Nothing quite does it for me like the color white. Brides wear it to their weddings. Babies wear it to their christenings. Back in the ‘70s, John Lennon and Yoko wore it almost everywhere. Not surprising. It’s the color of purity, the color of clouds, and in winter, the color of falling snow.

Though so-called “fashion experts” claim white is to be worn only in the summer (between Memorial Day and Labor Day, naturally), true fashion icons know differently. Like black, red, navy or brown, in the right fabric, the right cut, and the proper tone (which of course, varies according to complexion), white is not only suitable for wearing year-round, it’s the perfect neutral: a go-to foundation for any stylish wardrobe.

Understanding this intuitively, when given the choice to pick up this adorable poncho by Ponchissimo in basic black, heather grey or even a warm brown, I jumped at the chance to take it home in winter white. It’s not quite ivory, not quite cream, and much richer than off-white. And against my dark skin with white shades, it was a show-stopper on Park City’s Main Street during this year’s Sundance Film Festival.

Although I have a penchant for timeless pieces that transcend “trends”, the fact that ponchos are on point this season is worthy of mention. And, the fact that this poncho was made in accordance with fair trade principles from sustainably harvested keep-me-toasty alpaca wool was a bonus, though even that didn’t seal the deal. What did? The removable, button-off belt with built-in zippered pocket.


And so, when I’m traveling lightly on walkable city jaunts around Chicago, New York and even on Main Street, it provides a nipped-in, peplum-like silhouette that securely fits my keys, credit cards, and I-phone in one place. And when I’m feeling a bit more dramatic, like I was in this photo taken by my friend and stylist Souk Supantavong on our first day at the festival--I can unloop the buttons, nix the pouch, and channel my inner Diana Ross.

Going steadfast with the theme, I donned a pair of these faux fur boot covers from Huggrz, which I discovered at one of Sundance’s ubiquitous celebrity eco lounges. They create the illusion of full boots, but like leg warmers, pull up easily over leggings or jeans.  Best of all, they’re vegan, and come in almost every color and texture—including a buttery soft, sherpa-like winter white.

To see conscious coverage of this year’s Sundance Film Festival, including A-list interviews, or for more on the hottest eco-fashion, tune in to Conscious Living TV.