GQ Endorses: The New White Suit

I know what you're thinking: Why the hell would I buy a white suit?! Well, for one, it's going to be a sticky summer, and you need a wardrobe boost to help you stay cool. The new white suit isn't a business suit—and it's definitely not the Colonel Sanders or the Saturday Night Fever. The idea is to dress it down, embrace the wrinkles, and let it get a bit dirty. When you treat it that way, you'll be surprised how versatile it becomes: For drinks by the beach, team it with a tee. For an alfresco dinner, ditch the pants and wear the jacket with jeans. Or pair the suit with a strong checked shirt like you see here for every summer wedding. Unlike the bride's dress, this suit won't imply you're a virgin.—Jim Moore

Two rules: Wear a white suit only after Memorial Day, and always pair it with dark shoes to bring it down to earth.

More from GQ Magazine: The GQ Denim Guide

Suit jacket, $198, and pants, $80, by Express. Shirt, $285 by Bespoken. Loafers, $525 by Tod's. Pocket square by Brunello Cucinelli. Belt by Gucci. Watch by Cartier.

Give the Pants a Night Off
Wear the jacket like your blue blazer—with everything. In fact, it helps to pretend it's not white when you're getting dressed. That way, you won't hesitate, whether you're wearing it with jeans and a tie or with chinos and a tee.

Suit jacket, $1,534 (for suit) by Neil Barrett. Shirt, $125 by Naked & Famous Denim. Tie, $120 by Ralph Lauren Purple Label. Jeans, $168 by AG Adriano Goldschmied. Shoes, $640 by Church's. Tie bar by The Tie Bar. Watch by Movado.

A Suit—But Not All Suited Up
Strip the white suit of its costumey feel by pairing it with a tee and sneakers. Just keep the colors neutral—if you start throwing pastel shirts into the mix, you run the risk of veering into Don Johnson territory.

Sports jacket, $1,240, and pants, $440, by Prada. T-shirt, $25 by A|X Armani Exchange. Sneakers, $45 by Vans. Watch by Hermès.