What To Wear To Weddings

May 24, 2016

Deciding what to wear to weddings can be tricky. Weddings have evolved. It sounds ridiculous to hear that but like everything else, it’s no longer restricted by traditions.

Modern weddings are essentially giant parties. And parties have dress codes. The invitation usually indicates the general theme of the wedding but sometimes “Island Chic” doesn’t exactly translate as the same thing to every attendee. It also means you can no longer just throw on that same ol’ party suit (we know you all have one). We’ve taken the time to break down some popular dress codes so you don’t get lost in translation.

Dress Code: Casual
What to Wear: A party is still a party, no matter where it’s held so please don’t show up in jeans and a t-shirt. Casual is more like “smart casual” so throw on a pair of chinos or dress pants. Keep it laidback with a clean classic polo- tuck it in and wear a belt for a pulled together look. If you’re adventurous go for one that has a pattern. A blazer pulls the outfit together and can double as lightweight outerwear so it can be taken off if it’s too hot.

Outfit details: Strellson – Nolan Linen/Wool Blazer $598, Sand – Drake P Polo $150, Dimattia – Sanremo Textured Jacquard Pant $245, Anderson’s – High Shine Belt $165, Spitfire – Sunglasses $65

Dress Code: Garden Party / Dapper
What to Wear: There’s a good chance that it’s an outdoor occasion so most importantly, dress for the weather. Think lightweight fabrics and make sure your outfit works sans-blazer. This dress code is like one step up from casual and more on the dapper side. It’s the perfect opportunity to rock a bow tie, a funny lapel pin or a zany patterned shirt.

Outfit details: Sand Glen Check Linen/Cotton Blazer $695, Blue Industry – Circles Print Shirt $170, A. Christensen – Bow Tie $95, Doro – Lapel Pin $19, Blue Industry – Smooth Stretch Chino $145, Anderson’s – Pebbled Leather Belt, Gotstyle – Toe Cap Derby Leather Dress Shoe $295, Nixon – Leather Watch $180

Dress Code: Formal / Suit & Tie
What to Wear: Most men seem to be comfortable and familiar with this dress code. A suit in navy or charcoal works. Pair it with a dress shirt and tie. Ideally, it’s as if you’re going into a meeting with an important client. The only thing we suggest is to step out of that businesswear restriction. Feel free to go for a more colourful tie, pocket square or bold dress shirt (but please pick just one). It is a celebration after all.

Outfit details: Without Prejudice – Kilburn Tonal Check Suit, Gotstyle – Textured Shirt $165, Gotstyle – Burnished Double Monk Strap Leather Dress Shoe $295, Duchamp – Tie $145, Weber – Tie Bar $40, Jin Qun – Silk Pocket Square $15, Wurkin Stiffs – Lapel Pin $46

Dress Code: Beach Formal
What to Wear: If you don’t know, the formal part of the dress code means don’t show up in an oversized zany Hawaiian shirt and cargo shorts. It not what you wear to weddings. Since the weather is going to be blazing (or at least we hope so), make sure to keep your attire light and breathable. Look for a suit in linen or seersucker. This is also a chance to rock a tan, white, light grey or even pastel suit. Feel free to go without a tie but PLEASE do not wear socks OR sandals.

Outfit 1 details: Haspel – Gravier Seersucker Stripe Blazer $650, Oscar of Sweden – Floral Print on Check Shirt $225, Haspel – Bernard Seersucker Stripe Pant $195, Anderson’s – Stretch Leather Belt $198, A. Christensen – Pocket Square $45, Gotstyle – Double Monk Strap Shoe $225

Outfit 2 details: Haspel – Gravier Seersucker Blazer $650, Ordean – Solid Shirt $150, Haspel – Bernard Seersucker Pant $195, Gotstyle – Tie $105, A. Christensen – Pocket Square $45, Gotstyle – Double Monk Strap Shoe $225

Dress Code: Festive / Something Themed
What to Wear: Usually, this means to keep it fresh but with a twist. It gives you some freedom to express your personality. Go for a coloured suit. Wear a dress shirt with a bold pattern and if the atmosphere is right, throw on a pair of clean leather sneakers.

Outfit details: Phillipe Dubuc – Wool/Mohair Peak Lapel Suit $1100, Selected Homme – Micro Floral Print Shirt $85, Jin Quin – Silk Tie $45, Gotstyle – Double Monk Strap Leather Dress Shoe $295, Spitfire – Sunglasses $65

Dress Code: Black Tie
What to Wear: This one is the most straightforward and there’s no way around it. Black tie calls for a tuxedo and a bow tie. Tuxedos do come in a variety of colours so don’t feel restricted to a black one.

Outfit details: Hardy Aimes – Shawl Collar Wool/Mohair Blend Tuxedo $1195, Stenstroms – Slimline Tuxedo Shirt $245, Dion – Bow Tie $135, Prime Shoes – Basel Hi-Shine Oxford Shoe $194