Junior Rasmussen
Summer weddings can be a tricky dress code to navigate. Whether you're the groom or a guest, you'll want to look stylish without upstaging the happy couple. It's important to consider the venue and dress code, as well as the weather, to ensure you're dressed appropriately. A suit is always a safe bet for a wedding, but with the scorching temperatures of summer, you'll want to opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, or seersucker. A classic navy suit is a good choice, paired with a white shirt and brown or black dress shoes. If you want to ditch the blazer, go for a pair of dress pants or chinos with a fun, printed button-up shirt.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Suit | Navy, grey, beige, or pastel shades |
| Fabric | Linen, Cotton, Seersucker, tropical wool |
| Shirt | White, light blue (chambray), or floral/tropical prints |
| Shoes | Black, brown, or beige dress shoes, loafers, brogues, or deck shoes |
| Accessories | Tie, pocket square, sunglasses, sharp shades, a watch |
| Dress Code | Formal, casual, semi-formal, black-tie optional |
Explore related products
$59.99
What You'll Learn
Suit colours and fabrics
When it comes to suit colours, it's best to avoid black, as this is usually worn by the groom. A dark navy suit is a classic and elegant option, and can be paired with a white button-up shirt and black or brown dress shoes. If you're worried about the heat, a lighter fabric such as linen or cotton will help to keep you cool. A seersucker suit is also a timeless option, especially for a wedding by the water.
If you want to experiment with colour, earthy neutrals, warm olive, beige, sand, or pale blue are all stylish choices for summer. For a casual wedding, a light-coloured sports jacket and chinos are a good combination. For a more formal event, a dark suit in grey, worn with a white shirt, dark tie and dress shoes is always a safe option.
For a beach wedding, a summer blazer and linen pants are a good choice. You can skip the socks and wear loafers or deck shoes. A white dinner jacket is also a stylish option for summer weddings, usually paired with black trousers.
In terms of fabrics, linen is the perfect choice for a summer wedding, keeping you cool and fresh. Tropical wool and seersucker are also breathable fabrics that will help you stay classy and comfortable. Cotton is another good option for a sharp, non-stuffy look.
Finding Your Dream Wedding Dress Style
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$18.99 $29.99
Dress codes
Dressing for a summer wedding can be a complex affair, but it needn't be. There are a few classic outfits that will always work.
If you're attending a formal summer wedding, a tuxedo in a breathable wool blend, a white dress shirt, and traditional black leather Oxford shoes are a sophisticated choice. Finish the look with a black silk bow tie.
For a casual wedding, try a lighter, more relaxed look. Pair a tasteful shirt with crisp chinos, balancing comfort and style. Shoes matter—no sandals or trainers. Opt for brogues or deck shoes. For a beach wedding, a summer blazer and linen pants combo, with loafers and no socks, is a stylish option.
If you want to ditch the jacket, opt for a classic shirt, pants, and tie combination. For a semi-formal event, a light-coloured sports jacket and chinos are a good choice. A dark suit in navy or grey, worn with a white shirt, dark tie, and dress shoes, is almost always appropriate. To keep cool, choose a suit in a lightweight fabric like linen, cotton, or seersucker.
For black-tie weddings, the most formal dress code, a dinner suit or tuxedo is required. Black-tie optional means the hosts will be in black tie but understand if you prefer not to be. It is better to err on the side of caution and wear a dinner suit.
Summer Smart is a popular dress code for warm-weather weddings, allowing guests to play with colours and materials. Light, neutral, or pastel shades work well, as do navy and breathable fabrics like linen, tropical wool, or seersucker.
The Sooner, the Better: Cleaning Your Wedding Dress
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$57.99
$14.99 $19.99
Shoes
When it comes to shoes for a summer wedding, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, comfort is key—you'll likely be on your feet for long periods, so make sure your shoes are supportive and cushioned. Breathability and lightweight construction are also important, especially if the wedding is outdoors.
For a classic and elegant look, you can't go wrong with a pair of black or brown lace-up leather Oxfords. If you're looking for something a little more modern, try a chunky-soled version. Another option is a pair of sleek black patent leather pumps with a grosgrain bow, or black patent leather Oxfords with flat silk laces. To add a touch of relaxation to your look, consider black velvet Prince Albert slippers.
Loafers are another excellent choice for summer weddings. They offer a hint of dressiness while still being comfortable and allowing for individual flair. The Herman loafer, for example, is a kiltie tassel loafer that's perfect for warm weather as you can skip the socks. The Noble loafer is also a good option, offering a more formal look without laces.
If you're looking for something a little more unique, suede shoes can add a touch of personality to your outfit. Sneakers with suits have also been trending for over 20 years, so don't be afraid to pair your suit with your favourite casual kicks.
For a more casual look, a shorts suit can be a great option. Pair it with discreet black dress shoes and black socks to let the suit make the statement.
The Bustle Wedding Dress: A Bride's Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Accessories
Footwear:
When it comes to shoes, there are several options to consider. Firstly, lace-up oxfords in brown or black leather are a classic and elegant choice. You can also opt for black patent leather oxfords with flat silk laces to add a subtle shine. If you're looking for something more relaxed, black velvet slippers or loafers are a great alternative. For a beach wedding, you can even go sockless with a pair of loafers or brogues.
Ties and Pocket Squares:
A well-chosen tie can elevate your outfit. Consider a black-and-white shepherd's check, glen plaid, or puppy tooth pattern. These patterns soften from a distance, giving a dignified and formal appearance. A grenadine tie is another sophisticated option. If you want to add a playful touch, go for a tie in a pastel tone. To add a dash of dandy, pair your suit with a pocket square. A simple white pocket square is classic, but you could also opt for something bolder, like a Gucci pocket square with a unique pattern.
Lapel Accessories:
Adding a real carnation to your lapel is a quiet flourish. Ask a florist to prepare a single carnation, wired and conditioned, to stand tall in your lapel's boutonniere hole. A white or red carnation is traditional and adds a touch of elegance to a simple suit.
Sunglasses:
Don't forget to bring a pair of sleek sunglasses to shield your eyes from the summer sun. Choose a pair that complements your outfit, such as sharp shades in a classic style.
Belt:
If you're wearing a more casual outfit, such as chinos and a printed shirt, a leather belt can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your look.
Remember, when choosing accessories, it's important to consider the dress code and venue of the wedding. You want your accessories to complement your outfit and the overall tone of the event.
Wedding Dress Cleaning: Cost and Care in the UK
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$38.85 $59.99
$29.74 $42.99
Groom vs. guest
For grooms, summer wedding attire can be tricky. While you'll want to follow the same guidelines as the guests, you'll also want to stand out as the guest of honour. A full suit in a lightweight fabric is a great option, but consider choosing one in a vibrant colour, light-hued neutral, or summery pattern. If you're looking to invest in formalwear, ask yourself if you'll wear it again.
For guests, a suit is always a foolproof option. Since the groom will likely be wearing a tuxedo or a black suit, guests should avoid these super-formal styles. A classic dark navy suit, either single- or double-breasted, will always look elegant and appropriate. Pair it with a white button-up shirt and black or brown dress shoes. If the wedding is outdoors, consider a suit in a lighter fabric like linen or cotton to offset the darker colour. If you're worried about the heat, there are lighter, airier suiting options, like a breezy seersucker suit, which is a timeless option for a wedding by the water.
If suiting is too stuffy for your liking, you can ditch the blazer. This look is reserved for casual or semi-formal dress codes. You can wear pleated dress pants or chinos with a fun, printed button-up shirt. Floral or tropical prints work well for a summer wedding. Just be sure to counter the casual feel of the shirt with sleek accent pieces like dress shoes, sharp shades, a timepiece, and a leather belt.
For a formal summer wedding, a tuxedo in a breathable wool blend, a white dress shirt, and traditional leather Oxford shoes are a great option. For a casual wedding, try a lighter, dapper look with a shirt and crisp chinos. Shoes matter—no sandals or trainers. Go for brogues or deck shoes. If it's a beach wedding, wear a summer blazer and linen pants, skipping the tie. Slide into loafers with no socks.
How to Remove Pleats from Your Wedding Dress
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The best fabrics for a man's summer wedding outfit are lightweight and breathable. Linen is a popular choice, as are cotton, tropical wool, seersucker, and canvas.
Dark colours like navy and grey are safe options, but summer weddings also lend themselves to lighter colours like beige, sand, tobacco brown, cream, tan, olive, dusty blue, light-hued neutrals, and pastels.
Lace-up oxfords in brown or black leather are a classic choice, as are leather loafers, brogues, deck shoes, and velvet slippers. If the wedding is on the beach, you could go sockless.
Accessories like a pocket square, a tie, a bow tie, sunglasses, and a watch can add a touch of elegance to your outfit. If you want to wear a flower in your lapel, opt for a single, well-prepared boutonnière.
For a casual summer wedding, you can wear a shirt and trousers or lightweight dress pants. Chinos are a good option, but avoid jeans and shorts. You can also leave the blazer and socks at home.
