When it comes to clothes, a lot of us have been suffering from white fright.

That’s the fear of wearing white, because we might be breaking the rules about when and where it’s OK. Because white shows the dirt. Because black is easier.

Stop it right there. Whatever your reasons for steering away from dressing in white, it’s time to reconsider, and here’s why: Everybody looks their very best in white.

“White is flattering on every complexion there is — in the universe. And black is not. White brightens you,” says Stephanie Solomon, the national fashion director for Bloomingdale’s.

By following a few guidelines, you can make white work for you. And, relax, there are no rigid commandments.

“On every occasion you can think of, the former rules — the Victorian Age as far as I’m concerned — are meant to be broken,” Solomon says. For instance, “not wearing white to a wedding? It’s a wives’ tale.”

“You can wear white after Labor Day and before Memorial Day, and, in fact, you can wear it any time you feel like it,” she says.

The laundry factor

There are some practical points to keep in mind. If possible, buy washable instead of dry-clean-only items. And, “if you’re clumsy, stay away from red wine,” advises T.J. Maxx style expert Sonya Cosentini.

Coffee, spaghetti sauce, salsa and ketchup (also, alas, inky newspapers) are not your friends when wearing white, either.

Looking good

One big consideration is that the eye is immediately drawn to whatever you’re wearing that’s white. If your lower half is your problem area, choose a white shirt. Or, as Solomon diplomatically puts it, “a white bottom is not as slimming as a dark bottom.”

White garments often are see-through, so try them on in great light to check before you buy. “Bring your friend. Walk around (in the store). … Definitely get someone else’s opinion. Someone who’s honest,” Cosentini says.

Often the pockets in white clothes show through, and both Solomon and Cosentini say that’s a given and just ignore it. “It’s just what it is. … A flowy blouse might cover it a little,” Cosentini says.

If you don’t want to look as if you just left your shift at the hospital, never wear all white (unless you’re the bride). Pop the outfit with color in a bag, jewelry, shoes, scarf, T-shirt, tunic.

As for shoes, Solomon says black is boring and white is nurse-y (unless they’re sandals). Think shine and color instead.

If you’re trying to conserve cash (who isn’t?), fashion experts recommend a pair of white jeans as one versatile purchase this year.