Wearing White
Memorial Day is behind us, which puts one of the most enduring style rules into effect. You now have permission to wear white, as often and as boldly as you chose, from now until Labor Day.
But first, a disclaimer. So long as a couple of simple rules are followed, we believe white can be worn year round. But summer is white’s heyday, and there’s no better time to make the most of it.
The boldest choice is opting for an all-white suit, aka “The Full Tom Wolfe” (please, no Colonel Sanders references). By its very nature, white will contrast strongly with anything your pair it with—which can make pairings tricky.
However, a white suit is much more casual than one made in grey or navy, which clears the way for more casual wear. Try wearing a richly patterned shirt without a tie: the contrast between your busy shirt and monochrome suit will create so much visual interest that the tie won’t be missed.
For an even easier approach, break a white suit up into separates. A white suit jacket works particularly well as a sport coat, thanks to its high contrast with other colors. Try pairing it with a pair of dark pants, flipping the typical “dark sport coat and light trousers” routine on its head.
The simplest way to work white into your wardrobe is opting for a pair of white chinos. A blue button down shirt and a pair of white pants is a classic look for the spring and summer. Adding a grey sport coat to the mix adds a touch of formality while complimenting the rest of the outfit’s ice-cool tones.