12 Essential Do's and Don'ts for Styling a White Dinner Jacket

A white dinner jacket is a classic piece that can make you look really fancy at formal events. It's perfect for summer parties or tropical weddings. Let's look at some important tips to help you wear a white dinner jacket the right way, from picking the right fabric to matching it with other clothes and taking care of it properly.

1. Do: Choose the Right Occasion

White dinner jackets are great for certain events that need a touch of class in warm weather. Wear them for:

• Summer formal events, like outdoor parties or evening garden events
• Tropical destination weddings, where it's hot and you need lighter clothes
• Cruise ship formal nights, fitting in with the sea-going tradition
• Fancy events in warm places, like movie premieres in Los Angeles

Don't wear them to winter formal events or regular black-tie parties in cold places. It might look out of place and not follow the rules for formal wear in different seasons. The white dinner jacket looks best when the setting matches its summery feel.

Our Sterling Collection White Tuxedo with Black Satin Shawl Lapel is perfect for these occasions, giving you a clean and striking look for any fancy event. The white jacket with the black lapel creates a sophisticated outline that's sure to get noticed.

2. Do: Prioritize Fit

A well-fitted white dinner jacket is super important for looking polished. It can make the difference between looking sharp and looking messy. Pay attention to these key fitting points:

• Shoulders should line up perfectly with your natural shoulder line
• Sleeves should end right at your wrist bone, showing a bit of shirt cuff
• The jacket should close comfortably when buttoned, without pulling or gaping
• The jacket length should cover your bottom and hit at the break of your thumb when your arms are at your sides
• Make sure the chest and waist are tailored to your body shape, not too loose or tight

Don't wear a jacket that's too big and looks sloppy or one that's so tight you can't move. Both can make the elegant white dinner jacket look bad and make you uncomfortable at the event. Remember, you want to look stylish without trying too hard.

Our Odyssey Collection Sharkskin Suit in white shows off the perfect fit with its slim cut for a modern look. The sharkskin texture adds a subtle depth to the white fabric, making the suit look even better.

3. Don't: Neglect Fabric Quality

The fabric of your white dinner jacket is really important. It affects how the jacket looks, how comfortable it is, and how long it lasts:

• Do choose high-quality materials like wool or a wool blend, which look great and are comfortable
• Do think about lightweight fabrics for comfort in warm weather, like tropical wool or good cotton blends
• Look for fabrics with a slight texture or shine, like a subtle pattern or satin finish, to make the white color more interesting
• Consider how well the fabric resists wrinkles, especially if you're traveling or going to a long event

Don't pick cheap, shiny fabrics that look tacky or ignore how well the fabric resists wrinkles and stains. Low-quality materials can look yellowish under some lights, ruining the crisp, clean look you want. Also, avoid fabrics that are too heavy or don't let your skin breathe, as they can make you uncomfortable in warm weather where white dinner jackets are usually worn.

Our Men's White Modern Fit 3-Piece Luxury Wool-Feel Suit offers the right mix of quality and comfort. The wool-feel fabric looks and feels luxurious while being breathable and easy to move in, which is important for long evenings of eating and dancing.

4. Do: Pay Attention to Lapel Style

The lapel of your white dinner jacket is an important design part that can really change how your whole outfit looks:

• Shawl lapels are classic and elegant, giving a smooth line from the collar to the button
• Peak lapels offer a bold look that can add some drama to your outfit
• Think about how wide the lapel is compared to your body type and current fashion trends
• For a really fancy look, choose lapels in contrasting materials like silk or satin

Don't pick notch lapels, which are less formal and better for business suits. Also, don't ignore how the lapel size matches your body type, as a lapel that's too wide or narrow can make your look seem off-balance. Remember, the lapel is one of the first things people notice about a dinner jacket, so it's worth taking time to choose the right style.

Our White Embroidery & Sequins Fashion Blazer has a beautiful shawl lapel for a refined look. While this style is fancier than a regular white dinner jacket, it shows how the right lapel can make a white jacket really stand out.

5. Don't: Overaccessorize

When it comes to accessories with a white dinner jacket, less is more. The jacket itself makes a statement, and too many accessories can make it look less elegant:

• Do wear a black bow tie, which looks great against the white jacket
• Do choose simple, elegant cufflinks in silver or mother-of-pearl for a touch of luxury
• Think about wearing a simple watch with a leather strap or a sleek metal bracelet
• If you want to wear a flower in your buttonhole, choose a single white flower for a refined look

Don't add a pocket square (the jacket itself is enough of a statement) or wear bold or colorful accessories that take attention away from the jacket. Avoid flashy jewelry or fancy belts that can clash with the clean lines of the white dinner jacket. Remember, the goal is to let the jacket be the star, with accessories playing a supporting role.

Check out our guide on the best accessories to complete your suit look for more tips on finding the right balance with your accessories.

6. Do: Pair with the Right Trousers

The pants you choose are just as important as the jacket, creating a complete and polished look:

• Black formal trousers are the classic choice, looking great with the white jacket
• Make sure the trousers fit well and are the right length, with a slight break at the shoe
• Choose flat-front pants for a sleek, modern look
• Consider trousers with a satin stripe on the side for added formality and style

Don't wear white trousers (unless it's part of a full white tuxedo for very specific occasions) or choose trousers with pleats or cuffs, which can look old-fashioned or casual. Avoid any trouser color other than black, as this can mess up the classic black-and-white formal wear look. Also, make sure your trousers are made of a material that goes well with the jacket, both in texture and weight.

While this image shows our royal blue tuxedo, it demonstrates how important it is to have well-matched jacket and trousers. The clean lines and perfect fit show what you should aim for when pairing trousers with your white dinner jacket.

7. Don't: Forget About Proper Shirt Selection

The shirt you wear under your white dinner jacket is really important, as it's the base of your whole look:

• Do choose a crisp, white formal shirt with a textured or pleated front for added style
• Do pick a shirt with French cuffs so you can wear cufflinks
• Think about wearing a shirt with a wing collar for the fanciest occasions, or a turndown collar for a slightly more relaxed but still refined look
• Make sure the shirt is perfectly ironed and fits well, with no bunching when tucked in

Don't wear a colored or patterned shirt, which can clash with the clean look of the white dinner jacket. Avoid choosing a shirt with a regular collar instead of a wing or turndown collar, as this can look too casual for formal events. Don't wear shirts with button cuffs, which aren't formal enough for a dinner jacket outfit. Remember, the shirt should complement the jacket, not compete with it for attention.

While our White Floral Pattern Printed Long Sleeve Button-Up Cotton Shirt is stylish, it's best to stick with a plain white shirt for formal events with a white dinner jacket. This example shows why it's important to choose a shirt that makes your white dinner jacket look better, not worse.

8. Do: Consider the Season and Climate

The white dinner jacket is usually worn in warm weather, and knowing when it's right to wear it is key to wearing it well:

• Do wear it for spring and summer events, especially those held outdoors or in warmer places
• Do consider it for tropical or destination formal occasions, where it fits perfectly with the environment
• For events in between seasons, think about the venue and expected temperature when deciding to wear a white dinner jacket
• In warmer climates, choose jackets made of lightweight, breathable fabrics to stay comfortable throughout the event

Don't wear it for winter formal events or ignore the climate of where your event is. Wearing a white dinner jacket to a cold-weather event can look out of place and might leave you feeling cold. Also, avoid wearing it to traditional black-tie events in cooler months, even if they're held indoors, as it goes against the usual rules for formal wear.

While our White Hooded Fancy Puffer Vest is great for casual winter wear, remember that the white dinner jacket is best for warmer seasons. This difference shows how important it is to choose the right white clothing for the right season and occasion.

9. Don't: Neglect Proper Care and Maintenance

Keeping your white dinner jacket in great condition is essential to maintain its elegant appearance and make sure it lasts for many events:

• Do have it professionally cleaned after each wear to remove any stains or smells
• Do store it properly in a garment bag to protect it from dust and light
• Use padded hangers to keep the jacket's shape when stored
• Consider having your jacket professionally pressed before each wear to ensure it looks crisp and wrinkle-free
• Check your jacket regularly for any signs of wear or discoloration, and fix issues quickly

Don't try to remove stains yourself, as this can damage the fabric or spread the stain. Avoid hanging it in direct sunlight, which can make it turn yellow over time. Never store your white dinner jacket in plastic dry cleaning bags for long periods, as this can trap moisture and lead to mold. Also, try not to wear your white dinner jacket too often, as this can make it wear out faster.

10. Do: Pay Attention to Footwear

Your choice of shoes can make or break your white dinner jacket outfit, as they're the final touch to your formal look:

• Do wear black patent leather formal shoes for the most classic and elegant option
• Do make sure your shoes are well-polished and free from scuffs or marks
• Consider black velvet slippers for a touch of luxury at less formal events
• Wear thin dress socks in black to keep a smooth look from your pants to your shoes

Don't wear brown shoes or casual footwear, which can clash with the formality of the white dinner jacket. Don't ignore the condition of your shoes, as worn or poorly maintained shoes can make even the best outfit look bad. Avoid wearing bold or colorful socks that might show when you're sitting, as this can disrupt the clean lines of your outfit.

Check out our collection of formal shoes to find the perfect pair for your white dinner jacket. From classic shiny black oxfords to elegant velvet slippers, we have many options to complete your formal look with style.

11. Don't: Forget About Grooming

Your personal grooming should match the elegance of your white dinner jacket, ensuring you look polished and sophisticated from head to toe:

• Do make sure your hair is neatly styled, whether it's a classic side part or a more modern cut
• Do consider a clean-shaven look for a timeless appearance, or keep your facial hair well-groomed if that's your preference
• Pay attention to details like trimmed nails, fresh breath, and a light cologne or aftershave
• Think about get a professional grooming session before important events to ensure you look your best

Don't neglect details like trimmed nails and fresh breath, as these small things can really affect how you look overall. Avoid using too much cologne or aftershave, as strong smells can be overwhelming in close social settings. Don't try new hairstyles or make big changes to your appearance just before a formal event, as this can lead to unexpected results and make you feel uncomfortable.

12. Do: Wear it with Confidence

The most important part of wearing a white dinner jacket is your attitude and the confidence with which you carry yourself:

• Do stand tall and carry yourself with grace, embracing the elegance of your outfit
• Do embrace the sophistication of this classic style, letting it enhance your natural charm
• Practice good posture and body language to fully show off the lines of your jacket
• Learn about the etiquette of formal events so you can move through the occasion easily

Don't look uncomfortable or fidgety in your outfit, as this can take away from the polished image you're presenting. Avoid second-guessing your choice to wear a white dinner jacket; once you've decided to wear it, be proud of your choice. Remember, confidence is key in pulling off any formal wear, and a white dinner jacket is no exception.

While this image shows our casual Tone on Tone White Walking Suit, it demonstrates the confidence needed to pull off all-white outfits. You should have the same self-assurance when wearing your white dinner jacket.

Conclusion

Wearing a white dinner jacket well is about understanding the rules and adding your own style with confidence. It's about following tradition while also showing your personal taste. At Suits & More, we offer many high-quality white dinner jackets and accessories to help you look perfect for your formal events. Remember, the key to looking great in a white dinner jacket is paying attention to details, making sure it fits well, and being confident in how you wear it.

From choosing the right fabric and getting a perfect fit to picking the right accessories and taking care of your jacket, every part helps create a sophisticated and memorable look. By following these guidelines and buying quality pieces, you'll be ready to make a great impression at any formal event that calls for a white dinner jacket.

For more tips on formal wear and styling, check out our blog on how to accessorize your tuxedo. With these guidelines in mind, you're ready to look sophisticated at your next formal event, showing off the timeless elegance of a white dinner jacket.