Wedding outfit guide for the guest - Men (2024)

FAQs

What should men wear to a wedding as a guest? ›

Formal dress code or black-tie optional means that tuxedos are optional, but if you don't wear one you'll need to go with a suit and tie. Semi-formal dress codes don't require a full suit and tie. A suit without a tie or mixed suit separates are going to give you the perfect fit.

For dressy casual men wedding attire, you should aim for something that is more formal than casual wedding dress. You can wear a dress shirt, dress pants, and dress shoes. You can also wear a sport coat or blazer to add a touch of formality.

Most of the time, it's totally fine to wear black to a wedding. But there are instances when it's an absolute no-no. Even though you've been saving that stealthy suit for a special occasion, it's important to understand that sometimes it's just not, well, suitable.

Generally, a well-tailored suit is a versatile choice. For formal weddings, a tuxedo or a dark suit with a tie is appropriate. Semi-formal and casual weddings allow for lighter suits and more relaxed outfits. Always consider the wedding's location and theme when choosing your attire.

Tuxedos are optional, but they will expect a full formal suit at the very least. Not sure if it's formal? If the women are still planning on long dresses, assume it's formal. A wide variety of weddings could be formal, but they typically lean towards traditional.

According to Lisa Lyons, an event planner and etiquette advisor, jeans are inappropriate to wear as they're generally deemed as casual and informal. "Weddings are typically formal or semi-formal events, and wearing jeans may be seen as disrespectful and not in line with the dress code," she explains.

Smart Casual:

Think of it as a dressed-up version of your everyday attire. Denim or jeans are acceptable if paired with a blazer or a nice shirt. Footwear can range from sneakers (clean and stylish) to boots or brogues.

Light colors and casual materials, like satin or linen, fit the code well. However, it's also worth pointing out that the time of day may also affect the code. For instance, dressy casual for an evening may mean a suit, perhaps with an open shirt button to dress it down a bit.

Understanding what smart casual means

For men, this may mean wearing a sharp button-up shirt and fitted pants with a well-fitting jacket, or it could mean going with a chic knit sweater with chinos and loafers. To get a smart and adaptable appearance, it's important to combine pieces that are both elegant and casual.

Wear a dark suit or tuxedo: For a formal wedding, dark suits, such as black, charcoal grey, or navy blue, are most appropriate. Wear a bow tie or necktie: Unlike with black-tie attire, a bow tie is not required. You may wear a bow tie or necktie.

What colors are not appropriate to wear to a wedding? ›

Leave all white, ivory, and champagne-hued shades alone, unless the invitation specifically designates an all-white dress code. "White and ivory are such a stark, prominent color that when you are the only one, as the bride, wearing it, all eyes are on you," says Avrumson.

Since nuptials are celebratory occasions, the dark hue was labeled off-limits for attendees in the past. However, in today's modern-day age, wearing black to a wedding is completely acceptable, and in many cases, it's even encouraged.

Basically, wedding guests are off the hook if they absolutely cannot wear a tuxedo. A dark suit and tie would be acceptable black tie optional wedding attire for men, but wear a tux if you can. Prefer to dress it down? Try a black satin necktie or a black and white bow tie in a pattern.

It typically calls for a suit and dress shirt, but you can get by with a blazer or sports coat.

A breezy seersucker suit will always be a timeless option for a wedding, especially if it's by the water. An olive or sage green is another contender. A tan or khaki suit, in linen or cotton, is also an excellent option—just make sure the neutral tone is complementary to your skin tone.

Non-Suit Casual Wedding Top: Sport Jackets

Just make sure you're in-line with the dress code. A lightweight pair of pants, chinos are a versatile alternative to dress pants, and quite often even your denim. If you don't have a pair, do yourself a favour and grab some from our shop.

Wear something comfortable, but not casual - weddings are formal events and the dress code is usually smart. Similarly to wearing white, do not wear black - black is seen as a colour of mourning.

If it says “black tie” or “white tie,” you should wear a tux with an appropriate bowtie—black for black-tie, white for white-tie dress code events. When the dress code is “black tie optional” or even just “tie optional,” wearing a tie won't be mandatory for you to fit in and be respectful.

Men can still wear dress pants, or perhaps khakis, with a polo or an untucked button-down shirt. Sweaters or sports jackets can add a nice touch, as well! Women can pick out something both stylish and comfortable, as well! Any sort of casual dress makes a great choice, paired with your favorite fashionable footwear.