all white now

When Rifat Ozbek showed his spring/summer collection in 1990 every piece was white: it caused a sensation. White can be as stunning as its yin yang brother black, and as easy to wear if you follow a few golden rules. Anything clingy will show every chocolate brownie-induced lump and bump, so white leggings should be left to those with well-toned thighs. It also lends itself rather too well to peek-a-boo show-through; a good solution is provided by the "skin tone" underwear ranges now available (wearing white underwear under white is a big mistake). Marks and Spencer do "Body Shade" bras in three skin tones which are seamless and cost pounds 10; Gossard "Glossies" provide a nude look and a smooth line with bras (32A- 38D, pounds 13.99), briefs (S-XL, pounds 6.99) and bodies (32B-38D, pounds 19.99). And Sock Shop's "Cosmetics" range starts at pounds 6.99 for a G-string to pounds 14.99 for a G-back body. The thong, or G-string is enjoying something of a revival of late and has shaken off its undeserved seedy image, which is just as well as it is perfect for wearing under white trousers and dresses. White is classic, so it is worth splashing out on an outfit you really like, such as the Donna Karan dress shown here. The high street also offers some stunning choices - you'd be hard pushed to find better value than the Oasis sateen trousers at pounds 31.99. The downside to white is that it shows the dirt, so make sure the garment is washable, otherwise wearing white can be an expensive business.

Main picture: cotton ribbed top, pounds 35, Jigsaw, 91-95 Fulham Road, London SW3 and branches nationwide. Linen mix skirt, pounds 29.99, Oasis branches nationwide, inquiries 0171 436 0474. Mock croc python belt, pounds 45 approx, Sally Gissing from Harrods, Knightsbridge, London SW1, inquiries on 0171 267 9303. Brown mock croc shoes, pounds 165, Patrick Cox, 8 Symons Street, London SW3, inquiries 0171 730 6504. White wraparound sunglasses, pounds 79, Cutler & Gross, 16 Knightsbridge Green, SW1, inquiries on 0171 823 8445. Silver chain bracelet, pounds 26, Agatha, 4 South Molton Street, London, W1, mail order on 0171 495 2779. Black shoulder bag, Herve Chapelier from a selection at Liberty, Regent Street, W1 and Space NK, 41 Earlham Street, London WC2. Tights, pounds 3.99, Couture Skintone from major department stores nationwide

Top, right: Linen one button jacket, pounds 99, Boules, 22-24 James Street, London WC2, inquiries on 0171 379 7848. Linen dress, pounds 199, Cerruti 1881, 106 New Bond Street, London W1. Black sunglasses (worn on head), Anglo American from a selection at Liberty, Regent Street, London W1

Centre, right: Linen dress, pounds 485, Donna Karan at Browns, 23-27 South Molton Street, London W1, inquiries 0171 493 1716. Silver chain bracelet, pounds 26, Agatha, 4 South Molton Street, London, W1, mail order on 0171 495 2779

Inset strips: Silk jersey T-shirt, pounds 32, Jigsaw, 91-95 Fulham Road, London SW3 and branches nationwide. Linen trousers, pounds 39.99, Oasis branches nationwide, inquiries 0171 436 0474. Silver chain belt, pounds 42 approx, Sally Gissing from Harrods, Knightsbridge, London SW1, inquiries 0171 267 9303. White mules with clear heels, pounds 69.99, from selected branches of Russell & Bromley nationwide, inquiries tel: 0171 629 6903. Hat, pounds 15, Cornucopia, 12 Upper Tachbrook Street, London SW1, inquiries 0171 828 5752

Bottom, right: Cotton shirt, pounds 22, Gap branches nationwide. Sateen trousers, pounds 31.99, Oasis branches nationwide, inquiries tel: 0171 436 0474. Silver chain bracelet, pounds 26, Agatha, 4 South Molton Street, London W1, mail order 0171 495 2779. Black mules, pounds 135, DKNY from selected branches of Russell & Bromley nationwide, inquiries tel: 0171 629 6903. White leather puffa bag (on chair), pounds 180, Bill Amberg from Harrods, Knightsbridge, London SW1 and Fenwicks, New Bond Street, London W1, inquiries tel: 0171 924 4296

photographs by jane hilton

STYLING BY RACHEL COLLINS