How To Wear A White Suit

Man in white suit - Credit: iStockPhoto.com

There comes a time in every man’s life when he wants to conquer the white suit. When it comes down to how to wear a white suit, however, there a few rules that you have to follow; knowing how to wear a white suit isn’t as cut and dry as throwing on a black or blue suit and going about your day.

The white suit has an appropriate time and place for wear, so before you start slipping into that stark
blazer for your board meeting, follow our advice on how to wear a white suit so that you look as slick as your blanched slacks.

When to wear a white suit?

Unless you live very close to the equator, it must officially be summer and above 72 degrees Fahrenheit to don the white suit.

Where to wear a white suit?

Outdoor venues are the most appropriate places to strut your stylish stuff in a white suit. And, don’t fear; the “no white” rule at weddings applies only to women, so sport your white suit at any outdoor wedding this summer.

Also, unless you’re Tom Wolfe, you shouldn’t be wearing a white suit in the city -- which also means you never wear one to the office.

How should a white suit fit?

You are not wearing a business-style suit here, fella. The white suit is a fashion suit, so look for one that's a slim fit with two buttons, and also tailored to your shoulders and tapered at the waist.

What colors pair best with a white suit?

Dress shirts: Some men make the mistake of seeing the white suit as a blank canvas with which to adorn themselves in multicolor, multi-stripe clown shirts. This, however, couldn’t be more wrong. To prove you know how to wear a white suit, opt for dress shirts in soft pastels (light blues, lilacs) or white with a pinpoint collar. A button-down collar is too conservative and a broad or cutaway collar is much too formal. Also, forget about any embroidery or patterns on the shirt. Keep it extremely simple.

Shoes: Experiment with a brown or black oxford or loafer. If you opt for a black loafer, by all means stay away from anything adorned with a piece of metal. That fashion ship has sailed and we all hope it remains lost at sea. Also, feel free to go sock-less.

Ties:
Much like the dress shirt, you must keep your tie as simple as possible. A solid black tie will always work.

How else can I wear a white suit?

Dress down your white suit by pairing the jacket with a distressed pair of jeans, black loafers and a black or white dress shirt. This look is best suited for the evening and can be pulled off into early fall.

 Banana Republic - Credit: BananaRepublic.comWhich white suits should I wear?

Banana Republic
The pinstripe is so subtle here that you need not worry about looking like a candy salesman from 1922. The stripe adds a nice touch of maturity for those looking for an upscale look without the upscale price tag.

Price: $623 at
BananaRepublic.com


John W. Nordstrom
 John W. Nordstrom - Credit: Shop.Nordstrom.com
Don’t be afraid of linen and its creases. Wear this white suit with ease and hang it outside on a humid day or inside the bath while showering and you won’t need to bother with an iron.

Price: $295 at
Shop.Nordstrom.com

suited for summer

You have to learn how to wear a white suit once you finally get the cojones to put one on. Essentially, you have to play it cool and safe by staying with solid accents. And remember the cardinal rule of accessorizing the white suit: When in doubt, don’t wear it. Stay away from over-the-top colors, patterns and accessories, and just let the white suit do all the work for you.
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