Formal Attire For Los Angeles Weddings: A Guide To Dressing For The Occasion

Formal attire for a wedding in Los Angeles is a step down from black tie, but still more formal than cocktail attire. For men, this means a dark suit and tie, and for women, a formal cocktail-length dress or a floor-length gown.

Formal wedding attire for women

Formal wedding guest dresses include both evening gowns and elegant cocktail frocks, so pick the hemline you feel best in. You don't have to wear a dress at all—a jumpsuit or a suit can be a perfect alternative to a dress and will provide ultimate comfort for a busy day of wedding festivities.

When shopping for formal wedding outfits, consider the venue and season. For example, for summer events, lighter fabrics, brighter colours and shorter hemlines are common for formal attire. On the other hand, if you're attending a winter wedding, darker shades, thicker fabrics and longer sleeves and hemlines are more appropriate.

Unlike black-tie attire, you have much more flexibility when it comes to colours, embellishments and hem lengths. Don't be afraid to have fun with your fashion choices—a playful print or a colourful shoe can be a great way to add personality to your ensemble.

Overall, pick an outfit that you truly love and feel your best in, while still being respectful of the couple's attire request. As for colours to avoid, steer clear of white, ivory, cream, or champagne-coloured dresses and light-coloured suits. You should also avoid pieces that may read as too casual, such as a cotton sundress or a sports coat with chino pants.

Formal wedding attire for men

Suit

The foundation of a formal look for men is a tailored suit. A 3-piece suit is a classic choice that adds depth to your look. When it comes to colour, you can opt for deep shades such as grey, burgundy, navy or dark blue. Black, grey or navy are also safe choices, especially when paired with a crisp white button-up shirt. Lighter shades like light green and brown can also work, depending on the setting. If you want to add a touch of personality, consider a colourful classic such as a tailored three-piece suit in a shade of blue.

Fabric

For your suit, choose luxury fabrics such as rich worsted wools with high S numbers, or blended noble fibres like alpaca, silk or cashmere. Depending on the setting and climate, you could also opt for a structured cotton or linen blend.

Patterns

Keep patterns to a minimum. If you want to add a pattern, consider a small houndstooth in a luxurious wool and cashmere blend fabric.

Shoes

Complete your look with black or dark brown lace-ups in plain leather. Avoid patent leather or suede.

Accessories

Add some flair to your outfit with accessories. A silk tie is always a good choice. For a relaxed touch, opt for a knitted tie instead of a traditional woven style. Cufflinks are essential for French cuffs; go for a classic like sterling silver studs, or add a unique touch with something more novel. Suspenders in a tonal shade, like dark brown or navy, are also a nice addition.

Where to Shop

If you're looking for formal wear in Los Angeles, there are several options to choose from. Here are some stores to consider:

• Malibu Clothes: They offer high-quality products and excellent customer service for all your formal events. They have a large inventory with a variety of colours and patterns.
• Greg Chapman Tailored Clothes
• Iguana Vintage Clothing
• Jimmy Au's (for men 5'8" and under)
• Beautiful Day Wedding
• Gregory's Tuxedo Shop
• Margaretrose Custom Clothing Design
• JB Clothiers: They offer customised solutions and are known for their good service.
• Mr James: A European-owned company that specialises in perfectly tailored suits.
• Zeglio Custom Clothiers: They offer custom suits, shirts and alterations.
• Suit & Tux Warehouse
• San's Suit Outlet

Differences between formal and black-tie

When it comes to wedding attire, there are a few key differences between formal and black-tie dress codes. While both suggest a level of elegance and sophistication, there are some nuances to consider.

Formal Attire

Formal attire is a common dress code for weddings, often leaving room for interpretation and personal style. Here are some guidelines for both men and women:

• For men, a formal wedding dress code typically means a dark suit, a jacket and tie, or a traditional suit. It is important to note that tuxedos are not required for a formal dress code.
• Women can opt for a nicer cocktail dress, an elegant dress, or a pantsuit. A floor-length dress is also a safe choice if you want to lean towards a more formal look.
• Formal attire allows for some experimentation with trendy jumpsuits, suits with colourful jackets, or bold accessories.
• The time of day and venue can also influence the level of formality. For example, a backyard or daytime wedding may call for more relaxed interpretations of formal attire.

Black-Tie Attire

Black-tie attire is the next most formal dress code after white-tie events. It indicates a formal and elegant event, usually taking place in the evening. Here are some specifics:

• For men, black-tie means a tuxedo, a black bow tie or long black tie, and formal footwear. It is important to note that a black suit is not considered black-tie attire.
• Women typically wear formal gowns that touch the ground or the top of their shoes. A floor-length gown in sumptuous fabrics like silk or organza is ideal.
• Black-tie weddings usually call for elegant accessories. For men, this could mean cufflinks, while women can opt for refined jewellery like pearls or diamonds.
• The time of day plays a role in black-tie attire. These weddings often take place after 5:30 or 6:00 pm, indicating a more formal style.
• Black-tie optional means guests can opt for a dark suit with dress pants and nice shoes, or a knee-length or midi cocktail dress instead of a floor-length gown.

In summary, while both formal and black-tie dress codes suggest sophistication, black-tie is a stricter dress code with more specific requirements, like tuxedos for men and floor-length gowns for women. Formal attire allows for more flexibility and interpretation, giving guests room to express their personal style while still adhering to the elegant theme of the wedding.

Dressing for the season

When it comes to formal wedding attire, it's important to consider the season and choose outfits that are appropriate for the time of year. Here are some tips for dressing for a formal wedding in Los Angeles, taking into account the different seasons:

Spring and Summer

For warmer months, opt for lighter fabrics, brighter colours, and shorter hemlines. You can't go wrong with a light-coloured suit, such as blue, tan, or grey, paired with a tastefully patterned shirt and brown leather shoes. If you want to go for something more casual, a linen button-down shirt and light-coloured dress pants are a great option. Just remember to avoid anything too casual, like cargo shorts and Hawaiian shirts.

For women, a midi dress, a knee-length dress, or a flowy maxi dress are perfect choices. You can also go for a jumpsuit or a suit if you want to switch things up. As for colours, blush pink, light blue, and other pastel hues are ideal for the season. Don't be afraid to add some fun with a colourful shoe or a statement accessory!

Fall and Winter

When the weather cools down, it's time to bring out the darker shades, thicker fabrics, and longer sleeves and hems. A dark, well-tailored suit is always a safe choice, and you can add a pop of colour with a patterned tie or pocket square. If you're feeling adventurous, try a suit with a colourful jacket. For an extra touch of elegance, consider a tuxedo—a timeless and sophisticated option for men.

Women have plenty of options for winter formal wear, from elegant black velvet midi dresses to chic jumpsuits and suits. Floor-length gowns are also perfect for the season, especially in darker or neutral tones. Accessorise with sleek mules, statement earrings, or a colourful scarf to complete the look.

No matter the season, it's important to remember that formal wedding attire is a step down from black-tie, so you have more flexibility with colours, embellishments, and hemlines. At the same time, it's still important to dress respectfully and avoid anything too casual or light-coloured, such as a cotton sundress or a sports coat with chinos.

Accessories

For men, a formal wedding attire typically means a tuxedo with a bow tie. Cufflinks are a great way to enhance your tuxedo, and a pocket square can add a touch of elegance. If you're not sure what to wear, a dark, well-tailored suit is always a safe choice.

Frequently asked questions