It’s official, for Spring 2011 white is the new black. Natural tones are the way to go year and the sensible and classy looks we saw strutting the runways at Mercedes-Benz Fashion week showcased just how red hot head-to-toe white can be.

The photos above are of nine different white looks from designers’ SS11 presentations and shows at Lincoln Center in Manhattan for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. This past week has flown by and the shows are getting great reviews. Clearly white is in for both men (at Lacoste) and women (at nearly every other show) next year as the crisp, clean shade is seen repeatedly on the catwalk.

We are intrigued by the range in proportion, drape and silhouette throughout the collections and the diversity in fabric and detail make for a really classically-dressed season.

Just some of the designers offering head-to-toe white ensembles in their Spring/Summer 2011 collections include Victoria Beckham, BCBG Max Azria, Doo-Ri, Christian Siriano, Frank Tell, Jen Kao, Calvin Klein, Julian Louie, Nicole Miller, Mandy Coon, Peter Som, Rag & Bone, Band of Outsiders, Jill Stuart, Lacoste, Rebecca Minkoff, Ports 1961, Prabal Gurung and Derek Lam.

Graham and Spenser
Collar Shrug
Sizes P,S,M
$151
Buy it {Funky LALA}

Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair
Black Part Tee
Size XS-L
$232
Buy it {OAK}

Creating asymmetrical shapes and lines through drapery allows architectural elements in a silhouette while leaving the body free from constraints. The lines cascade and fall naturally around the curves of a woman giving a modern elegance to tried and tested look.

Viviene Westwood
Striped nuba Top
Available in red and black
$414
Buy it {mywardrobe}

Kiyonna
Kenzie cowl neck sweater
Size 1X-5X
$58
Buy it

Ruching adds texture and shape to particular areas in a garment, rather than a tailored cut fabric gathers to form a desired shape, and in most cases hiding those softer spots.

Rick Owens Lilies
Asymmetric Ruched wool blend top
Size 2-12
$365
Buy it {net-a-porter}

Kiyanna
Sydney Ruched Top
Size 1X-5X
$58
Buy it

A couple extras to help create a full look that’s right on trend.

Mason Martin Margiela
Drape skirt
Size S,M
$181
Buy it {ssense}

Robert Rodriguez
Cashmere Harem pants
Size M,L
$322
Buy it {funkyLALA}