It’s the Season alright. The wedding Season is upon us and chances are that you’re invited to one or two as well. Whether it is a friend, a family member, or a colleague – the wedding invitations are coming, fast. Are you ready for it? Are you at the top of your style-game, also when it comes to weddings?
For those of you who have sweaty palms, all nervously digging in that wardrobe of yours, let’s help you a bit along on your way to determine the right clothing for the exact type of wedding you’re going to attend to.
Follow these rules and you’ll be looking on point and following all dress codes without taking too much attention from the groom or bride (well, at least try not to).
Let’s go through them sorted by wedding types, shall we. Here we go.
Casual weddings
It’s unfortunately not often that easy, not many of them weddings are held with a casual style as expected dresscode. When you read casual wedding, be aware of the fact, that it is not meant to be interpreted as “just come in shorts and Hawaii-Shirt”. We’re still talking suits.
Casual weddings are meant to be held in a casual manner, so don’t over- but also not underrate it. Sartorially, it does mean for you, that you can relax tailoring as much as possible while still looking thoughtfully put-together. Opt for something comfortable and stylish in a laid back sense.
Suits:
Out comes the colors. Stick with the basics if you want, but a casual wedding is also a great opportunity for bolder-colored suits, as well as more bright and light patterns that screams “here-I-Am”. You could even opt for separates, so if you’re only feeling for a blazer paired with chinos, this is a good chance for you to pull that look off. Keep this rule in mind though: Always pair the bold with the not so bold, e.g. black, cream or navy chinos paired with e.g. a yellow or lime-green blazer.
Although it may seem comfy to wear to a casual wedding, don’t, ever, opt for jeans.
Shirts:
In terms of your choice of shirt, you can really show your creative side. Choose a plain colored shirt and you’re safe, but something a bit more bold would also be seen as a refreshing mix for a wedding attire.
Shoes & Accessories:
Opt for shoes that are neutral. In terms of accessories, don’t overdo it. Choose some nice cufflinks, a lapel pin and round it up with some nice and snappy socks. Instead of the tie, often choking you death during a wedding, wear a pocket square.
Freedom? Yes, indeed.
Semi-formal weddings
We’re getting closer. This is probably even the most popular request on wedding invitations compared to black tie weddings and cocktail dress code weddings, which we will get to shortly. The semi-formal dress code is also the most safe choice for you, if there hasn’t been a dresscode specified at all.
Suits:
If we’re talking semi-formal, we’re talking dark suits. Dark doesn’t mean black, but could also be navy and charcoal gray – all acceptable options to go for.
Shirts:
Don’t experiment too much here. Opt for a solid and neutral color (e.g. black, white, grey, etc.) with or without a pattern. The shirt should of course always be clean and pressed, the collar sharp. When you hear semi-formal, think court hearing. Look smooth, not too playful, serious, but not boring.
Shoes & Accessories:
Brown or black shoes are your road to follow here. It of course goes without saying that the shoes should be well-polished and look their best. In terms of accessories, creative touches are welcome. Don a creative pair of socks, ties and pocket squares.
Black tie weddings:
Moving swiftly on to black tie weddings, the time for your tuxedo to make you shine with sophistication and class. Although dress codes have become a bit softer over the time, the black tie wedding (or black tie event) is the backbone of formal attire. If you’re invited for a black tie wedding, get the tuxedo out. Here’s how to get it right.
Suits:
There’s not much room here in terms of colors. Either you go black, or you go white. In terms of lapels, you’re left with the choice of either a peak, or shawl lapel with or without a satin finish (it’s good for adding a bit of sheen contrast to the jacket). If the rebel comes out in you, you could also opt for a midnight blue colored suit as an alternative.
Shirts:
Plain colors all the way. Pleated front if you feel for it. As a little ground rule to follow, turn down collars are a better choice to aim for in modern times black tie weddings, unless the wedding is supposed to be super formal (that depends on how good you know the groom and bride to be). In terms of buttons, you could opt for a fly front or
possible a French placket.
Shoes & Accessories:
Black is best, black it should be. Whether it’s leather shoes or lace-ups, as long as you keep it black, this is the choice to opt for. When you stand in front of your shoe choices, think “simplicity is key”. In terms of accessories go for a bow tie (the standard for a tuxedo). Opt for the same color as your jacket material and you’ll be safe. Round up the look with a pair of cufflinks and a pocket square and a lapel pin. Black tie wedding, here’s…you!
Cocktail dress code weddings
Finally, we have the cocktail dress code weddings, which is somewhere between the casual and semi-formal dresscode. Choose your outfit according to the Season and time of the day. A Winter wedding? Hello wool and tweed. Summer wedding coming up? Cotton, linen and seersucker – let’s go. For weddings held at night, opt for dark colours. Daytime-weddings call for lighter colors.
Suit:
It’s time for the two-piece suit with a nice peak or notch lapel and a sharp and slim cut. In terms of colors and patterns opt for navy, charcoal, forrest green, camel, brown, or saturated blue. In terms of patterns, we’d suggest you to opt for plaid, windowpane or pinstripe. Everything goes.
Shirt:
Black colors would be the safe choice, maybe a subtle print (only if the suit is patterned). Here you’re balancing between being original, but avoiding getting all the attention.
Shoes & Accessories:
Dark leather shoes in Winter and tan colors in Summer. When it comes to accessories, you’ll need a tie (colored or with a pattern), but keep it classy. If you feel like going bold, pick either the suit, the shirt OR the tie. Add on cufflinks, a nice watch (not too big) or a pocket square.