shown by Freja Wewer. Just look at those point-toed Gestuz kitten heels, too.
Pull a white-out in a two-piece like Emili Sindlev. Pull the look together with matching tones in accessories – this checked ASOS shirt complements her Missoni socks beautifully.
Reese Blutstein gives a pop of colour to her Paloma Wool shirt and Everlane trousers.
More white denim courtesy of Marta Cygan, this time teamed with a cute button-up bralette.
Guri Heli's Gina Tricot dress gives tennis court vibes in the best possible way. Summer sportswear? Check.
Nikisha Brunson's Golondrina get-up is gorgeous – proportion play and oversized silhouettes will see you straight through spring.
DJ Inès Mélia proves that Russian blouses aren't going anywhere for spring. Kind of digging the matching shoes and dog, too.
Tamu McPherson's white Zara shirt and Tibi skirt are a spring match made in heaven. Buttoned-up and with rolled-up sleeves, she adds a masculinity to otherwise feminine threads.
Pandora Sykes pairs her much-hyped Gucci T-shirt with Rouje trousers and gold accents.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Paintbox Brights Are The Mood-Enhancing Pieces Your Wardrobe Needs