White Was the Quiet Flex at the 2026 LACMA Gala: How to Wear Winter White and Crystal for Holiday
Everyone came for the sparkle. The color that stuck was white. At the LACMA Art+Film Gala in Los Angeles on November 7, 2026, Viola Davis wore a white sequined gown with one sleeve, an asymmetric neckline and a sculpted peplum. Emily Ratajkowski wore white too: an asymmetric halter, backless, with a hip-high slit. Both are Gucci.
Read it like a forecaster. The holiday carpet usually runs black, gold and red. White in sequins, crystal and bare skin is the cleaner flex, and it reads as winter white rather than bridal when the shapes stay sharp. It also fits the night's bigger story: several looks came straight off Spring 2027 runways, so this is an early read on the season ahead.
The rule for December: one white base, one crystal hit, one dramatic edge. Then go to the party.
The quick answer
- The base: SIREN Sheer Flare Pants in White ($75). Sheer, floor-sweeping, gown energy without the gown.
- The drama: PLEAT DRAMA Mesh Ruffle Collar in White ($40), a sculptural ruffle at the neck.
- The crystal: CRYSTAL DRENCH Slides ($195), fully encrusted mules.
- Under $50: COVR Rhinestone Mesh Hood in White ($10) or the ASPEN Bag in White ($35).
The base: white, sheer and long
Start with a column of white. Keep it lean so the shine can do the talking.
SIREN Sheer Flare Pants
$75
Ultra-sheer power mesh with a godet flare that puddles at the hem. In White, it is the closest thing to a gown you can wear with a tank. Go floor-length and let it move.
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VAULT Tank Top
$75
A ribbed mock-neck knit tank with a sculpted metallic keyhole at the neck. The white version keeps the column clean and gives you one gleaming detail up top.
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SPLICE Colorblock Blazer
$177
A single-breasted blazer, loose through the body, in white with a bold black star panel. Throw it over the tank and sheer pants for the office party, then lose it by midnight.
Shop nowThe drama: collar and gloves
LACMA was about shape: high collars, asymmetric necklines, sculpted volume. Borrow it from the neck and the arms.
PLEAT DRAMA Mesh Ruffle Collar
$40
An exaggerated pleated mesh ruffle that ties with a ribbon. In white, it frames the face like a portrait collar. Wear it over a bare neckline or the white tank.
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AVENUE Leather Glove
$85
Genuine leather, elbow length, wide cuff. White leather gloves with a white column is the most polished version of this trend there is.
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MARLENE Gloves
$99
Opera-length faux leather gloves in white with contrasting black fingers. A graphic edge so the white never goes sweet.
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The crystal: one hit of light
The gala's whites were sequined and crystal-strung. You only need one piece that catches the flash.
CRYSTAL DRENCH Slides
$195
A rounded mule drenched in oversized teardrop and round-cut rhinestones. Under white sheer pants, they flash with every step.
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PRINCESS Emerald Cut Ring
$85
Sterling silver with a big emerald-cut stone in a prong setting. Choose Crystal. It is the cocktail ring that reads like a red-carpet loan.
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RIVIERA Cuff Bracelet
$20
A wide white cuff set with oversized faceted stones. The Crystal Mix version mixes clear and blue gems. Stack it over a white glove.
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CRYSTAL BOW Shades
$28
Oval frames wrapped in crystal pavé with a rhinestone bow at each corner. White frames turn sunglasses-at-night into a winter-white accessory.
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COVR Rhinestone Mesh Hood
$10
Open fishnet with a rhinestone set at every knot, covering head, face and neck. In White, it is the most avant-garde $10 you will spend this season.
Shop nowThe winter texture
Take the trend off the carpet and into the cold. Plush, fuzzy, white.
TSARINA Hat
$36
A tall dome of faux fur with frost-tipped guard hairs. In White, it is winter white at full volume. Wear it with a black coat for contrast.
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CLEO Beret
$40
A French teardrop beret with a sculptural crown. The white one is the easy daytime way into the trend.
Shop nowFrequently asked questions
What was the biggest trend at the 2026 LACMA Art+Film Gala?
Embellishment led: sequins, crystals and fringe across many gowns, with a strong silver story and deep reds. White was the other standout. On November 7, 2026, Viola Davis wore a white sequined Gucci gown with an asymmetric neckline and peplum, and Emily Ratajkowski wore a white Gucci gown with an asymmetric halter and a high slit. To get the effect, start with the SIREN Sheer Flare Pants in White and add one crystal piece like the CRYSTAL DRENCH Slides. SAINT CHIC is not affiliated with Viola Davis, Emily Ratajkowski or Gucci.
Can you wear white to a holiday party?
Yes. Winter white is a classic for December, and it stands out in a room full of black. Keep the shapes sharp and add one graphic edge, like the MARLENE Gloves, so it reads as fashion, not bridal.
How do you wear winter white without looking like a bride?
Avoid head-to-toe lace and soft volume. Go lean and structured, add texture or a contrast detail, and wear one statement accessory, like the PLEAT DRAMA Mesh Ruffle Collar or the TSARINA Hat.
What shoes go with a winter white outfit?
Something that shines. Crystal mules like the CRYSTAL DRENCH Slides under a sheer white flare pant keep the whole look light and catch every camera.
What is the cheapest way to try the white trend?
Accessories. The COVR Rhinestone Mesh Hood ($10), RIVIERA Cuff Bracelet ($20), CRYSTAL BOW Shades ($28) and ASPEN Bag ($35) all bring white and sparkle to an outfit you already own.