What are the rules for a wannabe stylish guy when it comes to wearing white before Memorial Day?

ANSWER:

It’s not about Memorial Day as much as it is about the temperature.

White shoes should only be worn in warm weather. You can pair them with cuffed chinos and a white or light-colored crew or V-neck T-shirt -- simple is what you want with this look.

White pants are also a warm-weather-only item. Go with a lightweight fabric (like lightweight denim) and break it up with a striped shirt. Pair with loafers, white shoes or sneakers. But keep in mind that this look is only for the most fashion-forward; very few guys can get away with it.

White shirts can be worn any time of year, as long as you match the fabric to the climate. On a hot day, wearing a white linen shirt keeps you cool. Although linen wrinkles easily, there’s no need to iron -- the rumpled look is what you’re going for here. In colder temps, try white flannel as a way to be both stylish and warm. White cotton shirts can be worn year-round.

For a warm-weather casual look, throw an untucked and unbuttoned white shirt over a T-shirt and pair it with jeans or chinos. For a more formal look, wear a white collared shirt buttoned all the way up with lightweight slacks.

In the end, there’s no real formula. Just try it on and see what feels right. However, it’s best to avoid wearing all white -- unless you’re living in a tropical beach house.

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