The White Suit Moment: Why I Use My Best Things Every Day
Florence Sittenham Davey (Mrs. Randall Davey). George Bellows, 1914. Courtesy the National Gallery of Art, Washington.
Embrace the elegance of the everyday and let your finest things live a full life.
Memories of a White Suit
In my twenties, a colleague recommended "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" before a trip to Savannah. While the book itself was a fun read, one particular anecdote has stayed with me for over two decades:
“…Mrs. Onassis was very down-to-earth. She was wearing a white linen suit and didn’t even bother brushing the dust off her chair when we sat down in the garden. She invited me to come visit her in her ‘hovel’ the next time I came to New York. When they left, she asked how to get to the nearest Burger King.”
When I researched the passage for this post, I was surprised by its brevity. Somehow, the story of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis sitting on a dirty bench dressed in white became a major event in my mind. This small detail, the image of her unbothered elegance, truly struck me.
A Shift in Perspective
Fast forward a few years, and I found myself finally able to purchase some of the finer things I desired. I was beginning to build a handbag collection, investing in what felt like very expensive pieces at the time (I remember the initial confusion of opening a box to find a dust bag and wondering what it was for).
One of my early acquisitions was a beautiful light tan leather satchel. My mother, along with others, immediately cautioned me about how easily it would get dirty. As someone new to the world of handbag care, I understood the need for protection, especially for a light-colored bag. Yet, in that moment, the image of Jackie Onassis in her white suit resurfaced. I distinctly remember telling myself that I would use my belongings. Nothing I bought would be so precious that it couldn't be enjoyed.
Over the years, this mindset has naturally extended to my home, especially recently. I've eliminated the distinction between "good" and "everyday" dinnerware and flatware. Every single day, I enjoy water from a gold-rimmed glass. I use glass appetizer plates for cookies. I've simply decided that across all areas of my life, I am going to use my best things.
The Practicality of Everyday Enjoyment
This approach has brought an unexpected practicality. I no longer worry about maintaining multiple sets of items or storing things away for some distant, special occasion. Everything I own is part of my daily life, carefully hand-washed and cared for.
This is a departure from how many of us were raised, with the notion of "good stuff" tucked away for holidays and formal events. We were taught to preserve nice things for when "it matters." But I argue that every day matters. Every meal, every outing – these are the moments that make up our lives, and we should savor them with the things that bring us joy, rather than waiting for an elusive "someday."
My "white suit moment" served as a powerful reminder that life is happening now, and our belongings are meant to be a part of it. Let's release the idea of saving the best for later and instead, embrace the joy of using what we love, every single day. What's one thing you'll start using today instead of saving? Share your commitment on Instagram.
