What To Wear To A Wedding
by Benjamin St George
Headed to a wedding this coming season and confused about the dress code? You’re definitely not alone - the numerous (and ever-expanding) potential wedding dress codes range from rigid to bafflingly non-specific. Fear not - we’ve dissected some of the most common below to guide you through and avoid any troubling faux pas.
A few general rules of thumb, to begin. Always try and respect the code, especially if it’s on the dressier end - this is the couple's day, so help them with their vision. The location is often a vital piece of information - cocktail dress with a church ceremony requires a suit and tie; cocktail dress at the beach, not so much. Finally - and this really should be a rule for life - if in doubt, err more formal. You’ll look better wearing a tie when most are not than wearing a Hawaiian shirt with everyone else in suits.
Let’s get started.
Black Tie
For most people, black tie represents the most formal end of the dress code spectrum, and as such is the one that demands the most respect. That means either a tuxedo or a smoking jacket and evening trousers, a dinner shirt, a bow tie and no exceptions. For footwear, black patent shoes or opera pumps are ideal, though a well-polished black oxford or wholecut can do in a pinch. If you can, try and learn to tie your own bow tie - it looks immeasurably better (and provides ample bragging rights). Remember that a black tie dress code means that the hosts are taking this seriously, and you should too. Be respectful, bring your A-game and don’t try and cut corners.
Formal
The nebulous 'formal' attire essentially comprises everything one notch below black tie. That means eveningwear will still be acceptable, but definitely not essential. A dark suit will serve you well here - charcoal, grey or navy, ideally plain, though some pattern or texture is fine. Avoid striped suits in particular as these can make everything feel a bit corporate - ever the enemy of fun. For shirting, keep it white. Ties should be worn - some pattern interest is fine but keep it subtle. Footwear can be either black or dark brown, as appropriate - lace-ups or monkstraps preferred.
Predominantly the domain of the daytime wedding, the elevator pitch for cocktail dress is essentially “suits or separates, styled as sir chooses”. A summer wedding makes separates more appropriate - a cream or beige trouser will serve you well here, teamed with a tan shoe - whereas during the colder months a suit will typically be the safer option. A block colour or patterned shirt (think fine to medium-stripe) can work well here, depending on the outfit. A tie should still be your first choice - although potentially not essential, if in doubt always go more formal rather than less.
Smart
Smart, perhaps, but not specific. This dress code’s very vagueness suggests a certain flexibility on the part of the hosts - personal insight into their tastes should be your guide here. Separates are a great choice - a well-paired jacket and trouser combination is both chic and relaxed, and should let you navigate whatever the event might have in store. If the event errs on the side of informal, you might be able to shed the tie - but make sure you’re wearing an appropriate shirt. Nothing too business-y - a button-down is an excellent choice, as its heightened collar stand helps visually compensate for the tie’s absence.
Casual, Tropical or Beach
We’re really in the weeds now. If you know that the wedding is going to be very casual, you’ve got a large amount of flexibility on how to dress, but that doesn’t mean everything goes out the window. Do wear a collared shirt and do still wear trousers - yes, even on the beach. Pair them with a loafer or a dress sandal - something easy to kick off if you’re heading into the surf. Linen is an excellent companion here - light, breathable and with a texture that makes it casual by definition, it’s perfect for high summer or beach weddings
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