It's summer - well, according to the calendar anyway - and that really is the only time of year when white appears absolutely right. Sunlight suits this colour much better than do grey or overcast skies; only participants in a wet T-shirt competition should consider wearing white in the rain. Strong sun, on the other hand, bounces off white to dazzle onlookers, which is why it has always been a popular colour in tropical climates.
It always looks fresh when temperatures rise. You may feel over-heated during the next few months, but your appearance in white will remain impeccably cool. Thanks to its light-reflective qualities, even when crumpled white retains a degree of freshness other colours could never possess. Nothing beats a crisply-ironed cotton shirt, it's true, but a few creases scarcely make any difference to the overall impression when white is worn.
It makes a terrific change from black and grey. Or brown and navy. After spending most of the year clad entirely in sombre shades, there is something wonderful about radically altering your appearance by adopting white for even a few weeks. Immediately, it suggests relaxation, holidays and indulgence. White will never be the new black, but then again black can never hope for the impact an unexpected outbreak of white can achieve.
It flatters all shapes and sizes. Everyone can wear white and not worry about how they look because the colour is never cruel. Provided the cut of the clothes is good, it does not draw attention to the body beneath in the way that some strong shades might - lime, acid yellow, fuchsia and mauve spring to mind. Instead, white simply seems stylish and elegant, whether used for a loose-fitting dustcoat or a skimpy stretch vest.
It works wonderfully with every other colour. There is, quite literally, nothing which cannot be worn with white (although certain colours will be more successful than others). Palest pink or deepest navy; each enjoys equal success when combined with white. Similarly, prints - problematic at the best of times - will find white a natural partner since it acts as a neutral backdrop against which they can be displayed.
It looks expensive - but only when clean. White immediately suggests you have the time, inclination and income to maintain an impeccable wardrobe at all times. Such a suggestion may very well be false, but who is to know that? Impression is all and in this instance, the idea conveyed by white is of industrious staff whose favourite task is to wash and press your favourite white linen trousers whenever they are required to do so.
It also looks rather marvellous against even the palest skin. Again, this sets the colour apart from all others - some colours drain all warmth away from the face or bring it an unhealthy flush. White does neither, instead enhancing natural tones and throwing light onto the skin. This looks especially attractive at this time of year, when most of us have acquired a little extra colour from the sun.
It ought not to be the preserve of brides, most of who have no right to wear white, in any case, if the colour's traditional symbolism is what is advocated. Let white be emancipated and enjoy universal suffrage. The weather may be (yet again) terrible, but if you want to give your spirits and clothes collection a lift, try white.