WHITE ON WHITE FOR SUMMER

Words by Jamal Grootboom | Images: Supplied/Getty Images

Summer is almost here, meaning the good times of the festive season and parties galore are also near. And nothing goes hand-in-hand with summer quite like a white party.

All-white parties have a long history, being pioneered by François Pasquier in Paris with his Dîner en Blanc event in the late '80s where he invited friends over with a strict all-white dress code.

Hip hop legend Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs saw the potential of this, replicating the idea for his infamous White Party which was a star-studded affair from the late ‘90s to mid-2000s at his Hamptons mansion.

CIROC Military contest winner, Tanya Vinson (C) and husband and Sean "Diddy" Combs attend the White Party hosted by Sean "Diddy" Combs and Ashton Kutcher to help raise awareness for Malaria No More held at a Private Residence on July 4, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images for Blueflame)

The insane guest list included everyone from Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, Mariah Carey, Martha Stewart, Leonardo DiCaprio and many more across the entertainment industry.

Many people referred to it as the modern-day Great Gatsby and the concept became popular with a broader audience since it coincided with the rise of hip-hop culture as pop culture.

Locally, the trend also caught on with ‘All Eyes On Me’ rapper Da L.E.S hosting his own all-white pool party that was the talk of the town. Over the years, local and international celebs such as Moozie, Blxckie, Bonang Matheba, deceased rapper AKA, Swizz Beatz, Black Coffee, Cassper Nyovest, Thuli Phongolo and many more were in attendance, donning their various white-on-white outfits.

Whether you’re planning on attending a pool party, brunch with a group of friends or cocktail party here’s how to style the perfect all-white look.

While big days are ahead, stepping out for brunch with a group of friends is a great way to kick off a weekend of fun. You’ll want to be comfortable yet stylish while enjoying a mimosa and your favourite brunch bite. Opt for a textured resort shirt, knee-length shorts and kicks. You can also pair an embroidered maxi dress with a cork platform and tote bag.

The sun is blazing, and then you get a message from that one friend with a house that loves hosting pool parties. It depends if you want to take a dive or lounge around. On both occasions, you want to be able to be in the most breathable fabric. Go for a knit maxi dress or two-piece with easy sandals and shades. Conversely, you can opt for a classic white tee with Bermuda shorts and trendy slides.

Party time is here, and dressing in a crisp all-white look makes for a chic outfit. Ideal for a cocktail or evening event, dressing in a classic pantsuit with a pair of metallic heels is sure to be an eye-catching affair. A smart long-sleeve shirt with a classic chino paired with dapper loafers is also an easy go-to for easy breezy style.