White Pants in Mens Fashion
White pants have long been a touchy subject in men’s fashion. A great number of guys will try it out and fail abysmally. Some will meet minor success. Very few will manage to rock the look. White pants are intimidating, to say the least; they’re the polar opposite of the foolproof dark jeans and black trousers that everyone else wears. It’s that unique style of white pants that you have to be able to wield in order to wear the pants right.
The Gray Area of White Pants
One of the best things about unique pieces like white pants is that they transcend binary categories like ‘formal’ and ‘casual’, existing in a gray area in between. It’s good enough for a dressy garden party in the summer, and wearable enough to wear around the house.
Versatility, then, is one of the strengths of the white pant. Like its black counterparts, a white pair of jeans need only be paired with the right pieces to tap its full style potential.
The easiest way to wear white pants is with colored polo shirts, giving you the perfect excuse to add a kaleidoscope of variety to your wardrobe. Just throw one on in some visibly rich color with bucks or clean sneakers to get an easygoing outfit that retains a vibe of Prep School sophistication. You can also switch up to a button-down, necktie and dressy shoes if your destination has a dress code.
Blank Canvas
Any basic art theory class will tell you that white is the absence of all color, the perfect blank canvas for the opus that is your outfit. Consequently, the best complement for the lack of color is a pop of color somewhere else in your ensemble.
Consider wearing hues that are bolder or brighter than usual to pair with white pants. The idea is to strike a balance between the starkness of the white using the richness of another color. Deep shades like burgundy or bright ones like teal are usually good places to start. Not only do they work well with a pale color like white, but they’re also atypical colors in men’s fashion. Your outfit will stand out even more against everyone else’s.
You don’t need a lot of the bright color to achieve the effect. If you’re aiming for a look that’s more formal and subdued, add the bright complement as neckties or pocket squares to moderate its visual space. The addition creates a similar effect, only with less of a look-at-me air and more of an I-know-how-to-dress attitude.
Layered Cool
Although white is often recommended for spring and summer because it takes in less heat than black, a pair of white jeans can work in practically any season and climate. Simply add layers to add both warmth and style to the white look.
Cardigans and blazers are the never-fail layering options of men’s fashion; they’re sharp whether worn with a tee or rounded off with a necktie. This holds true even when white pants are part of the style equation. The key idea is to provide contrast for the whiteness of your pants, so pieces like colorful cardigans or a deep navy sport coat should keep your look in style and in season.
White pants might not be every man’s idea of a go-to style piece, but they’re actually quite easy to wear once you get the hang of balancing them with other pieces. It’s a very stark and unique fashion choice, a refreshing change from the tired old blue jeans.
Other Related Readings You May Like:
Summer Fashion Rules 2011
Guide to Mens Linen Suits
Your Mens Ties Team