As Labor Day approaches, the invitations to White Parties are pouring in! I love white parties so much. Really any color would work, but it’s just so neat to look out at the span of a gathering and see everyone wearing the same thing.

I recently attended the Walk With Sally “White Light, White Night” fundraiser in the South Bay. My coworker is very involved in this great cause, and I was excited to be a part of the annual event.

Finding a dress was the hardest part! I have tons of white dresses, but people in the South Bay tend to dress a lot more casually than in other parts of Southern California. All my white dresses were short and flippy, or tight, or lacy, or covered in sparkles, sequins or rhinestones.

One day on my lunch break I walked through the 3rd Street Promenade looking for the perfect dress. My go-to store, H&M, let me down! As stores mostly are carrying fall items, there wasn’t much white to be found. The white was all too casual. I did find some dresses that were perfect, but they were in the higher-end line. A $60 white dress I’ll probably only wear once or twice and spill wine on? No way!

Forever 21 was predictably not a winner either. I love Forever 21, but the look is definitely a little too young and tight than what I was going for.

I found a great dress at Express, but again, this wasn’t really something I was looking at as an investment piece.

Finally, the very last store on the Promenade was Old Navy. I haven’t been to Old Navy since middle school, when I tried things on and even the XS clothes just hung off me. I’ve always had kind of a negative opinion of the store. But I was quite literally out of options.

I took a gander and walked into Old Navy. Immediately, I looked up and…THERE IT WAS!!!! The Dress. A long, cotton-y, strapless maxi dress with a subtle row of lace across the bust. The dress was on sale for $25, but was normally $45, so I knew the quality was good (and who doesn’t love getting a bargain?).

I tried on the XS and it was perfect! The perfect length (when wearing heels), nipped in at the right places but was conservative enough for a work event. I was so happy!

I accessorized with 2 gold bracelets from Forever 21. The bracelets/bangles are oval, so they fit perfectly on the wrist without sliding up and down and being obnoxious and distracting. Such a brilliant design! I finished with low nude wedges from Payless. As tempted as I was to break out all my amazing heels, I figured (correctly) that I’d be standing all night and wanted to be comfortable.

I also picked up a white cropped blazer from H&M for another work function (blog post to come soon). I brought this along and put it on at night when it got chilly (we were on a rooftop). The white on white seemed like it wouldn’t work, but it did, and was both cute and conservative.

All in all, I felt pretty, young, appropriately dressed and comfortable all night!

 

What have you worn to white parties in the past? Are you headed to any white parties soon?