Rhiannon Hendricks
Beach weddings can be a sartorial minefield for men, with the challenge of dressing for a breezy, sandy setting while remaining polished and put-together. The key is to blend elegance and ease, opting for breathable materials and lightweight, light-coloured fabrics to stay cool and comfortable. While a suit is a no-brainer for a wedding, a classic wool suit will look stuffy and out of place by the ocean, and you'll likely be too hot. Instead, a linen suit in off-white, cream, sand or navy is a chic option, or a colourful blazer and trouser combo in salmon pink, dusty blue or butter yellow. Alternatively, a dressy shirt and pant combo is perfect for beachside nuptials, with a silky button-up for long-sleeved options and camp-collar shirts for short-sleeved.
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What You'll Learn
Suit colours and fabrics
When it comes to suit colours, it's best to avoid black, cream, and white. Instead, opt for light, soft, and saturated shades like blue, tan, salmon pink, dusty blue, butter yellow, coral, sea green, sandy beige, or tropical colours. You can also choose a colourful blazer and trouser combination. If you're going for a beach formal look, you can pick a suit in a darker, saturated shade.
As for fabrics, lightweight and breathable fabrics are key. Linen is a popular choice for beach weddings as it is lightweight, breathable, and gives a relaxed yet sophisticated appearance. Cotton is another good option as it is also breathable and can lend a more casual look. Recycled poly blends are surprisingly perfect for warm beaches as they are adaptable to the environment, allowing your skin to breathe while maintaining a relaxed yet sophisticated look. Seersucker is another summer fabric that is appropriate for beach weddings.
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Accessories
If you're wearing a suit, a sleek watch, a simple tie, and classic sunglasses can add a touch of elegance to your outfit. To maintain a relaxed vibe, avoid over-accessorizing. A patterned pocket square or a tie in seaside shades like soft corals, sea greens, or sandy beiges can also complement your look.
If you want to wear a hat, a ballcap-style hat is acceptable as long as the rest of your outfit is well put-together and the hat is in a rich, neutral colour like navy linen.
For jewellery, a simple bracelet made from reclaimed sterling silver or 14-karat yellow gold is an elegant choice.
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Footwear
When it comes to footwear for a beach wedding, it's important to strike a balance between formal elegance and relaxed comfort. The key is to choose something that is comfortable and suitable for walking on sandy terrain, while still looking polished and dressy.
Firstly, it's worth noting that the dress code for the wedding should be taken into account when choosing your footwear. If the invitation specifies a formal dress code, you may want to opt for traditional dress shoes. Loafers or boat shoes are a great alternative to traditional dress shoes and can provide a more relaxed yet still polished look. If you're feeling adventurous, a refined low-top sneaker in white or cream leather can also work well with a variety of outfits.
If the dress code is more casual, you have a bit more flexibility. Leather sandals or espadrilles are a great option, offering both comfort and style. They are a significant step up from rubber flip-flops and will provide a smarter look throughout the day, pairing well with shorts, trousers, and beachwear. Just be sure to avoid overly casual sandals like flip-flops and slides, and opt for a dressy leather sandal instead.
For a truly beachy vibe, you can even go barefoot! This is especially appropriate if the invitation specifically mentions it, and it can be a fun way to embrace the sandy environment. However, if you prefer to keep your feet protected and comfortable, there are plenty of footwear options available that will suit the beach setting.
Lastly, don't forget to consider the colour and material of your footwear. Lighter tones such as brown, tan, navy, or lighter colours in calf leather or suede tend to pair well with summer clothing. And if you're looking for a more unique option, Japanese label Rototo offers socks made from linen, cotton, and nylon knit, which are fuzz-resistant and breathable.
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Dress code
Beach weddings can be a tricky affair when it comes to choosing what to wear. The key is to blend elegance and ease, aiming for a relaxed yet refined look. Here is a guide to help you navigate the fashion choices for a beach wedding:
Suiting Up
A classic wool suit is a no-go for a beach wedding. It will likely be too hot and appear stuffy and out of place. Instead, opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics such as linen, seersucker, or cotton. Go for light and neutral colours such as off-white, cream, sand, or navy. You can also experiment with colours like salmon pink, dusty blue, or butter yellow for a fun twist. If you want to stand out, a short suit—a blazer on top and tailored shorts on the bottom—is a trendy option.
Shirts and Pants
If you decide to skip the suit, a dressy shirt and pant combo is perfect for beach weddings. Long-sleeved silky button-ups or short-sleeved camp-collar button-ups are elegant choices. Chinos or slacks are a good option for pants, and you can add a suit jacket or blazer for a more formal touch.
Accessories
Accessories can elevate your look, but be careful not to over-accessorize. A simple tie, a sleek watch, or a brooch can add a touch of elegance. When it comes to footwear, dress shoes, loafers, or boat shoes are good choices. Sandals are an option if the dress code allows for a more casual vibe, and you can always go barefoot later if the setting becomes more relaxed. Don't forget to consider a hat and some stylish sunglasses to shield you from the sun.
Always check the wedding invitation or website for the official dress code. Beach weddings usually have a casual, cocktail, or semi-formal dress code. However, they can sometimes be more formal, especially if held at upscale venues. If no dress code is specified, a suit is generally a safe choice, but skip black and opt for colours like blue or tan. Remember, it's essential to balance formality with comfort to ensure you look and feel your best at the beach wedding.
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Shirts
When it comes to shirts for men attending a beach wedding, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the fabric is important—you'll want something lightweight and breathable to keep you cool in the warm beach weather. Linen is an excellent choice for its breathability and lightweight feel. You can also opt for silk or silk-wool blends, which are elegant options that will keep you comfortable. Cotton is another breathable fabric that works well for beach weddings.
In terms of style, a button-down shirt is a classic and versatile option. You can choose either long-sleeved or short-sleeved, depending on your preference and the temperature. For long-sleeved shirts, a silky button-up is a refined choice, while a short-sleeved camp-collar button-up is a more casual option. If you're looking to add a bit of personality to your outfit, consider a shirt with a floral or leafy pattern—this can give you that quintessential beach vibe.
For a more casual look, a solid-color polo shirt can also work for a beach wedding. Just be sure to pair it with dressier trousers, such as pleated or tailored styles in linen or silk-wool. You can also experiment with prints, especially for a casual beach wedding. Remember to consider the destination's weather and the possibility of a waterfront breeze when making your selection.
If you're the groom, you might want to consider a dress shirt, also known as a "dress-up shirt," to achieve a more formal look. A crisp white dress shirt paired with a suit in a light, saturated shade like light blue or tan is a popular choice for beach weddings. A light grey suit is another modern option that maintains a sense of formality while working well in the hot sun.
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Frequently asked questions
Beach wedding attire for men is commonly assumed to be dressy casual, although it can be more formal. It's important to follow the celebration's dress code as outlined on the couple's wedding website. If there is no website, check the wedding invitation. A suit is usually your safest bet, but skip black and choose a colour like blue, tan, or pastel.
Lightweight and light-coloured fabrics are best for a beach wedding. Linen is a popular choice, as are summer fabrics like seersucker. A classic wool suit will likely be too hot and stuffy.
Dark colours can feel heavy and absorb heat, so stick to lighter shades like beige, light blue, or pastel colours.
A dress shirt is a good choice. If you're wearing a tie, a navy silk grenadine tie pairs handsomely with every dress shirt.
Sandals are often too casual for a beach wedding. Dress shoes, loafers, or boat shoes are a better choice. If the invitation specifically allows it, you could go barefoot for the ultimate beach vibe.
