Formal wear
The white jacket is more prominent among celebrities than others, and every time a gentleman wears a white blazer jacket on the red carpet, he stands out. White jacket attire has a rich and powerful history, which connotes the chic post-war era, as well as a sense of formality. There are traditional rules as to when a white jacket should be worn and when it should be left at home on the hanger.
Definition
White jacket attire is often defined by a singular garment--the white blazer jacket. Because the word attire is used, there is often a misconception that an entirely white suit is involved, but it is just the blazer. The white jacket is never completely white, but usually a shade of ivory, which connotes a sense of innocence and cleanliness. This lighter blazer is often worn in warmer climates, which is why it is so popular in the southern United States.
History
The history of white jacket attire goes back almost a century, as it became very popular during the 1920s. However, it was not until the years after the Great Depression that the white jacket received more attention. In the 1940s, white jacket attire was a formality and often worn by celebrities. In a later era, the jacket offered a chic perspective during the post-Vietnam war period.
Benefits
The benefit of white jacket attire is that it puts the men wearing it in the spotlight. The tuxedo or black suit can make men fade into the background and not stand out. White jacket attire has the opposite effect and because it is rarely seen, it makes a statement. Wearing a white jacket can be a scene stealer, as dark colors are more prominent in men's attire.
Time Frame
There are traditional rules as to when it is acceptable to wear the white jacket attire. In the north, it is socially acceptable to wear it from Memorial Day until Labor Day. In an extreme traditionalist view, the white jacket should only be worn during the day, so it would not be acceptable to wear the white jacket after dinner time. Instead, a black tuxedo would be worn for evening. Modern conventions, however, are not as strict, and celebrities play a part in breaking these traditionalist rules. It has become acceptable to wear a white jacket throughout the evening.
Misconceptions
There are common misconceptions about white jacket attire. One is about what is acceptable to wear with the white attire. Shirts and accessories can be the same as one would wear with a black suit, so shirts, ties and cuff links of different colors are acceptable. It is often preached that white suit attire is very strict and gives less liberty than with a black suit, but this is not so. Another misconception is about invitations and understand them. When an invitation requests black-tie attire, it is also acceptable to wear white jacket attire.
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