Crossword Genius

With dull clothing, red or very white (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

blanched

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'white' is the definition.
(I know that white can be written as blanched)

'with dull clothing red' is the wordplay.
'with dull' becomes 'bland' (similar in meaning. I am not sure about the 'with' bit.).
'clothing' indicates putting letters inside (some letters cover up or clothe others).
'red' becomes 'Che' (as in Che Guevara, a communist or 'red').
'bland' enclosing 'che' is 'BLANCHED'.

'or very' is the link.
I am not very happy about this link. Some or all of it may belong to another bit of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for blanched that I've seen before include "Turned pale, with fear perhaps" , "whitened" , "Faded" , "'Turned pale, in fear say (8)'" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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