Is it proper to always wear a white shirt to a wedding?

AvariceBespoke · Sep 29, 2009

JayJay · Sep 29, 2009

I don't know about it being proper, but I always do.

Manton · Sep 29, 2009

Well, it's never improper.

Don Carlos · Sep 29, 2009

Depends on what attire is listed on the invitation.

- If you see the phrase "black tie," you should wear a tux and a white shirt.

- If you see the phrase "black tie optional," you should wear a tux and a white shirt (in other words, you really shouldn't exercise the "option" here).

- If you see the phrase "formal," it's kind of a toss-up. Traditionally speaking, this means a tux (and even more traditionally, morning dress -- but I digress). But in many parts of the world, "formal" now means a suit and tie. I'd keep the shirt white and the tie dark and plain in these circumstances.

- For any sort of outdoor, summer wedding (a garden wedding, a beach wedding, yada yada yada) you should still wear a suit, but you're free to exercise some liberty here in your choices of color, fabric, etc. Unless stated otherwise, that is.

- If no attire requirements are listed on the invitation, assume you still need to wear a suit and tie, but color choices are up to you.

As a general rule of thumb, you don't want to call too much attention to yourself, regardless of dress code. You're not supposed to upstage the bride and groom. Someone else's wedding is not your time in the spotlight.

teddieriley · Sep 29, 2009

Originally Posted by Manton

Well, it's never improper.
Your response reminded me of Mafoofan with the "well" and italics. Well done.

Wes Bourne · Sep 29, 2009

I think a light blue shirt can also be appropriate if you're wearing a suit. I believe the lighter the shade, the more formal it appears. Mind you, it's fine to know and observe the rules and tradition, but if you're the only one in attendance who knows, who really cares...

+1 about not upstaging the bride.

bowtielover · Sep 29, 2009

It the best choice but you can always do a lt blue or something other color as long as it's in good taste and not distracting to the bride.

whiteslashasian · Sep 29, 2009

I was just at a wedding this weekend and wore a white shirt, medium gray suit, and navy with a silver pattern tie. I thought it was completely appropriate for a wedding which did not have a dress code.

TheFoo · Sep 29, 2009

Originally Posted by teddieriley

Your response reminded me of Mafoofan with the "well" and italics. Well done.

I was at his tailor's yesterday. We must be channeling each other.

PLYRS 3 · Sep 29, 2009

when invitation lists formal, i always wear a tux (with a white tux shirt).

but for any other occasion....do you want to be proper, or do you want to be you? my personal style is totally sartorial and not conformist in the least.

i have a white shirt that i never wear...wedding or otherwise. i'm not even sure why i had it made...looking back, i think i just felt like i should have a white shirt in the closet!

PLYRS 3 · Sep 29, 2009

Originally Posted by bowtielover

...and not distracting to the bride.

that made me LOL

Dakota rube · Sep 29, 2009

It depends:
are you a virgin?

AvariceBespoke · Sep 29, 2009

Originally Posted by PLYRS 3

when invitation lists formal, i always wear a tux (with a white tux shirt).

but for any other occasion....do you want to be proper, or do you want to be you? my personal style is totally sartorial and not conformist in the least.

i have a white shirt that i never wear...wedding or otherwise. i'm not even sure why i had it made...looking back, i think i just felt like i should have a white shirt in the closet!

Invitation does not specify dress code.

needshoehelp · Sep 29, 2009

Originally Posted by Manton

Well, it's never improper.
Right. Son, you're asking the wrong question. Yes, it's always proper, or, as Manton puts it, never improper. But I think what you meant to ask is whether it's ever proper not to wear a white shirt. And to that, sure, I think a lot of things are technically appropriate. I prefer white, however, especially for evening, since it looks the best under artificial lighting and blue shirts look too business to me. Of course, this is the same way stripes look too business also, but that doesn't stop people from wearing it. So no, nobody will call it inappropriate, but some things look better than others, and I think white shirts look the best.

AvariceBespoke · Sep 29, 2009

Originally Posted by needshoehelp

Right. Son, you're asking the wrong question. Yes, it's always proper, or, as Manton puts it, never improper. But I think what you meant to ask is whether it's ever proper not to wear a white shirt. And to that, sure, I think a lot of things are technically appropriate. I prefer white, however, especially for evening, since it looks the best under artificial lighting and blue shirts look too business to me. Of course, this is the same way stripes look too business also, but that doesn't stop people from wearing it. So no, nobody will call it inappropriate, but some things look better than others, and I think white shirts look the best.

Very well said. What family of colors would look best with a navy suit for tie/pocket square?

Is it proper to always wear a white shirt to a wedding?

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