What Should a Man Wear With a White Linen Jacket to a Wedding?

Choose clothing made from natural fibers to wear with a linen jacket.

Although linen has been a fabric of choice for centuries, modern fashion dictates that linen is more appropriate for a warm-weather, casual setting. Lightweight and easily wrinkled, it can be difficult to pull together a formal look with linen. It is possible, however, to create a classic outfit around a white linen jacket without looking like you just stepped out of an episode of "Miami Vice."

Shirt

When pairing a white linen jacket with a shirt, consider layering it over other natural fabrics, such as silk or cotton. Depending on the climate, both short- and long-sleeved shirts are acceptable, and a collared shirt is always appropriate for a wedding. A bright shirt will add a splash of color to your ensemble and definitely draw attention. For a more subtle look, layer the jacket over a shirt in muted colors such as gray, beige or soft pastels.

Pants

A contrasting pair of pants can make a white linen jacket look very sharp. Pants made from natural fabrics, such as wool, cotton or denim coordinate well with white linen. A formal wedding will require a dressier-style pant, but denim is acceptable for a more casual outdoor ceremony. Either drawstring or belted pants may be worn with the jacket.

Accessories

If you are expected to wear a tie to the wedding, select a muted, summery tie that will not contrast with the white linen jacket. Wear a belt if the pants have belt loops, and make the effort to match your shoes to your belt. Casual shoes coordinate well with a linen jacket, such as loafers, sandals or deck shoes, but socks are generally appropriate if you are not in a casual beach environment.

Suit

A full white linen suit brings to mind a European vacationer in the Mediterranean or a Southern plantation owner at a political rally. In modern fashion, a confident man can pull off a full linen suit in the correct setting. Irish and Italian linen are certainly the more popular fabrics in linen suit design, and this loose-fitting suit is easily paired with light-colored cotton shirts and casual shoes for a summer wedding.

References

• Get Smart: When Does a White Suit Work?