Believe it or not, white is the easiest and, at the same time, the most difficult “color” to wear. That’s why many men choose to stay in the “safe zone” and wear white only in shirts. Yet, white is like a hidden treasure that requires time and patience to reveal all its splendor in clothing.
White suits, worn here by a certain category of individuals, and men’s usual concern about how easily white gets dirty, make this color something of a Cinderella in the color spectrum. Add to that the fact that in Japan, white is a symbol of mourning. In this article, we aim to explain, briefly, how to wear white like a professional — with zero sacrifices!
1. WHITE TROUSERS
Originally, the aristocratic class wore almost exclusively white trousers, but today men have moved away from this trend out of fear of drawing attention. Although white trousers are not intended for business meetings, they can be surprisingly versatile.
A brown, burgundy, navy, or light blue blazer (see photo 1) can temper the “loud” look of the trousers, creating a beautiful and balanced outfit. And regarding dirt, white trousers shouldn’t get dirty faster than any other color if worn in decent weather conditions.
2. WHITE BLAZER
If you choose to wear a white blazer, one thing is certain: you will stand out! Paired tactfully, it can result in a 100% harmonious outfit. Colors suggested above for trousers, like burgundy, brown, navy, or olive green, are ideal options for pairing with a white blazer.
On the other hand, choosing a dark-colored shirt under a white blazer can create a striking effect, so our suggestion is to go with light blue or pale pink shirts. If the blazer is ivory, leaning toward cream (as most are — see photo 2), white shirts are equally a recommended option.
3. WHITE ACCESSORIES
The first on the list and the most important: the pocket square! Considering that pocket squares are usually matched with the shirt, this makes it an ideal candidate for white shirts. Likewise, a white turtleneck or polo shirt worn under a blazer easily accommodates a pocket square of the same color.
Second on the list: the tie! Even though a white tie can be controversial, an ivory tie with regular geometric patterns, like stripes or dots, worn over a dark base (a light blue shirt and navy blazer, for example), can create a truly magnetic effect.
Number three on the list: socks! They are generally dismissed by classic dress conventions, but an exception can be made when worn with white trousers. Matching the socks with the trousers is the secret that helps you appear taller, no matter the color. In this case, ivory or very light gray socks are recommended.
4. WHITE SHOES
Regarding the new sneakers that have dominated the market in recent years, we have talked about them extensively HERE. They are often white and particularly versatile.
Apart from sneakers, a classic option can be Spectator shoes. Made of two colors, usually white-brown or white-black, they are a bold but highly appreciated choice among enthusiasts. They are called “Spectator” because they first appeared in 19th-century England as footwear for cricket spectators.
In conclusion, gathering the most common pieces from a man’s wardrobe, we’ve tried to illustrate them in the light of the color white. Trousers, blazers, accessories, and even shoes are as suitable for white as for any other color. Courage, imagination, and a playful mood are all you need to experiment with a new approach.
So tell us, have you ever worn white like a professional?
