Summer style tips: White Legwear as a summer style.

Men’s Summer Essentials: White Legwear

In the past few weeks it seemed like we were concentrating more on the ladies and ignored the men totally but that is not the case at all because we at Styles Today were doing a careful research on this interesting topic that we've brought to your reading delight.

A Modern Warm-Weather Essential

Although generally considered part of the uniform of those who ply their trade on Wimbledon’s centre court, white legwear has, over time, emerged as a popular summer choice for fashion-conscious males.

Well suited to the hotter months of the year – white reflects the entire spectrum of light, therefore keeping you cool – white shorts, trousers, chinos and jeans offer a versatile and eye-catching option for those who are looking for a simple yet stylish way to rejuvenate their warm-weather style.

And while many men are still of the belief that wearing white legwear outside of the Riviera or tropical climates will encourage mockery, we here at Styles Today believe they are an essential part of the modern gent’s capsule wardrobe.

To help fight our case, and in an attempt to prove any doubters wrong, this article aims to highlight the three key options available and show you how to incorporate each into your everyday outfits successfully…

White Trousers/Chinos

The thought of wearing white trousers or chinos can be slightly intimidating. However, they’re actually a classic and versatile piece of menswear that have long been sported by some of the most stylish men on the planet, from timeless icons such as JFK and Paul Newman to contemporary idols like David Gandy and Tinie Tempah.

As always, it’s imperative you get the fit right – perhaps even more so with white trousers. To guarantee you do just that, opt for those that are cut slim through the leg and narrow at the ankle (Popularly known as pencil in this part of the world). A loose fitting pair will just end up looking sloppy and extremely unflattering, especially if you’re looking to wear loafers/drivers or go sockless
In terms of what to team your new legwear with, the opportunities are somewhat endless. While navy and grey are the obvious choices, white can be considered the ultimate neutral, meaning these trousers will anchor any bold colour or pattern you currently have in your wardrobe.

With this in mind, those who like to stand out from the crowd should try pairing them with a printed statement tee and some colour pop footwear. Alternatively, if you prefer to keep things more refined, a simple sky blue Oxford shirt and brown leather penny loafers will do just the trick.

As alluded to above, white trousers are a key component of the highly desirable Riviera aesthetic, therefore mixing and matching them with pastel polo shirts, Breton stripe tops, espadrilles and unstructured tailoring will help create effortlessly chic ensembles for a variety of warm-weather scenarios.

Finally, it’s important we address the practicality aspect of any white legwear. Yes, these trousers can get dirty easily, but the simplest way of combating this is to consider the event/what you will be doing ahead of time. For instance, they are probably not the best option for an alcohol-fuelled night out, but a beach wedding? Ideal. Use common sense and you will be able to wear them year-round, not just in high summer.

Anyway, if they do get a little dirty you can always add a small amount of bleaching powder to the wash in order to restore their lustre.

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White Shorts

Easier to wear than trousers, simply because there is less material, white shorts are the perfect way to set yourself apart from the countless number of beige/navy designs you are sure to spot on every high street up and down the country this summer.

Not only do they reflect the heat, making them ideal for holidaying in tropical climates, they’re also a versatile and eye-catching option that is capable of being integrated into a wide variety of outfits, smart or casual. But before you go and invest, there are a couple of guidelines to bear in mind:

Look for styles that are cut slim through the leg and finish an inch or two above your knee. Although short shorts are currently on trend and reminiscent of classic 1950s summer style, it takes great legs and rock solid confidence to pull off the cut. Plus, white shorts are often enough of a statement on their own.

To create an outfit, try teaming with leather sandals and a plain navy vest during the day on holiday, switching for a tailored short-sleeved shirt and tassel loafers for summer evening drinks.

For those that want to take a more trend-led approach, why not embrace the white-on-white aesthetic this season? A well-cut pique polo shirt and a pair of minimal leather trainers will help create a crisp and clean outfit that is reminiscent of the sporty ensembles sent down the Emporio Armani SS14 runways. You could even layer a lightweight white bomber over the top to add depth to the look.

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White Jeans

Looking for something more relaxed than tailored trousers/chinos, but smarter than shorts? White jeans are the perfect option. Whether dressed up with tailoring or down with casual staples, they will help give your look a crisp, summer-appropriate twist.

Again, stick to slim fits – skinny cuts restrict airflow and are always uncomfortable to wear in the heat – and fully embrace their neutrality. As previously mentioned, they will help anchor any pattern you can think of, from camo and floral to tie-dye and animal print, so don’t be afraid to experiment with bold colours and motifs.

Want to rock double denim but unsure how? This nineties look is set to be big news again in SS15 and these jeans are made for pulling off the aesthetic in a contemporary way. Simply combine your jeans with a light blue chambray shirt or indigo denim jacket for an effortlessly cool take on what many consider to be one of menswear’s most risky style statements.

Alternatively, dress your jeans up with a pink Oxford button-down, navy double-breasted jacket and tan suede Derbies for an evening meal at a restaurant or dress-down Friday in the office or even lectures.

Finally, consider these jeans a year-round option. Although they’re most appropriate for the summer months, denim’s natural durability and thickness ensures they can be used to breathe new life into your autumn/winter wardrobe. For example, try combining with a tweed jacket, flannel shirt and textured tie to instantly refresh your cold-weather style.

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Final Word

With the majority of men continuing to shy away from white legwear, particularly here in Nigeria and the UK, there has never been a better time to introduce a pair of white shorts, trousers or jeans to your wardrobe.

But what do you think – are you a fan of white legwear? Do you already own a classic pair of white trousers? Or are they simply not appropriate in a country like Nigeria? 

Go ahead and drop a comment on what you feel about this subject. 

I hope this article will inspire you to experiment with a white Legwear pair this season. For my African audience, this style can be carried out all through the year without any fuss. 

Tell next time when I bring to you more fashion tips I say "Stay bold, stay swaggering"