5 Tips to Wearing Winter Whites Correctly Kelly A. Smith

Tips to Wearing Winter Whites Correctly

By Kelly A. Smith

The rules for wearing whites after Labor Day have changed drastically from days gone by. Whether its snowy or cold, I still like to wear a pretty winter white ensemble, so why not channel your inner snow bunny? A lack of snow shouldn’t be the only reason to break out the brights and whites, but the way we wear whites does need to be tweaked from its summer likeness. It’s really all about switching up the way we layer pieces, the fit and even shades of white. If you want a fast way to freshen up your dark and dreary winter duds, read on for some tips on how to lighten up your look in no time!

MIX THOSE WHITES, RIGHT – Try to mix different shaded of white as to avoid the snow-blind look. You can intermix shades of oatmeal, cream, beige, ecru and even tan/camel. These will all flow nicely together since they are in the same neutral color palette. These can all be fashionably paired with a top or bottom of an opposing neutral color such as black or gray.

FLAWLESS FABRIC PICKS – If you’re going to wear whites this time of year, then you better be sure that they are “frosty season-friendly.” This means you can’t just pull out a pair of lightweight white denim from your summer stash or toss on a sheer white, eyeleted laden breezy blouse that you last wore on your summer vacay. You will definitely kill the look if you attempt to do this, so do be sure to buy heavier fabric items. Make sure to look for pieces that offer heavier fabrics and textures for an undeniably winter-chic style

BREAK UP YOUR WHITES – If you aren’t a fan of hopping on the winter white bandwagon full speed, there are still a few ways to incorporate a stylish winter wonderland look. Printed leggings that have some white accents would pair nicely with a chunky cable knit, off

white sweater or a sleek knit tunic in ecru. Faux fur is always in season so why not crank up the heat by pairing up dark, denim jeans with a furry, winter white jacket? You can also add a statement sweater or coat with a black and white print, or keep your upper half dark and add some off-white knee boots to the mix.

TEXTURE AND LAYERING – Piling on the layers in winter is a no-brainer, but do be sure that you are mixing and matching coordinating shades of white. If you want to showcase a head-to-toe white ensemble, you’ll need to break it up a bit in order to pull of the look. For example, you can add dimension to an all-white outfit by mixing varying shades of cream, bone and white. To finish the look, add a pop of color, such as black with your shoes or purse. You’ll still have that monochromatic look you crave but the dark will add some much-needed depth and warmth.

FABULOUS FIT – Since white isn’t as forgiving as its counterpart, black, you’ll need to make sure your pieces fit. Don’t try to squeeze into anything that’s a size too small. On occasion, that may work with a pair of dark denim, but it won’t fly with white—everything shows with light colors. Therefore, be sure to get the proper fit. The same can be said for a too baggy jacket or blazer. If a top is too loose fitting, it will make you appear larger. Do get the right size or have it tailored because an impeccable fit gives a sophisticated vibe to any outfit.

When it comes to surviving winter in style, knowing how to wear white, right is a good tool to have in your arsenal. Refresh your cold-weather wardrobe with just a little bit of inspiration and a lot of know-how, and you will quickly be inspiring all those around you to go from dark and dull, to frosty and fabulous! n

Washington & Jefferson— Not the University

By Weston Waite

This year, the United States will turn the ripe old age of 244. To celebrate America’s prosperity and the new decade, I figured we would talk about some lesser known things about two of our greatest Presidents: George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.

Before rising to fame as president, George Washington lived a busy life. He was first a military officer for the British. During this time, he traveled near Pittsburgh, where he engaged a French scouting expedition lead by Ensign Joseph Coulon de Jumonville (a street is named in his honor in Pittsburgh’s Hill District). Afterwards, Washington entered public life, serving as a politician in Virginia and eventually as a member of the Continental Congress. As Commander in Chief of the American forces, he would directly help in deciding the fate of the American colonies. The cherry on top, of course, is his remarkable presidency, where he set many precedents. The most important precedent he set is his voluntary resignation after two terms, a move he borrowed from the Roman statesmen Cincinnatus.

Thomas Jefferson was also a remarkable person. Although he was awkward and quiet, he was an elegant writer and authored the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson championed religious freedom, so much so, that he heavily studied other religions (you can even find his copy of the Qur’an in the Congressional Library). Our third president, he is also credited for fortifying America’s Navy, creating its first six ships to fight North African pirates during the Barbary Wars. Like Benjamin Franklin, Jefferson was fond of the French, speaking their language and serving as Minister (Ambassador) to France. Later, he would use his special connections to purchase the Louisiana territory from Napoleon.

These two great men were very influential in shaping the U.S. Constitution and the customs of the Presidency. Happy Presidents Day! n

Weston Waite is a senior at Duquesne University, majoring in Political Science and French. His academic specialties are those of American history and American politics. In addition, Weston is a member of the Duquesne Men’s Hockey Team and Sigma Nu Fraternity. He is a lifelong resident of McCandless, where he currently resides with his family.

You Can’t Judge a Book By Its Cover— If There Is No Cover

Imagine it’s the beginning of a new semester and your child is starting at a new school for the first time. The usual anxiety that accompanies something new is present, but there’s one difference—as the student looks around the classroom, all they see are their other classmates’ names, no faces. Why? Because they enrolled in cyber school.

At cyber schools, the pressure that often comes with the superficial nature of appearance and first impressions is removed, and students are able to interact and see each other for who they are, what they stand for and what they believe. That is an experience that tens of thousands of Pennsylvania cyber charter school students have not only witnessed, but in which they have thrived.

At Agora Cyber Charter School, students from all walks of life share a cyber classroom and are given the opportunity to learn in a style that works for them. A statewide, tuition-free online public charter school, Agora is a premier provider of innovative and unique K-12 cyber education in Pennsylvania. The cyber option provided by Agora is a lifesaver for thousands of families across the state and has time and again proven to be the best choice for the specific needs of certain students. No matter a student’s zip code, status or learning level—they’re able to receive a high-quality public education. Classes are comprised of students from every county in Pennsylvania, allowing for cross-state friendships. Peers become friends at Agora without knowing each other’s hometown, socioeconomic status, race or religion. As Instructional Coach Michelle Olsavsky says, “Students whom you’d assume would never be friends become best friends. There’s no judgment and beautiful relationships emerge. In fact, Agoraplanned social activities oftentimes become emotional gatherings with lots of hugs and tears of joy.”

Agora’s approach to learning ensures students receive the quality, individualized education they deserve, one that they were likely denied at their brick-and-mortar school. A leader in cyber education, the Agora experience has been cultivated over 15 years and equips students to live up to their true potential—regardless of their academic ability or background. n

For more information go to agora.org or call 844-462-4672