You’ve RSVP’d, booked your room in the reserved block, and purchased a perfect mid-level gift off their Target registry. All that’s left is figuring out what you’re wearing and then you’ll be set to… as Kool & The Gang so profoundly put it: “bring your good times, and your laughter too.” Cripes. Dear wedding DJs: Please delete Celebration from your playlists and replace it with Jungle Boogie. The latter is a far superior song in every way. Thanks.
Fit (as always) is key, you want to stay cool, and you’re aiming to be slightly less dressed-up than the groom. Most men show up to a summer wedding looking like they never changed out of their casual Friday khakis and sport shirt. You’ll want to take it up a notch. Here’s how to do it:
If it says black tie, that means black tie. If you don’t wear black tie, it’s kind of like showing up to a BYOB party and drinking another person’s beer. 99% of rentals are awful and can run triple digits. Trim fit tuxes start around $200. Strongly consider buying your own and getting it tailored. Notch lapels are safest, peak is most traditional. Avoid winged collars, pre-tied bow ties, and cummerbunds. More on black tie here.
If the groom is in a tux and the wedding is inside, showing up in a khaki chino might not look right. Many couples still go with tuxedos for the groom and groomsmen for late afternoon weddings, and the poor bastards just have to melt in those rentals during the ceremony. A light grey wool suit acknowledges the dressed up feel of the wedding, while the color recognizes the season. Feel free to brighten up the look with a patterned pocket square or warm weather tie.
Dress it up or down depending on what your date is wearing. If it’s a lighter more casual affair, maybe go with a chambray shirt. If it’s not? Know that a crisp white dress shirt and a black knit tie (yes, Khaki and black do go together) can look really, really good. Don’t go full linen here. (Use the code BRSALE25 to drop that suit you see above down to $217. Code expires today, 6/27. Pant sizes online look limited)
Stay away from white up-top, but this medium grey textured cotton/linen blazer from Macy’s will pair nicely with white chinos on your lower half. A light blue shirt is the easy partner, and add a deeper blue tie and/or pocket square so you’re not completely washed out. Suede or loafers for your shoes. Leave those green pants in the closet.
If the man getting married is in flip flops, chances are there will be sand under your feat. Doesn’t mean you still can’t wear a suit. Seersucker gets the call here.
The Final Extra Points: Wear a jacket. There will be plenty of guys wearing just shirts and ties… like the waitstaff. Don’t get plastered, even if you have a designated driver already assigned. Be the first to engage those at your table during dinner whom you don’t know. Drink plenty of water. Don’t forget sunscreen. The electric slide is a perfect opportunity to get you and your date refills.
Any other summer wedding tips, attire based or otherwise, feel free to leave those in the comments…
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In person with Hamilton's new 38mm, quartz powered field watch.
