Summer Wedding Attire: A Men's Guide To Being the Most Stylish Guest

You've got mail. 

No, it’s not the new manscaping kit you ordered. It's actually an RSVP from a friend who's getting married this summer.

We all have our own unique reactions to an invite like this. 

For some guys, it's elation. You've got a whole day of free food and beer with your buddies coming up. For others, it's a sentence to forced socialization. Tough luck, soldier.

Either way, you're going to need something to wear.

You might be tempted to throw on your everyday work suit. But based on the fact you're reading this post, we think you're looking for something better. 

Did we guess right? If so, we're happy to help.

This is your zero-fluff guide to dressing for that summer wedding — and earning a reputation as a style guru along the way.

Understanding the summer wedding dress code

If there's anything we can learn from Monopoly, it's that you should establish the rules of the game before entering the field of play. 

The same applies to wedding fashion.

Most couples have a pretty good idea of how they want guests to dress. If you're lucky, they might tell you right on the invite. But it's more common to speak in code or offer zero guidance whatsoever.

If in doubt, try to clarify with the lovebirds. Here's a pocket translation guide to help you interpret the response:

• Formal: "We expect you to turn up in your Sunday best. Excessive color will earn you evil looks."

• Semi-formal: "You don't have to look like a mafioso. A light suit or dress pants with a blazer is fine."

• Casual: "Aside from your most garish Hawaiian shirt, we don't mind what you wear. But maybe make some effort?"

Still not sure? It's better to be a bit too formal than underdressed. You can always take off the jacket and roll up your sleeves!

The perfect summer wedding suit

All this talk of dress codes is enough to make even the most seasoned wedding guest break out in a cold sweat. So, let's simplify things.

If you have no clue what to wear to this summer's wedding, here are your default settings:

For formal weddings, try a light gray or navy blue suit

These outfits are sleek enough to look smart, without drifting into tux territory. Choose a light wool or linen fabric so you won't melt in hot weather.

• Top: Crisp white or pale blue dress shirt. Stick to breathable fabrics like cotton or linen unless you want mammoth sweat patches.

• Bottom: Suit pants that match your jacket, cut to a slim or straight fit. Aim for a slight break at the hem — no need to show off your socks.

• Shoes: Polished black or brown leather Oxford shoes or Derby shoes. Very sensible.

• Accessories:A sleek leather belt that matches your shoes. Add a tie or pocket square in complementary colors for extra zing.

Pro tip: For darker skin tones, light gray can contrast beautifully. Navy is universally flattering. Add a pastel tie or pocket square for a subtle pop of color.

More leeway for style? Go for a light and bright suit 

We’re talking cream, light gray, stone, or light blue. Seersuckers are perfect for waterside weddings. If the event is in a rural location, you could try a more traditional suit design in tan or olive.

• Top: A classic white or pastel-colored dress shirt; think light pink or sky blue. For a more relaxed vibe, pair your suit jacket with our Anytime Tee in a neutral shade.

• Bottom: Matching lightweight suit pants, or switch to Jetsetter Tech Pants for all-day comfort and booty envy.

• Shoes: Suede brogues, loafers, or leather shoes in tan or light brown.

• Accessories: Elevate your look with a silk tie, a patterned pocket square, or a stylish lapel pin.

Pro tip: Pair lighter suits with brown shoes for a softer, cohesive look.

For anything more casual, grab your favorite dress shirt and pants

You have a license to thrill. Choose light, airy colors that complement your skin tone. If you're feeling adventurous, wear a patterned shirt or a bright linen blazer — you're only allowed one. Add comfortable dress pants to complete the look.

• Top: A button-up shirt in a soft color or small pattern, or our Tech Polo. Layer with a linen blazer or unstructured cotton jacket (you wild man).

• Bottom: Choose Jetsetter pants in versatile shades like Deep Blue, Ice Gray, or Oak Khaki. Or chinos if you really must.

• Shoes: Classic loafers, suede drivers, or even minimalist sneakers in light, neutral colors.

• Accessories: Add a leather or woven belt, and stylish sunglasses. You could even wear a silver bracelet if you’re feeling roguish.

Pro tip: White sneakers are becoming a wedding staple for casual summer settings. Just make sure they’re spotless before stepping out!

Think of the options above as your summer wedding starter pack. We'll check out some more creative looks in a minute.

Choose your fabrics wisely 

While colors and fits are important, you shouldn't overlook fabrics.

That luxurious woolen suit might look nice now. But when the mercury hits 100 and you can't move from your seat for two hours, you'll be cursing your choice of attire.

To avoid booking your place in a woven sauna, build your outfit around these materials:

• Linen: Please stand for the king of warm-weather fabrics. Lightweight and airy, a linen suit is perfect for outdoor weddings when the sun is shining. The cloth even wicks away moisture, so you'll feel fresh throughout the ceremony — and long into the night. Just be prepared for a few wrinkles.

• Cotton: A solid all-rounder, cotton looks great in a variety of styles. From casual button-ups to tailored trousers, this fabric will help you stay cool under pressure (like when Aunt Judy asks you about your love life…again). 

• Seersucker: Don't overlook the underdog. This classic textile is characterized by its crinkled stripes and lightweight feel. It’s a sophisticated choice that shines at beachside ceremonies or lakeside nuptials. Plus, its rumpled texture naturally keeps the fabric away from your skin — and no one likes a sticky suit.

Conversely, we strongly recommend avoiding heavy wool blends. It's literally made to keep sheep warm. And polyester is also best avoided if you want any hint of breathability.

Alternative men's summer wedding outfits

If there was ever a perfect occasion not to wear a suit, it's a summer wedding.

Assuming the bride and groom are cool with smart casual, it's worth getting creative with your wedding day attire.

Here are some looks to try.

The "casual but not disrespectful" guy

This is the sweet spot between Mad Men attire and going full vagabond. It's abundantly clear that you checked the mirror this morning, but you're not sweating through multiple layers of fabric. Smart guy.

• Top: Linen or cotton button-up with the sleeves rolled. Choose a patterned shirt to disguise the inevitable sweat patches.

• Bottom: Jetsetter pants in colors like Deep Blue, Oak Khaki, or Olive Green suggest that you've reached full adult status. Linen pants provide a more relaxed option.

• Shoes: Loafers without (visible) socks. No-show socks are highly recommended unless you want a career in fungus farming.

• Accessories:A nice watch suggests you have places to be, but none more important than right here.

The linen godfather

Linen is the ultimate choice for a destination wedding. It’s lightweight, breezy, and makes you look effortlessly smooth…like you might own a vineyard in Tuscany. Just don't be surprised if someone asks if you brought a bottle with you.

• Top: A long-sleeve linen shirt. Roll up the sleeves, so you seem prepared for a deep conversation about wine pairings.

• Bottom: Slim fit Jetsetter Tech pants in Sand Stone or Ice Gray, with a belt that's long enough to handle the buffet bloat.

• Shoes: Leather loafers, suede espadrilles, or even crisp white sneakers if the vibe is relaxed.

• Accessories: A leather bracelet and tasteful sunglasses. Leave the aviators to the Top Gun fans.

The patterned maverick

Dressing for a wedding isn't about fitting in. If the dress code is laid back, feel free to switch your plain shirt for a bold statement piece. A patterned short-sleeve button-up says you're fun, approachable, and looking for someone to challenge you at limbo.

• Top: A short-sleeve button-up. Look for tropical prints, subtle florals, or geometric patterns in soothing colors. 

• Bottom: Slim fit Jetsetter pants in True White, Oak Khaki, or Ice Gray. Or cropped pants.

• Shoes: Loafers or smart suede drivers. Again, no-show socks please.

• Accessories: A woven belt and a killer watch. Figuratively speaking, of course.

Best buds with the bride's brother

Are you 100% sure the dress code is casual? In that case, you have clearance to embrace the "BBQ with the boys" mindset. Just remember that a beach wedding is still a wedding…

• Top: Our Tech Polo is in the Goldilocks zone. Not too tight, not too baggy. Stick with classic colors like Deep Blue and Space Black. 

• Bottom: Tech Shorts hit just above the knee. Perfect.

• Shoes: Minimal leather sneakers (NO logos) or dressed-up loafers.

• Accessories:A leather belt, and some subtle cuff bracelets just to confirm you thought about this outfit.

Rocking the short suit (if you dare)

Let's deal with the elephant in the room.

Short suits are quite fashionable right now. And they can look great. 

But like any bold statement, it's easy to get this look very, very wrong. You (probably??) don't want to turn up at a wedding looking like Angus Young from AC/DC.

To avoid such calamities, stick to these cardinal rules.

• Thou shalt not wear short suits at a formal wedding. If it’s a black-tie affair or the invite was printed on thick embossed paper, stick to full-length trousers.

• Thou shalt wear a short suit that fits perfectly. The jacket should nip at the waist and make it past your hips. The shorts should be slim, straight, and tailored. We don't want a DJ Khalid situation.

• Thou shalt honor thy knee-line. Too short means subjecting the other guests to an eyeful. Too long, and you're an NBA player in the early 2000s. 

The don’ts of men's summer wedding style

We said earlier that we'd give you plenty of styling ideas. My goodness, how we've delivered on that promise. You're welcome.

But we didn't want to leave you without mentioning some things to avoid. You can't be too careful.

Don’t…

• Wear sandals: Come on. Seriously. Even at beach weddings, leave the flip-flops at home. Go for polished loafers or sleek sneakers instead.

• Overdo it with accessories: Adding a couple of tasteful pieces is great. But if you look like you raided a jewelry store, we have a problem.

• Forget grooming: You might be dressed to the nines, but that means nothing if you're rocking bed head. 

• Compromise on comfort: We're all for looking good. But don't choose something that feels really uncomfortable. Everyone will be able to tell from your pained expression.

• Overshadow the couple: You know the guy who wears something really flashy and delivers an unscheduled rambling speech, powered by multiple beers? Don't be that guy.

Men's wedding guest attire made easy

You don't have to be a fashion expert to look good at a summer wedding.

As long as you follow the dress code and think about what you're wearing, you should hit the mark. 

We'll see you at the buffet!