On Wearing White

Not for the faint of heart, certainly, but wearing a white ensemble brings its own style rewards. 

John Lennon crossing Abbey Road. Leonard Cohen and Marianne Ihlen strolling around a sun-drenched Hydra. David Byrne dancing in a tutu. Wearing white can be a powerful sartorial decision, one which creates an unforgettable visual impression and a sense of enviable self-assurance. While it’s true that most of us will never find ourselves in a situation which demands an all-white ensemble – walking onto Centre Court; stepping up to bat at Lord’s; partying with Diddy – it is nevertheless an inherently stylish move which should be considered when the warm weather arrives.

In our recent High Summer lookbook we threw caution to the wind and dressed our model in a series of white tonal looks, evoking a certain continental tendency for bold summer dressing. While you might not want to don a white linen double-breasted suit to recklessly scoff a slice of Da Michele margherita while stood on the street (and, judging by the deluge of Instagram comments, this image gave more than a few of you heart palpitations), you might consider wearing said suit over a t-shirt or polo while sipping a spritz on a summer’s evening.

Off-White Linen Double-Breasted Blazer, Off-White Linen Trousers

White Cotton Crew Neck Hiking T-Shirt, Ecru Selvedge Denim Five-Pocket Jeans

An all-white look works equally well when it comes to casual clothing. A white t-shirt, paired with white jeans or cords conjures just the right amount of carefree insouciance, and requires considerably less daring than a white linen suit. Finish the look with brown suede loafers or a pair of espadrilles and you’re ready to go.

You might not be an icon of 20^th century music, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be bold and dress like one.