Looking stylish at a summer wedding doesn’t need to be difficult. Keep things simple and remember that the biggest factor in looking well put-together is fit. Below are my top five looks for a summer wedding, with some slight variations to give you multiple options when attending someone’s big day.
The Seersucker Suit
The Seersucker: a classic suit with a bad reputation. The biggest problem most guys have when wearing seersucker? Sizing. Make sure you pick the right size jacket for your body — the jacket and pants should fit similar to the pictures below. Pay special attention to the shoulder fit, sleeve length, pants fit and length.
Two Modern Options for the Seersucker Suit
Option #1: Pair the seersucker suit with a bowtie. A well-fitted seersucker suit can look fantastic with the right shirt and tie. Stand out from the crowd with updated styling, like a pink bowtie and blue shirt. With both choices, the shade and texture are important. A rich pink bowtie with a subtle pattern paired with a chambray-style, textured shirt really pop without being over-the-top. Feel free to pair with a blue shirt of almost any style. Remember, though, a button-down collar will give the outfit a decidedly more southern and classic feel.
Option #2: Pair the seersucker suit with an understated tie. I love a three-piece suit, and this seersucker suit with a double-breasted waistcoat adds an element of sophistication. Pair it with a white shirt and a navy blue knit tie, preferably with a horizontal stripe pattern as shown. You can also try some tie colors here, but keep the pattern simple. Personally, I like the rich navy color and stripes with the seersucker. Add a colored pocket square for a fun pop of color, or go with a white one with a little rumpled flair. Feel free to lose the vest and just wear the jacket and pants during the hot summer months.
The Chino Suit
Another classic, the Chino suit — or more commonly known as a khaki (color) suit. Like the seersucker, this suit can quickly look outdated with the wrong fit or color. Look for a cotton or linen fabric to accomplish the look, but the khaki color needs to be rich in order to make it work. Pair with your choice of shirts, but color can be your friend here. A light pink cotton shirt is a nice color choice with this suit, as is a brighter blue — or even white — linen shirt. If you need a tie, opt for a cotton knit tie — in almost any color — to pull this ensemble together.
Patterned Shirt with White Pants & Blue Blazer
I know, I know. White pants. Don’t be afraid, especially for a beach wedding! Keep an outfit with white pants pulled together with a patterned shirt, something like a light blue and white gingham one, and a linen or cotton blazer in a brighter blue shade. Other color shirts would be perfect here as well. Be brave enough to try white pants this summer, and you just might find yourself wearing a new warm weather staple.
Vest with a Bowtie
Inspired by an outfit Ashton Kutcher wore a few years ago, this is one of my favorite looks ever. (Note: don’t be afraid to use what others wear as inspiration… you can even copy the outfit completely and no one will ever know the difference!). This combination is not complicated at all, and makes a modern, cool look easy to pull off. A simple white shirt, a blue waistcoat/vest, a deep purple bowtie with a pattern, and some light beige linen pants or khaki chinos. That’s it! Add some tortoiseshell sunglasses and a beige newsboy cap, and you just might be the most stylish person at the wedding. This look works best in a more casual setting, like an outdoor ceremony in some gardens or on the beach.
The Casual Polo
Another more casual wedding look is to pair some white pants with a well-fitted navy polo shirt. As always, sizing and fit is everything. If you wear a polo shirt untucked, the bottom of the polo should be no longer than mid-zipper of your pants, and the back of the polo shouldn’t be longer than the front. The sleeves should hit about two-thirds of the way down the bicep for an updated look. The contrasting color of the navy and white give a nautical, summery look without having to deal with bold stripes or patterns. Need to dress it up a bit? Just grab a cotton or linen blazer — I recommend a lighter blue color with a pattern.
Durham resident, world traveler, gentleman-about-town — Matthew Coppedge lives by the Commandments of Style. You can check back here on Chapelboro regularly to follow his journey, find new looks, explore refinements on old favorites and peruse seasonal style guides to suit the taste of the times.
Great tips! Wondering about fit though since you talk about it so much. How do I know that my jacket fits correctly? Are there some rules of thumb?
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