Yes, it's that time of year again. This weekend heralds copious barbecue invites and some serious (and seriously dangerous) traffic congestion, but it's also the official starting pistol of summer wedding season. And as the "save the dates" come rolling in, you may find yourself wondering: What in the world am I going to wear?
Luckily, we're here to help. No matter what type of wedding you're off to—whether it's a strictly black tie formal event, a fun-and-flirty festive gathering, or a totally casual get-together—there's a killer outfit on the racks out there for you.
Herein, we present three of the best. You'll look so great that, if you're not careful, the next wedding might be yours. And for more sage wedding season wisdom, learn the 20 Things You Should Never Do At Weddings.
Black Tie or Formal
Dressing black tie isn't exactly rocket science. If it seems like a uniform, well, that's because it is. Dress sharply and smartly and you'll be fine. For truly Bond-level elegance, pick up a midnight navy tux with pitch black lapels. It's just different enough to dazzle, yet still falls well within the confines of even the strictest dress codes. And above all, if nothing else, don't violate the cardinal rules: no denim, no sneakers, no t-shirts, and no clip-on ties. (No exceptions.)
1 | Suitsupply Lazio Navy Plain Tuxedo
$699; buy now at Suitsupply
This lightweight, slimming midnight tux from Suitsupply comes with a form-fitting vest, so you'll look picture perfect even after the hour grows late and the jacket comes off. And for more ways to rock blue tailoring, learn the 10 Great Ways to Wear a Navy Suit.
2 | Brooks Brothers Regent Fit Bib-Front Spread Collar Tuxedo Shirt
$135; buy now at Brooks Brothers
When it comes to tuxedo shirts, the offering from Brooks Brothers—clean-lined, with a strong collar and supremely breathable cotton—is the best bang for your buck.
3 | Brooks Brothers Satin Square End Self-Tie Bow Tie
$60; buy now at Brooks Brothers
Don't skimp on your bow tie; it's the glue for your entire ensemble. Pick one up that's entirely silk.
4 | Ted Baker Dedlift Semi-Precious Cufflinks
$95; buy now at Ted Baker
This is your chance to infuse some personality into the uniform. For a deep blue tux, you'll want hardware to match, like these bright sterling and painted-onyx cufflinks from Ted Baker.
5 | Paul Evans The Martin Wholecut
$399; buy now at Paul Evans
Unlike your standard Oxford, a wholecut is wholly cut from one single piece of leather (hence the name). As a result, you instantly look more refined and debonair, from toe to head.
Festive
Yes, you still have to suit up, but the more rigid rules get tossed out the window. As your cornerstone, consider an unexpectedly patterned blazer—but not too wild, since you're not the center of attention. From there, it's paint-by-numbers: a French cuff shirt, a sleek loafer, a pair of slimming trousers, maybe a reserved piece of sterling jewelry. Oh, and the necktie is optional—though, if you're going to wear one, you should master the absolute best way to tie it.
1 | Ted Baker Howzit Slim Fit Silk Paisley Jacquard Jacket
$1,495; buy now at Ted Baker
A monochromatic floral blazer is an easy way to show off your party spirit. And as a bonus, this one even comes equipped with a coordinating pocket square and lapel pin.
2 | Ted Baker Victort Wool And Mohair Dinner Suit Pants
$295; buy now at Ted Baker
These Italian wool—which, by the way, is the softest wool in the world—evening pants, from Ted Baker, will compliment even the most flowery of dinner jackets.
3 | Ted Baker Romeio Phormal Stretch Satin Shirt
$93; buy now at Ted Baker
Who says French-cuffed shirts have to be staid? This midnight blue satin shirt, from Ted Baker, with pearl-like buttons, is anything but.
4 | David Yurman Sterling Silver Bracelet
$325; buy now at Mr. Porter
For a distinct finishing touch, look no further than a quiet, reserved sterling bracelet, like this beauty, from David Yurman.
5 | To Boot New York Broadway Loafer
$395; buy now at To Boot
It's likely no one will see the sumptuous royal purple velvet insole. But let it serve as a reminder of how grand the night can be. (The sleek silhouette here is nothing to sneeze at, either.)
Casual
For the ultimate laid back look, keep things neutral and lightweight. Linen tailoring is not only acceptable here, it's encouraged. Go for a muted, reserved tan, and pair it with a white polo (yes, a polo!), suede loafers, and, if you're comfortable with the swerve, a Panama-style hat. You'll be the coolest guy there—literally.
1 | Ermenegildo Zegna Solid Summer Trofeo Wool and Linen Two-Piece Suit
$2,995; buy now at Bergdorf Goodman
Zegna's softly constructed lightweight wool and linen suit is is the epitome of laissez faire.
2 | Theory Willem Atmos Polo
$85; buy now at Nordstrom
Forget what you've heard: you can wear a polo under a suit jacket. Just make sure it fits slim and has a well-defined collar, like this lightweight cotton shirt from Theory.
3 | J.Crew Packable Panama Hat
$49.50; buy now at J.Crew
If you're comfortable attempting a hat, keep things classic. J. Crew's Panama hat is done up in the kind of cool wicker that evokes nothing less than kicking back on the Riviera.
4 | J.Crew Braided Cotton Belt
$45; buy now at J.Crew
With this look, wearing an uptight dress belt the biggest mistake you could make. Instead, opt for a neutral and natural woven one.
5 | Tod's Suede Tie Drivers
$445; buy now at Barney's
The tan suede style ensures you'll look like the coolest guy on the dance floor. The rubber-pebble sole ensures you won't slip.
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