Calvin Klein spring 2011, Imaxtree

It’s official. White and Labor Day are going their separate ways, allowing  you to get the most out of the season’s hottest color. Between Calvin Klein’s slinky ’70s-inspired dresses and Alexander Wang’s sporty vests and tailored jackets, the absence of color is going both hard and soft. If you would like to pull a Casper for a day, here are a few tips to consider:

Longevity: While white might conjure up images of tennis courts and lawn parties, the tone is quickly becoming city appropriate year round. For those of us who can’t let go of our neutrals, it offers an effortless alternative to black on black.

Wearability: White came in all shapes and sizes this season, making the look accessible to everyone. No designer made this more evident than Derek Lam, who showed the opposite ends of the spectrum equally well: basic trenches and all-out glam gowns. Just be careful of where you sit, and drink clear liquids to avoid tragic spills.

Personality: In the past, the bleached-out style might seem a bit bland. If you’re an adventurous dresser, Rag & Bone and Alexander Wang’s militaristic visions are for you, featuring stripped away parkas and underwear as outerwear. The key is adding an unexpected pop of leather or metallic to your ensemble, or mixing textures, like the white lace do at Erdem. Still feeling drained? An ultra-bright and wild accessory will liven you up in no time.

Save vs. Splurge?: Splurge. As a neutral, white will always have a place in your wardrobe. It’s worth investing in some of the special pieces these collections offer.  But as Michael Kors reminds us, you’ll look just as amazing (and on-trend) in a crisp linen blazer, T-shirt and cool slacks.

Splurge Options:

Photo: Courtesy of The Outnet. Vanessa Bruno jacket, $155, The Outnet

Photo: Courtesy of Topshop. White broderie dress, $110, Topshop

Photo: Courtesy of Saks. Alexander McQueen cap sleeve shirt, $295, Saks

Photo: Courtesy of The Outnet. Red Valentino skirt, $165, The Outnet

Photo: Courtesy of Saks. Sacai Luck scoop neck t-shirt dress, $245, Saks

Save Options:

Photo: Courtesy of Zara. Double fabric dress, $60, Zara

Photo: Courtesy of J.Crew. Matte sequin cami, $50, J.Crew

Photo: Courtesy of Bluefly. Calvin Klein shirtdress, $89, Bluefly

Photo: Courtesy of La Garconne. Them Atelier white slit tee, $58, La Garconne

Photo: Courtesy of Topshop. Premium white lace hem shorts, $75, Topshop