Key Takeaways
- A navy suit or blazer paired with a pastel waistcoat creates a versatile, formal look that can be easily adjusted based on the formality of the wedding
- Bold colored blazers like red or pink make a statement at summer weddings and evening receptions
- Linen outfits are ideal for overseas and high summer weddings, offering both elegance and comfort
- Pocket squares and tie pins can transform basic suits into wedding-appropriate attire with minimal investment
- For casual beach weddings, open jackets with bold shirts and linen trousers create a relaxed yet stylish look
- Tonal outfits using the same fabric in different shades offer subtle sophistication perfect for summer celebrations
Introduction to Men's Wedding Outfits
With wedding season fast approaching, finding the perfect outfit for a wedding can be a challenge for many men. Whether you're attending as a guest, part of the wedding party, or simply want to look your best at these special occasions, having the right attire is essential. Many men struggle with what to wear to weddings, especially when dress codes vary from formal to semi-casual. What should you wear to a summer wedding? How can you look stylish while staying comfortable? This article will showcase six fantastic men's wedding outfit ideas to help you suit your best for the upcoming wedding season.
Navy Suit with Pastel Waistcoat: A Smart Wedding Guest Option
The first look is centered around a classic navy suit or navy blazer, enhanced with a pastel-colored waistcoat. This double-breasted style waistcoat, typically associated with morning dress, adds visual interest and formality with minimal effort. Paired with a pale blue shirt and a textured tie that brings all the colors together, this combination creates a cohesive and sophisticated appearance.
To avoid looking too coordinated, consider adding a pocket square with brown accents on the edges, which breaks up the outfit nicely. This careful balance results in a smart, refined look perfect for wedding guest attire.
If you're wearing this style with a blazer rather than a suit, pair it with charcoal flannel trousers and tobacco suede shoes to pick up the accent colors. For a full navy suit, black shoes might be more appropriate. To add an extra touch of refinement, consider a tie pin – a simple accessory that lifts the entire look away from office wear and creates a more festive appearance.
One significant advantage of including a waistcoat in your wedding outfit is the flexibility it offers. If you arrive at the wedding and feel overdressed, simply removing the waistcoat instantly makes your outfit more casual without any major adjustments needed. This makes it an ideal choice when you're unsure about the event's formality level, particularly if you're attending as a plus-one and don't know the hosts well.
Bold Red Blazer: Making a Statement at Summer Weddings
A summer wedding without a strict dress code presents the perfect opportunity to express your personality through your attire. This red blazer outfit exemplifies how you can make a memorable statement while still looking appropriate for the occasion. The vibrant Campari red combined with a pale pink shirt and textured tie creates a look that shows you've made a genuine effort to celebrate the special day.
When you wear such a bold outfit, you're communicating that you've come to enjoy the festivities and are embracing the spirit of the occasion. This type of stylish men's wedding guest look works particularly well for less formal weddings where traditional morning dress or black tie isn't required.
This outfit is also an excellent choice if you're invited only to the evening reception. Arriving in such a distinctive jacket with beautiful pearl buttons ensures you'll make a positive impression. To balance the boldness of the top half, it's best to keep the lower portion of your outfit more subdued. Consider pairing this blazer with off-white linen trousers in a fuller cut, completing the look with tonal footwear such as pale beige Belgian loafers.
The contrast between the vibrant jacket and neutral trousers creates a balanced yet eye-catching wedding outfit idea for men that's perfectly suited for summer celebrations. This combination demonstrates how you can incorporate bold colors into formal occasions without appearing inappropriate or overdressed.
Linen Outfits for Overseas and High Summer Weddings
When you're invited to a wedding in a warm location, whether that's in the Mediterranean, tropics, or during high summer, your outfit needs to balance elegance with comfort. For these occasions, linen becomes your best ally in creating a sophisticated yet cool ensemble.
This light blue linen jacket offers a refreshing alternative to the more common beige and cream linen options typically seen at summer events. Adding a cream linen waistcoat introduces a touch of formality without adding excessive bulk or heat, which is crucial when attending outdoor ceremonies in warm weather.
An ivory shirt complements this combination perfectly, creating a distinctly formal, wedding-appropriate appearance. The linen pocket square maintains the theme, while a slightly darker tie adds structure and formality to the overall look. This combination creates a smart, occasion-appropriate outfit that will keep you comfortable even in humid conditions.
When it comes to completing this men's summer wedding outfit, you have several options for the lower half. While you could embrace an all-linen look with matching trousers or cream trousers to coordinate with the waistcoat, another excellent option is pale gray tropical worsted trousers. These offer breathability similar to linen but maintain a sharper appearance with better crease retention.
For footwear with this type of warm weather wedding outfit, lightweight shoes are essential. An unlined Belgian loafer would be a perfect choice, providing both comfort and style appropriate for the setting.
Upgrading Your Basic Suit with Standout Accessories
A dark blue suit or blazer can be transformed from everyday office attire into the perfect wedding guest outfit with the right accessories. At the core of this look is a chambray shirt paired with a plain shantung tie—a combination that's refined yet understated. However, what truly distinguishes this outfit and gives it a festive character is the addition of a slightly flamboyant pocket square.
For men who might be hesitant about incorporating pocket squares into their everyday style, a wedding provides the ideal opportunity to experiment. The impact of a well-chosen pocket square cannot be overstated—it immediately signals that you've put thought and care into your appearance for the special occasion.
This strategy is particularly valuable if you have a limited wardrobe or can't justify investing in a dedicated wedding suit. By having just one or two distinctive pocket squares in your collection, you can instantly transform your regular navy suit into appropriate wedding attire.
This versatile look can be worn either as a complete suit with matching dark blue trousers or, if you're wearing a blazer, with mid-gray trousers and brown shoes for a smart, coordinated appearance. The key takeaway is that the right accessories can effectively bridge the gap between professional and celebration-ready attire with minimal investment.
Casual Beach Wedding Attire for Men
When you receive a wedding invitation that specifically mentions casual attire—perhaps for a beach ceremony or a laid-back summer celebration—you have the perfect opportunity to create a relaxed yet stylish outfit. This is where you can embrace a more casual approach while still honoring the special occasion.
The pink jacket look described in the transcript offers an excellent template for this type of event. Worn unbuttoned with a bold striped shirt (specifically a double butcher stripe rather than an office stripe), this combination creates a fun, relaxed aesthetic while still looking intentional and put-together. Some might even describe it as having a "Miami Vice" vibe—playful yet sophisticated.
To complete this casual beach wedding outfit, wide-legged, baggy linen trousers provide both comfort and style, offering a soft, drapey silhouette that works perfectly for warm-weather celebrations. The finishing touch comes in the form of espadrilles, worn without socks—a footwear choice that clearly communicates the relaxed nature of the outfit while remaining appropriate for a special occasion.
This type of approach works particularly well for beach weddings or celebrations where the hosts have explicitly encouraged guests to be comfortable and express their personal style. It allows you to honor the festive nature of the event without feeling unnecessarily formal or constrained.
Tonal Linen Ensembles for Elegant Wedding Style
For true linen enthusiasts, a summer wedding presents the perfect opportunity to fully embrace this breathable fabric. The all-linen look described in the transcript incorporates a linen shirt, linen tie, linen jacket, and linen pocket square, creating a cohesive ensemble that's both elegant and comfortable for warm-weather celebrations.
What gives this outfit its distinctive character is the tonal approach—using different shades of the same color family creates a subtle sophistication and formality that's perfect for wedding fashion. While tone-on-tone styling has cycled in and out of fashion over the years, it appears to be making a comeback as a thoughtful, considered approach to formal dressing.
Despite using the same fabric throughout, the outfit maintains visual interest through the slightly different textures of each linen piece. This subtle variation adds depth to the monochromatic palette, creating an outfit that appears carefully curated rather than flat or monotonous.
To complete this look, you can either wear matching suit trousers or separate linen trousers in a complementary shade. For footwear, a simple, pale-colored suede loafer—perhaps in a mushroom tone—would be ideal, with a penny loafer style being particularly appropriate. The result is an elegant, cohesive outfit that will keep you comfortable throughout the celebration while still looking appropriately dressed for the occasion.
While linen's tendency to crease should be acknowledged, it's part of the charm and character of this natural fabric, particularly appropriate for summer celebrations.
Westwood Hart Custom Suits for Special Occasions
At Westwood Hart, we understand the importance of looking your best at weddings and special events. Our custom-tailored suits are designed to provide both the perfect fit and style for these memorable occasions. Whether you're drawn to the navy suit with pastel waistcoat, bold colored blazers, or all-linen ensembles discussed in this article, our online configurator allows you to design a suit that perfectly matches your personal style and the event's requirements.
We offer a wide range of fabrics, including breathable linens for summer weddings and premium wools for more formal occasions. Our expert tailors can help you create any of the looks mentioned above, with attention to details that make all the difference. Why settle for off-the-rack when you can have a custom suit that's made specifically for you? Design your wedding outfit today using our simple online system and stand out for all the right reasons at your next special event.