Dandy & Dapper

I'm considering white jeans for summer, but I can't decide if they look right. Thoughts?

Mr Dapper: Whenever I see a man in white casual trousers, I'm always tempted to ask when his next polo match begins. I'm not a fan, but I must admit that white jeans have become a basic item in many men's summer wardrobes. Instead of glaring white (ladies, please also take note), consider a toned-down cream colour. I've heard fashion editors refer to ecru (a very light beige) as 'the new white', which suits me just fine. Save time by shopping in a department store that offers a selection of denim labels. For example, Harvey Nichols (Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 3968 2668) carries said items by brands such as True Religion (HK$2,490), Iro (HK$2,990) and Cheap Monday (HK$550).

Mr Dandy: Oh, come on, Dapper. White jeans are so normal, I'm almost bored with them. That's why I'm loving the way designers have played with the bog standard white jeans and made them more interesting. DSquared2 has added metal studs (HK$5,500; Joyce, Pacific Place, tel: 2523 5944). Evoking biker chic in a different way, Balmain's version comes with sewn-in knee pads (HK$9,895; The Swank, Pacific Place, tel: 2845 4929). If you haven't discovered the brilliance of Kiton yet, now's the time with its luxury, limited-edition white jeans with contrast navy blue thread (HK$8,995; The Swank). Ted Baker has introduced a cool wrinkle effect on its pair (HK$2,140; Pacific Place, tel: 2918 9609). I've also noticed a great super-faded wash by brands such as Armani (HK$3,200; Pacific Place, tel: 2918 0699) and Hugo Boss (HK$2,050; Pacific Place, tel: 2918 1802) where it looks like blue jeans have been acid-washed to white. So, it's not really a question of if you should buy white jeans; it's more about which ones you'll be rocking. And how. Try out everything from naval blue and white, to minimalist black and white, or even brights. I've also seen guys pull off a blue denim shirt worn with white jeans. Make it your own!

I'm hoping you can settle a dispute with my wife. She took me along to the new Shanghai Tang store opening. I wanted to wear the Mandarin-collared suit I bought there at no small cost, which I rarely have occasion to wear. She insisted it would look naff. Should you or should you not wear a brand to its own event?

Mr Dandy: Before we get into that, I want to know why you don't wear such a fine suit more often. You're right, if you shelled out the HK$13,500 or more that one of those babies usually costs (Shanghai Tang Mansion, 1 Duddell Street, Central, tel: 2525 7333), then you should definitely get some wear out of it.

If you don't want to go the whole hog, I think it would be nice to show up with at least one of its scarves (HK$980 and up) or even a pair of its cufflinks (HK$780 and up). What could be more of a compliment to your host than to show your appreciation for what they do?