Going to a wedding and unsure what to wear? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Consider us your menswear consultants.
What exactly qualifies men’s wedding guest attire? From men’s suits to tuxedos to loafers and shorts, here’s what you should be wearing.
For the Formal Wedding
The formal wedding is just short of going all out to the nines. Keep it classy without looking like you just rolled in from a Hedge Fund party.
Browse Wedding Rings for Men
What to Wear
If you’re thinking of traditional wedding wear, for men, that includes:
- Dark colored suit or tuxedo
- A collared dress shirt without a pattern
- Dress shoes that match the color of your suit
- A suitable necktie – this is where you can add some flair, if you want
What You Shouldn’t Do
Here’s the exact things to avoid:
- Suit jackets and pants that don’t match
- Casual shoes
- Flashy colors that could upstage the groom
- Metal accessories that don’t match – e.g., gold cufflinks, a black zirconium ring and a silver face with a brown watch band
The Relaxed-Yet-Formal Wedding
So you’re keeping it cool without going for the backyard wedding look? Here’s what you need to do.
What to Wear
Here’s your best choice, short and simple: Wear a suit, a dress shirt, a necktie and loafers. That’s it. Keep it casual while still hitting the mark.
Know Your Limits
You want to keep it cool without overdoing it and without going too simple. Rules of thumb? Don’t wear a tux, do not wear sneakers, leave the jeans at home and forget the cufflinks. Think of it as being middle of the road – the guy who doesn’t overdo it, who hits it just right.
The Backyard Wedding
Sometimes a couple wants a simple wedding. This calls for simple outfits, so keep it simple – without looking too casual.
What You Should Do
Don’t go too simple. Rather, stay comfortable without looking like you’re relaxing at home. We recommend a pair of khakis or chinos, a collared button-up shirt or polo and a pair of comfortable dress shoes.
Don’t Do This, Please
First and foremost, you may want to wear your best t-shirt, but leave it at home. Go with a polo or a short-sleeve button-up. Second, leave the tie at home. They’re asking you to keep it relaxed, and no one wants to feel like it’s casual Friday in the financial district. Lastly, do not wear sandals. You may be able to get away with it for a beach wedding, but you should still aim for something like loafers. You’ll still look good without looking like you just rolled in from a good surf.
Grab the Fancy Pants
Are your friends or family throwing a black-tie affair? If so, now is the time to get fancy, but never to a point of overdoing it. Here’s how you can nail the look without looking like Mr. MoneyShoes.
What to Do
If the wedding calls for black-tie, you should wear black. Get a black tuxedo and run with it. If you can’t get a black tux or don’t own one, consider going for dark blue. It’s not perfect, but it will allow you to get as close to the look as possible.
Next, make sure you’re pairing the right shoes with your tuxedo. Your best choice is pairing dark shoes with your tuxedo – something that blends in. Velvet and leather are great choices when it comes to material. For style, choose traditional tuxedo shoes, oxfords or loafers. If you must, short Chelsea boots can work just as well.
Lastly, wear a classic, collared dress shirt with your tuxedo. The color depends on your choosing, although white can’t be beat. You should always pair a tux with a collared dress shirt. It’s just the right look.
What to Avoid
The few rules when it comes to black-tie events can be simplified into one rule to follow: don’t overdo it. Black-tie calls for keeping it simple. So don’t overthink it. No flashy jacket, no frilly clothing, no bright additions – nothing that brings more attention to you over the groom.
Find the Manliest Ring for Your Finger
If you’re looking to get the most out of the next wedding you attend, you need to make sure you’re wearing exactly what you’re supposed to. It doesn’t hurt to offer some good tips to the groom either, whether it’s related to their tuxedo choice or the wedding ring they’re looking for.
FAQs
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.
What is appropriate to wear to a wedding as a male guest? ›
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.
What should a 50 year old man wear to a wedding? ›
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 is not appropriate to wear as a wedding guest? ›
It doesn't matter if the dress code requests "casual" attire, jeans, T-shirts, shorts, flip-flops, and sneakers are never appropriate to wear as a wedding guest. Show respect for the bride and groom by dressing formally. Sabatino suggests that men show up in a jacket and tie, even when the invitation says casual.
Do men have to wear a suit jacket to a wedding as a guest? ›
How Formal is the Wedding? Usually, weddings are considered formal events requiring its guests to wear a suit jacket, but that's not always the case.
Can a male guest wear black to a wedding? ›
If you're worried about being disrespectful, don't sweat it in the 21st century. “Yes, it's absolutely okay to wear black to a wedding,” says wedding planner Matthew Oliver. “If you're not sure, most invitations will actually mention the dress code, but you can never go wrong with a classic black tux and a white shirt.
What colors are not appropriate to wear to a wedding? ›
Traditionally, the only off-limits color for wedding guests has been white, for obvious reasons—no one wants to take attention away from the bride. But times are a-changin'. Now, many people simply don't see wearing white as a big deal. Some brides and grooms are totally cool with it.
What is too casual to wear to a wedding? ›
Casual. While casual dress code weddings allow you to wear a more relaxed outfit, remember that this is still a celebration, so shorts and flip-flops aren't advisable. Sundresses paired with sandals are the perfect attire for women who want to feel dressed up but still comfortable.
What to wear to a wedding after party as a guest? ›
Express your unique style and let loose at the wedding after-party with chic jumpsuits, bold colors & patterns, glamorous embellishments, statement shoes, and eye-catching jewelry! Get ready to look amazing in dressy casual or semi-formal attire for any event.
What looks best on over 50 men? ›
Wear more colour
It's easy to stay safe with navy, grey and white however when you're in your 50's, your skin can look a little more sallow, therefore colour can warm up your skin tone and help to make you look fresher and younger.
Outfits that combine comfort with elegance are both stylish and suitable for older men: Casual Looks: Pair polo shirts or crew-neck sweaters with chinos or dark jeans for a smart-casual look. Business Casual: A crisp button-down shirt under a v-neck sweater or blazer pairs well with well-fitting trousers.
Should older men wear T-shirts? ›
STYLE TIPS -The V shape points down, and as we get older, our bellies grow, and we get hairier chests. If you want to wear a t-shirt, opt for a men's casual fashion crew neck instead. It's more flattering and will leave you looking your best.
What should a male guest not wear to a wedding? ›
Same rules for men - no white or red, but black is OK. No jeans or shorts for either. For some Asian cultures, the bride will wear red, with the groom wearing something that goes will this. Take your cue from this and wear another color.
What to wear at a wedding as a guest male? ›
You still have the option to wear a tuxedo, but a dark formal suit, white shirt, and dark tie will likely be the most popular choice. A tie is a must here. A peak lapel can add a little extra formality to your suit and works perfectly in this situation.
Why can't you wear red to a wedding? ›
Turns out, wearing red to a wedding means to some that “you've slept with the groom.” “Old Wives' Tale, but yeah,” Mitchell explained. However, both wedding planners agreed on a more modern reason for not wearing red: It could be seen as a way to grab the attention away from the bride.
What can a man wear to a wedding besides a suit? ›
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.
What does a 55 year old wear to a wedding? ›
One of my go-to outfits is a classic midi-length dress made with a soft, flattering fabric in a color that complements my skin tone. Don't forget to pair your ensemble with tasteful accessories such as statement jewelry, a stylish clutch, and comfortable yet chic footwear.
Is it appropriate for men to wear jeans to a wedding? ›
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.
What is good wedding attire for guests? ›
Women should embrace wrap dresses, midi dresses or elegant jumpsuits. For men, if it's a daytime wedding, a light sport jacket, button-down shirt and relaxed chinos fit the bill. In the evening, go for darker colors, as later weddings tend to be more formal.
