white denim jumpsuit, thrifted style, preloved fashion, winter whites, white cowgirl boots, Thrifty Six, Shelbee on the Edge

The Thrifty Six in Winter Whites

February 19, 2024 / 16 Comments
white denim jumpsuit, thrifted style, preloved fashion, winter whites, white cowgirl boots, Thrifty Six, Shelbee on the Edge
white denim jumpsuit, thrifted style, preloved fashion, winter whites, white cowgirl boots, Thrifty Six, Shelbee on the Edge
white denim jumpsuit, thrifted style, preloved fashion, winter whites, white cowgirl boots, Thrifty Six, Shelbee on the Edge
white denim jumpsuit, thrifted style, preloved fashion, winter whites, white cowgirl boots, Thrifty Six, Shelbee on the Edge
white denim jumpsuit, thrifted style, preloved fashion, winter whites, white cowgirl boots, Thrifty Six, Shelbee on the Edge
white denim jumpsuit, thrifted style, preloved fashion, winter whites, white cowgirl boots, Thrifty Six, Shelbee on the Edge
white denim jumpsuit, thrifted style, preloved fashion, winter whites, white cowgirl boots, Thrifty Six, Shelbee on the Edge
white denim jumpsuit, thrifted style, preloved fashion, winter whites, white cowgirl boots, Thrifty Six, Shelbee on the Edge
white denim jumpsuit, thrifted style, preloved fashion, winter whites, white cowgirl boots, Thrifty Six, Shelbee on the Edge
white denim jumpsuit, thrifted style, preloved fashion, winter whites, white cowgirl boots, Thrifty Six, Shelbee on the Edge
white denim jumpsuit, thrifted style, preloved fashion, winter whites, white cowgirl boots, Thrifty Six, Shelbee on the Edge
white denim jumpsuit, thrifted style, preloved fashion, winter whites, white cowgirl boots, Thrifty Six, Shelbee on the Edge
white denim jumpsuit, thrifted style, preloved fashion, winter whites, white cowgirl boots, Thrifty Six, Shelbee on the Edge

The Thrifty Six is a group of international women with a passion for preloved fashion who meet once a month in our little space on the internet to share our thrifty outfits. On the third Monday of every month, we will all share an outfit based on a theme that features preloved wardrobe pieces. Shopping and reselling preloved clothing is so much better for the environment and you can find some of the best fashions in thrift or charity shops. The Thrifty Six are here to inspire you to shop second hand! 

This month, Jodie chose our theme of Winter Whites. We are not only a thrifty group but we are also a group who tosses out arbitrary fashion rules like that silly one that states you should only wear white during the summer months. To that I say, “Ha. No, thanks. I’ll wear whatever I want whenever I want.” And I think the other five women in this group would respond likewise.

When we play our monthly thrifty style game, the challenge is to make sure the item representing the theme is a preloved piece. It could be purchased at any variety of secondhand stores such as thrift stores, consignment shops, charity sales, online resale markets (eBay, Postmark, Vinted), garage or yard or estate sales, or flea markets. The preloved item could also be a hand-me-down, a regift from someone else, or an inherited item as long as it was owned by someone other than a full price retailer immediately before getting to me.

white denim jumpsuit, thrifted style, preloved fashion, winter whites, white cowgirl boots, Thrifty Six, Shelbee on the Edge
white denim jumpsuit, thrifted style, preloved fashion, winter whites, white cowgirl boots, Thrifty Six, Shelbee on the Edge
white denim jumpsuit, thrifted style, preloved fashion, winter whites, white cowgirl boots, Thrifty Six, Shelbee on the Edge
white denim jumpsuit, thrifted style, preloved fashion, winter whites, white cowgirl boots, Thrifty Six, Shelbee on the Edge
white denim jumpsuit, thrifted style, preloved fashion, winter whites, white cowgirl boots, Thrifty Six, Shelbee on the Edge
white denim jumpsuit, thrifted style, preloved fashion, winter whites, white cowgirl boots, Thrifty Six, Shelbee on the Edge
white denim jumpsuit, thrifted style, preloved fashion, winter whites, white cowgirl boots, Thrifty Six, Shelbee on the Edge
white denim jumpsuit, thrifted style, preloved fashion, winter whites, white cowgirl boots, Thrifty Six, Shelbee on the Edge
white denim jumpsuit, thrifted style, preloved fashion, winter whites, white cowgirl boots, Thrifty Six, Shelbee on the Edge
white denim jumpsuit, thrifted style, preloved fashion, winter whites, white cowgirl boots, Thrifty Six, Shelbee on the Edge
white denim jumpsuit, thrifted style, preloved fashion, winter whites, white cowgirl boots, Thrifty Six, Shelbee on the Edge

While I will never advocate for such restrictive fashion rules as limiting specific colors to certain seasons, there is a difference between winter whites and summer whites. Summer whites tend to be brighter and crisper while winter whites have a warm ivory hue. While I may not follow the rules, the fashion industry certainly does because you tend to find these colors specifically designated to seasonal clothing with stark summer white appearing in spring and summer collections and warm winter whites showing up in fall and winter collections.

When it comes to preloved items in my wardrobe that are white, I had plenty to choose from for this challenge. However, most of my thrifted white garments are summer clothing not only in their stark whiteness but also in their lightweight fabrics and seasonal styles like this tiered midi dress, this blouse, and this maxi sundress.

I considered wearing this pinafore dress. Although it is a brighter shade of white, it is constructed from a heavy canvas fabric which translates nicely to a winter outfit with the appropriate layers. But it is a difficult dress to style in a variety of ways so I couldn’t really think of a different way to wear than I already have.

Next, I considered my preloved white faux fur coat. It is such a statement maker and I love wearing it. And I had settled on that coat to style for this post.

Then I found this ivory denim jumpsuit.

white denim jumpsuit, thrifted style, preloved fashion, winter whites, white cowgirl boots, Thrifty Six, Shelbee on the Edge
white denim jumpsuit, thrifted style, preloved fashion, winter whites, white cowgirl boots, Thrifty Six, Shelbee on the Edge
white denim jumpsuit, thrifted style, preloved fashion, winter whites, white cowgirl boots, Thrifty Six, Shelbee on the Edge
white denim jumpsuit, thrifted style, preloved fashion, winter whites, white cowgirl boots, Thrifty Six, Shelbee on the Edge
white denim jumpsuit, thrifted style, preloved fashion, winter whites, white cowgirl boots, Thrifty Six, Shelbee on the Edge
white denim jumpsuit, thrifted style, preloved fashion, winter whites, white cowgirl boots, Thrifty Six, Shelbee on the Edge
white denim jumpsuit, thrifted style, preloved fashion, winter whites, white cowgirl boots, Thrifty Six, Shelbee on the Edge

I was thrift shopping for $1 items to be used for my raggery projects when I stumbled upon this denim jumpsuit by Zara. I have been trying to collect denim to make a denim rag curtain and there is quite a bit of denim in this jumpsuit for just $1. New denim retails at fabric stores for around $15-20 per yard so I definitely was buying this jumpsuit no matter what.

I did notice immediately that the jumpsuit was in my size but the zipper was broken. It is not a garment that I would really wear so I was not concerned with the broken zipper since I am turning it to rags anyway. But I was excited that it was my size and the perfect shade of ivory for this thrifty challenge. I figured I could use some double sided tape to keep the fly closed for pictures and then scrap the suit.

But alas, the double sided tape was just not working. Every time I moved, the fly popped open again. So I tied an ivory scarf right around the center of my belt to camouflage my broken zipper and open fly. My husband kept calling it my “scarf penis” while he was taking the photos!

It is still the middle of winter so I needed adequate layers for the weather. Because the jumpsuit is short sleeved, I layered a gray long sleeve tee underneath and wore a silver belt to coordinate with the gray. Then I stuck with gray and silver as my accent colors, adding silver earrings and my gray newsboy cap.

Although my white cowgirl boots are not preloved or thrifted, I loved the idea of an all white outfit and the boots seemed like a fun and unexpected choice of footwear with this jumpsuit. I was going to wear my white faux fur coat but instead decided on my preloved ivory motorcycle jacket with an ivory silk neckerchief. Finally, my purple Teddy Blake bag added a vibrant burst of color to this gray and white ensemble.

Although this outfit is not really my current style aesthetic, I really liked the way it turned out. I felt very sassy, like I could have been on an episode of The Simple Life! Do y’all remember that ridiculous show? I don’t think I actually ever watched it but still this outfit reminds me of it.

Now let’s check out how my thrifty friends are wearing their winter whites.  

The Thrifters:

Emma of Style Splash
Style Splash
“I very rarely wear white, so when Jodie chose that as this month’s theme I had to wrack my brains for any pre-loved white clothes and accessories. As luck would have it, a few months ago I bought this shirt from a charity shop for £1! It was the price that swayed me because I would usually pass by anything white, but I figured if it didn’t fit I could re-donate it. I’m not all that keen on it as it’s a bit small but it has some stretch, which helps. I’ve teamed it with green trousers because I like that colour combination. The bag is pre-loved, from eBay, and while looking for a jacket I found this Dept 19 zebra print coat that I also bought on eBay years ago…I’d forgotten all about it! I’m glad I’ve rediscovered it though!”
-Emma
Grace of Graceful Rags
Graceful Rags
“I rarely wear white, let alone thrifted white, so this cute top that my mom handed down to me is one of the only secondhand white things I own! It’s not a winter white by any means, but lucky for me I already had my trip planned to Puerto Rico for my great aunt’s 100th birthday, so I was able to wear it in the sunny 80 degree weather while there.”
-Grace
Jane of Preloved-Vintage-Handmade
Preloved-Vintage-Handmade
“Winter White is February’s T6 theme, a refreshing segway into springtime.
I noticed a group of emerging Snowdrops today, a true sign that Winter’s loosening its icy grip.
Such a joy to wear this beautiful pale colour, punctuated with botanical print…
…styled alongside my latest vintage handbag, a 1960’s original with an oriental twist.”
-Jane
Jodie of Jodie’s Touch of Style
Jodie's Touch of Style
“I’ve been a HUGE fan of wearing white in the winter because it adds the lightness I crave. Yet, I have trouble styling a monochromatic look, so I added in this tan and white sweater, leopard boots AND a light blue purse. The sweater is from a rental service, which I consider preloved since it’s been worn before and will be worn by others again. The best part is I don’t have to find room in my closet to store it, haha.”
-Jodie
Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style
Nancy's Fashion Style
“I have a white T-shirt and a white blouse and that’s all white I have in my closet. So I had to look for something on Vinted. And I had to do it quickly because delivery can take a while. Then there is washing, ironing, etc. I had seen a very nice white skirt on the Zara site, but yes, it must be second-hand. So I found this substitute. And when I got it it was covered in stains… As good as new, they say… Fortunately I don’t often have bad experiences with Vinted and the stains have all come out. With the addition of half a bottle of Shout!”
-Nancy
And Me!
white denim jumpsuit, thrifted style, preloved fashion, winter whites, white cowgirl boots, Thrifty Six, Shelbee on the Edge
“I found this white denim jumpsuit by Zara in my local thrift shop for $1. The zipper is broken and I find jumpsuits too tedious to wear but I bought it because it is going into a denim rag project. But before I cut it up, I figured I could make it work for this thrifty winter white theme even with its broken zipper (which I camouflaged with an ivory scarf tied onto my belt). Then I added a preloved motorcycle jacket in ivory, my white cowgirl boots, gray and silver accessories, and my new purple bag for a splash of bright color.”
-Shelbee

Do you wear white in winter or do you reserve your whites for the spring and summer seasons?

Also, Grace will be leaving our group soon due to scheduling and life things so we are looking for a sixth thrifter for our Thrifty Six group. If you are interested in joining us on a monthly basis to share your preloved outfits, please let any one of us know.

Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

Joining these Fabulous Link Parties.

Outfit Details: Jumpsuit and Jacket-Thrifted / Boots-Idyllwind by Miranda Lambert / Belt-Torrid / Hat, Scarves, Earrings-Old / Bag-Teddy Blake

I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

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16 Comments

  • Nancy

    February 19, 2024 at 6:53 am Reply

    I could have giving you my skirt as it is denim too and now in the bin. Lol. But I do love to wear white now. I never did. I like it all white on you!

  • jodie filogomo

    February 19, 2024 at 10:26 pm Reply

    Your husband has a good sense of humor. And bravo to you for being the boss of your clothes and finding a way to make that jumpsuit work.
    Zippers aren’t all that hard to change out you know, because it looks really good on you–just saying!!
    XOOX
    Jodie

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      February 20, 2024 at 8:20 am Reply

      Thanks so much, Jodie! Yeah, my husband cracks me up daily! I was surprised by how much I liked this jumpsuit on me but I just don’t think it is something I would wear often enough to take up space in my closet. Especially at a time when I am trying to minimize my closet! But I haven’t chopped it yet either because maybe I will replace the zipper. I am a little intimidated by zipper replacement though because I have never done it! It’s really not difficult to do? I will have to find a tutorial somewhere.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Jamie

    February 20, 2024 at 7:22 am Reply

    I believe the old rule was you don’t wear white after the September long weekend. I am not sure whether this still applies but for me I wear white all year round. I am color blind so for me it’s either white or black.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      February 20, 2024 at 8:15 am Reply

      Yes, the rule was always no white after Labor Day which is the first Monday in September and then you can start wearing white after Memorial Day which is the last Monday in May. So the summer months in the Northern hemisphere…June through August…were what the fashion rules stated were the only time wearing white was acceptable. It is a completely arbitrary and silly rule, for sure! Wear whatever colors you want whenever the heck you want! Thanks for stopping by, my friend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      February 23, 2024 at 7:44 am Reply

      Thank you, Marsha! Once you see it…it can’t be unseen! Hahaha. It is a lot of denim for just a dollar. I am going to attempt a zipper replacement per Jodie’s suggestion. If I fail miserably, then I will turn it into rags!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Emma Peach

    February 21, 2024 at 3:31 pm Reply

    Haha “scarf penis”! Husbands do like to tease us when taking photos don’t they! The jumpsuit was a bargain, even if you are going to upcycle it. My £1 shirt will be going on Vinted or to a charity shop, it’s just a bit too snug! I love the outfit and how you’ve layered the jumpsuit over a dark top.

    Emma xxx
    http://www.style-splash.com

  • Jessica A Jannenga

    February 29, 2024 at 5:13 pm Reply

    See, I didn’t even notice the scarf in the fly! My hubby says I am not observant! I love a winter white look with touches of brown. You did a great job, I have been buying winter white jeans, shoes, boots.. I htink I am a bit obsessed now!
    Have a great weekend!
    jess xx

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