What are you going to wear? Sometimes it’s good to look at a few suggestions then add your own tweaks and ideas. That’s what these are for. Some summer weddings take place in blazing mid-day sun, where a groomsman is sure to pass out (don’t lock your knees!). But then there are the merciful, and quite enjoyable, summer weddings held in the early evening. The ceremony is in the fading light, dinner is at dusk, and the dancing starts at twilight. Those are the best. But once the sun sets, a super light-in-color suit could leave you looking… iridescent? This is a great time to use a summer suit made from a darker shade of fabric. Top Photo: J. Holman Webster
The Suit: J. Crew Ludlow Seersucker Jacket & Pant – $319.20 w/ JULY ($456). This is the perfect opportunity to break out a summer suit in a darker-than normal shade. Bonobos had their navy seersucker suit on sale yesterday, and now these Japanese seersucker separates get the cut from J. Crew. Pants available in standard or slim. Perfect for transitioning into the evening while remaining airy. Code JULY is good for 30% off select summer items, and expires today (7/2).
The Shirt: John W. Nordstrom Trim Fit Dress Shirt – $49.90 ($79.50). High quality Egyptian cotton, a decently trim fit, and it doesn’t appear to be a non-iron. That’s good. Not all non-iron shirts feel stiff and scratchy, but even those that don’t might loose a little bit of breathe-ability due to the wrinkle-free treatment.
The Shoes: Massimo Dutti Brown Suede Loafers – $115 ($175). A polished brown oxford might look a little too dressy for a casual summer suit. Favor a derby, suede, both, or… a loafer. Feel free to sock-up if you’d like (especially in mosquito country… damn ankle biters).
The Tie (optional): TheTieBar Chambray Bow Tie – $15.00. As muted as a bow-tie can get. Chambray is a workwear fabric. Fits perfectly in this dressed up but still relaxed outfit. Plus, the diamond tips keep it visually on the slim side. If bow ties ain’t your thing? There’s always the necktie. Or, just skip the tie all together and go open-collar.
The Pocket square (optional): The Tie Bar Pool Blue Madras – $8.00. Skip it if you’re wearing a bow tie. That’s a lot of attention grabbing accessories. But, it’s a nice addition if going open collar.
The Sunglasses: Persol Foldable PO 714 in 24/51 – $193
The Belt: Brooks Brothers Suede Striped Belt- $54.60 ($78). Anything but cheap, BUT… it’s a summer-styled belt (d-rings, suede, stripes) that can absolutely work year round.
The Watch: Orient Sympohny Automatic – $133.01
The Brow Wiper / Tear Dabber: Dockers Set of 9 Hankies (just grab one) – $12.99
The Moneyclip: Cole Haan Greenwich – $12.56
The Exit Strategy: Uber / Having a good cab company’s # on hand. How are you getting out of here? You the designated driver? Or is your date? Did you hitch a ride with another couple that wants to stay until the very last chair has been put away? Have a plan.
I have two of these “afternoon – evening” weddings in late summer. Although I do not have dark seersucker I have traditional seersucker. I was thinking of going with the Uniqlo white button collar polo and doing seersucker seperates, thoughts?
For the Orient watch use code SUMMER2014 on their website. Got 30% off, free shipping, and a 2nd watch free (from a limited selection of like 8 choices).
The MD loafers is a helluva steal. Joe, have you had the chance to check out the Black Seersucker Tuxedo that J.Crew offers? I think its a great options for the summer as well.
Best,
Sabir
Coco Chanel was once quoted as saying “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.”
Which for some of us tumbles down to a bow tie + pocket square / lapel flower, some dudes are wearing the tie, clip, flower, pocket square, and prescription-less glasses.
Allow me to be the voice of non conservatism,’ go on young man, wear that bowtie and that pocket square, go wild!’
This guy? https://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/suiting/PRDOVR~A0526/A0526.jsp
Wish it was one-button, but that would be killer for summer weddings.
When you say “traditional”, you mean white with blue stripes, right? A white button down polo under that may be too little contrast. If you want to wear a polo under, how about a light grey one to break it up a little?
Not feeling it. To me, if it’s informal enough for seersucker, a tux is too much.
That’s kind of awesome, though totally impractical for my needs. I clearly need to adopt a more “tuxedos needed” lifestyle. BTW, on the subject of seersucker, Sabir, I return to your 2012 feature on how to wear seersucker (“Seersucker the Bonobos Way”) with alarming frequency. It inspired me to pick up a Bonobos seersucker suit (way on sale) and has helped me to actually get a bunch of use out of it. Thanks.
Actually, that’s exactly why I like that tux. I like that J. Crew is trying to redefine how we think about suiting and different fabrics. Hell, a few years ago, I didn’t know there was a such thing as navy seersucker suits. This is pushing that just a little further.
I’m not getting married anytime soon, but this would be something perfect for groomsmen in an outdoor, summer wedding. Maintain the formality, but stay cool and it can make the transition seamlessly from outdoors at 3 PM in 100 degree weather to an evening reception indoors at 10 PM
That’s a pretty killer deal. $180 for a Bambino and a nice-looking metal-strap watch?
Ah, I can see it working for members of the wedding party. I was picturing a guest wearing it.
I don’t care what I’m wearing. I just want to be in that tent.
Agreed on the loafers. Very slick.
How’s the quality of Massimo Dutti shoes? How does in compare to Aldo? ($100 – $150)
If you’re looking for a good high quality alternative to Persols search for Ralph Lauren Purple label folding sunglasses. They retail for more than Persols, but they don’t seem to hold their value as much on ebay, probably because people don’t realize that they’re basically the same. Purple label is the highest end of RL and these don’t disappoint. They’re even made in Italy, just like Persols, probably by the same manufacturer. I recently got a pair for $75.00, (used) but inperfect condition complete with the leather carrying case.
Really nice look. A knit tie would look great as well.
You missed the perfect opportunity (the only opportunity, really) to suggest JCrew’s seersucker tuxedo!
Well, here’s the thing. I wouldn’t wear a tux to someone else’s wedding (unless it said it was black tie on the invite)
Any other options for suede tassels in brown at that price point. Massimo has no sizes left
Question: with a lack of reviews on Amazon, I have to ask, can anybody vouch for the money clip? I’m stuck between dropping a bunch of money on a fancy one or risking it on a cheap one like this. Thanks in advance.
I love uberx it is cheaper then a can. If you are a first time user enter the code 635up and you will get a free ride up to $30. Then you can take the town car to the wedding. Nothing says class like showing up in a town car.
Apparently the deal got better. I’m showing $99 on the site as of 7/3 AM for select sizes (6, 13)
Can’t speak for the quality, but Beckett Simonon has a pair that’s a little more slipper-y: http://www.beckettsimonon.com/collections/shoes/products/blake-constructed-venza-slippers-brown-suede
Awesome. Thanks. They have a 20% off sale and they upgraded me to the 2 day shipping for free when I talked to them. I like this company already
I think all cole haan money clips are nice. The usually go for way more money. They use great leather and also make great shoes.
Love the blue on blue darling! Very chic! http://madelienerose.com/
Very close to what I actually wore to a wedding this past Saturday in our nation’s capital: Bonobos navy seersucker suit (2 years old now, still going strong), Ratio white OCBD, AE strands in walnut and matching belt, white linen/cotton pocket sq (and 1 for the inner pocket to use), and a Sid Mashburn raw silk tie (a red/pink color from last summer).
Compliments from younger folks and older folks alike, and I stayed cool all night. Can’t recommend getting a navy seersucker enough.