My controversial take: Men’s wedding guest attire (or menswear, suiting, whatever you want to call it—anyone can wear it) is actually quite easy. I’ve attended an unspeakable number of weddings and, if I may say so, I’m always complimented on my outfits as a wedding guest. My secret? The dress code is my best friend—and it can easily be yours too. Learn the rules and stick to them, or break them when the vibe is right.
For example, to play it safe for a traditional formal event, a crisp dark suit will do the trick. On the other hand, a theme dress code—like, a “garden party” in the Hamptons; a “chic ranch” wedding in Texas—can seem overwhelming at first, but that just means you get to have fun with what you wear. (Go with florals for a garden party. Try a bolero tie for the ranch.) Dress codes at weddings are guidelines to follow so you can match the mood of the celebration. And of course, one of the greatest gifts you can give the happy couple is to celebrate them while looking your best.
Furthermore, if you usually dress in menswear or in a more masculine style, a dress code can be wonderfully prescriptive. “Black-tie” means a tux—no more, no less. “Semi-formal” can translate to “show a little personality, but no designer jeans, please.” If you’re still unsure, ask the folks who invited you what their expectations are; some might even share Pinterest boards for style inspiration. Again, it’s all about matching the vibe of the event, whether it’s a luxe destination wedding in the South of France or a chill and intimate ceremony in your neighbor’s backyard.
To help you decide your packing list for wedding season, here’s a guide to men’s wedding guest attire. I’m giving you advice and inspiration, not an end-all-be-all blueprint (only the people inviting you to their wedding can do that). Read below for some top picks based on sample wedding scenarios, short explanations of the most common wedding dress codes (use the menu below to jump right to that dress code) with some shopping recommendations for each, and tips for the essentials you might need if you’re traveling for the wedding.
Shop men’s wedding guest attire by dress code:
Our top picks:
Black-tie and black-tie optional
Though the black-tie dress code may seem intimidating at first, it’s actually one of the easiest vibes to pull off in the realm of menswear. “Black-tie” is a tux, period—especially if the event is after sunset. You can choose between peak lapels versus shawl collars, four-season wool or linen, but the shape and style of a tux is difficult to mess up. Rules of thumb: Talk to your tailor about how to best enhance your shape. No need to over do it, trust me. A good classic tux will make you look good without all the bells and whistles at a black-tie evening.
