Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Fashion & Style

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

What to Wear to a Summer Wedding: The Go-To Look for Men

John Jones
By

What is the right thing to wear for a summer wedding? Barring that your friends are hosting themed nuptials where everyone wears Hawaiian shirts, Game of Thrones costumes or nothing at all, it’s best to pick out a look that will help keep your cool, be appropriately festive, and project a sense of formality and reverence for the occasion. We like choices that travel well, look fresh all day or all evening, and add some wardrobe mileage for the rest of the season.

Michael Kors Slim-Fit Ponte Blazer and Trousers — $198
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you’ve waited until the last minute to get the suit for your buddy’s wedding, don’t panic. You can get a somewhat “bespoke” fit without actually dropping the dough on a fully tailored look: Suit separates offer the chance to buy a jacket, trousers, and maybe even a vest, each independently and in a size that fits you best. (Hopefully you’ve allowed enough time for a little last minute fine-tuning by a tailor, but if not, you should be able to get through.) We like this Michael Kors version for its season-spanning midnight blue color, but it’s ponte-knit fabric is super comfortable and perfect for travel. Throw it on with white jeans for the rehearsal dinner — just mind the chocolate sauce.

See It

Recommended Videos
Charles Tyrwhitt Slim-fit Spread Collar Shirt — $69
Image used with permission by copyright holder

This cool, sky blue shirt is a little less formal than white and projects a nice summery freshness. The shirt’s poplin weave is lightweight and breathable, while the spread collar is clean and modern. We like the button cuff, keeping it simple, and making it easy to roll-up the sleeves when things get more relaxed at the reception. Charles Tyrwhitt’s non-iron finish also makes wedding morning prep that much easier.

See It

Related
1901 Floral Cotton Tie — $20
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Floral patterns for guys are everywhere this season, but we like this neat, clean pattern for neckties. It’s festive, yet restrained … try to keep that mood in mind when it comes time for toasts at the reception. It’ll also pair nicely with other solid dress shirts and even micro-patterned checks.

See It

Barbour Men’s Jellyfish Print Shirt — $129
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Pay attention to the wedding’s dress code, but if it’s not too formal, we like wearing a minimally patterned shirt — a plucky stand-in for a plain shirt and tie — with the collar open. This jellyfish print from Barbour is amusing, yet handsome and totally topical for the summer season.

See It

Edward Armah Pocket Circle — $75
Image used with permission by copyright holder

A pocket square is a perfect finish to any suit coat, but we like Edward Armah’s pocket circles for a little added drama. Wear it cut-side down for a more restrained accent, or turn it upside down for the full-tilt firework effect.

See It

Smathers & Branson Scarsdale Needlepoint Belt — $165
Image used with permission by copyright holder

It’s summer, so let’s balance tasteful wardrobing choices with bold accessories. This Smathers & Branson belt offers a two-tone geometric pattern that brightens a navy suit but also looks great with jeans or khakis.

See It

Cole Haan 2. ZERØGRAND Oxford — $200
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Continuing with our “something blue” theme, these Cole Haan shoes offer all the comfort of your favorite knit athletic shoes, but incorporate the formal pattern of a classic oxford. Their energy foam soles will keep you dancing into the wee hours. Electric slide, here we come.

See It

Washington Square Greenwich Gold Watch — $155
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The square face of this watch gives it a bit of a retro feel. We like how the gold case, white face, and tan leather band keep it bright and fresh for summer. For $155, it’s an elegant timepiece that leaves you a little more money to splurge on the wedding present.

See It

Spyoptic Fizz Sunglasses — $65
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Outdoor wedding? We’ve got you covered.  Or at least your eyes. Grab this pair of 1980s-inspired sunnies from Spyoptic. We like that the blue lenses will coordinate nicely with a classic navy suit, as will the tortoise frames. Let’s put ‘em back in the case once inside, though —let the bride and groom be the celebrities today.

See It

Getting married yourself and weirded out by wedding rings? We’ve got the answer to that sticky issue here.

Article originally published May 31, 2017. Last updated June 16, 2018.

Editors' Recommendations

John Jones
John Jones
Contributor
John Jones is a Jersey City, New Jersey-based writer who enjoys covering design in all its forms, from fashion to…
The Best Oxford Shirts for Men to Buy and Wear
Best Oxford Shirts

Every guy's wardrobe should have items that never fail him, no matter the situation, like one of the best Oxford shirts for men. The Oxford shirt is a step up from the humble t-shirt or henley, yet a step down from a dress shirt: It falls right in line to be worn with jeans on the weekend or to be paired with chinos at the office. You can layer one of the best men's Oxford shirts with a V-neck sweater in winter or underneath a trucker jacket come spring.

And best of all, it's a classic men's shirt that never goes out of style (trust us on this). So named for the Oxford cloth used in the original versions, the buttondown collar was a special advance that helped polo players prevent their collars from flapping in the wind. These days, it's still recognized as a "sport" shirt, or one that's more casual than a dress shirt or the type of shirt you might wear with a tuxedo. That's why Oxford shirts are so at home with rugged shawl cardigans or waxed jackets, and they'll even look classy and sharp with one of the best tailored overcoats for men.

Read more
Indochino Suits For Men Are Just in Time for Wedding Season
Indochino wedding styles for upcoming spring weddings.

Wedding season can be difficult. Without the inside scoop on the latest trends and the advice on the best threads, it’s all too easy to be caught going too casual, too formal, and just simply out of style. Fortunately, Indochino has got you covered.

The online and retail custom suitmaker crafts are made to measure pieces that are fabricated to wearers’ individual measurements and look preferences to attain a flawless fit with endless ways to customize. Originally founded as an online retailer in 2007, Indochino has the know-how to assure an elevated digital experience with access from almost anywhere in the world. With Indochino's 75+  showrooms open in Canada and the United States, customers can immerse themselves in a multi-channel experience to get into the perfect suit for this upcoming spring and summer’s nuptial celebrations, no matter what the occasion.

Read more
The Best Men’s Shackets to Rock This Winter
Man standing in loft space wearing Mission Workship's The Nash gray shirt-jacket.

If you’re lucky enough to live somewhere in the U.S. that can experience three (even four) seasons in a single day, just getting dressing can prove challenging. Morning temperatures might be in the 20s when you leave for work, rise to the mid-70s at lunchtime, and dip back below freezing by dinner. Mastering your layering technique is key. But, having a handful of versatile articles of clothing can make all the difference.

Enter: The shacket. It’s not quite a shirt and not quite a jacket, but rather a deft blend of both. Most shackets look like a traditional button-up flannel shirt but are usually lined with fleece or something similar to provide the warmth of a light jacket. That versatility makes it the perfect addition to any outdoorsman’s closet. Here are our picks for the best men’s shackets (or “shirt-jackets”) to rock this winter.

Read more