Summer wedding style for a man.

LonLB
LonLB Posts: 1,126 Member
edited January 24 in Chit-Chat
I'm dumb. At one time I felt like this would have been a piece of cake. Now I'm lost.
What would one wear to a summer wedding as a date to someone who is in the wedding party, but I'm not in the wedding party.
It needs to be a homerun so that's why I'm asking here.

My default "style advice" used to be what little is available in Mens Health Magazine, but not seeing much there right now.


Also important to note-MAX budget is LOW. I'm a grown man with the expenses that go along with it yet trying to go to school full time to get it over with. I'M BROKE.



I'll take any advise given and also would appreciate any info on where to look on the web for more info.

Replies

  • DrBentonQuest
    DrBentonQuest Posts: 151
    You've provided most of the pertinent information, but I have just a few more questions:

    - Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?
    - Is the wedding in a church? If so, what denomination?
    - What month is the wedding? Or, less specifically, early summer [May-June] or late summer [July-September]?
    - Where is the wedding located, geographically?
    - And finally, do you know the couple, or any of their acquaintances? Or will you be sitting at a reception table with strangers?

    My first thought for an early-to-mid-summer wedding is a linen suit. Irish linen is heartier, but if you can come up with a solid Italian linen suit with notched lapels in a khaki or light gray, that would look great.

    I'd bring a little color into the equation with the dress shirt. Do not wear something specifically to match your date--you don't want to be mistaken for the bridal party [or mistaken for desperate to fit in with the bridal party]. So avoid the color scheme of her dress. I'm kind of thinking a pale emerald green dress shirt with a navy bow tie and pocket square.

    Make sure the belt matches the loafers and don't wear socks. I'm thinking you should go with Persol 714SM shades and a Jaeger-LeCoultre, Grande Reverso watch...but both of those are likely out of budget.

    Seriously though, if you are looking for cheap suits that are custom-tailored, indochino.com is a good source. You can always find cheap ties and accessories at thetiebar.com.

    Check out most recent copies of GQ and Esquire and see what you like and what appeals to you. Style isn't definitive; if you like how you look, you'll be way more comfortable.

    Feel free to shoot me a message if you have any sartorial questions. I'd be happy to help.
  • LonLB
    LonLB Posts: 1,126 Member
    outdoors, non denominational, I do know the bride but not well. I would be going with her adopted sister.
    Wedding is in July in Michigan.
    Reception table will be mostly strangers to me, but I strike conversation with anyone.
  • TylerJ76
    TylerJ76 Posts: 4,375 Member
    Khakis and a nice dress shirt.

    But don't take advice from me, I suck at anything stylish
  • laughingdani
    laughingdani Posts: 2,275 Member
    Khakis and a nice dress shirt.

    But don't take advice from me, I suck at anything stylish

    This. Or a linen shirt would be nice. If you're into wearing linen.
  • BeachIron
    BeachIron Posts: 6,490 Member
    Go with a casual wedding. If you want to dress up go with a cotton suit or dress down and go with the above.
  • DrBentonQuest
    DrBentonQuest Posts: 151
    Outdoors, Michigan. Sounds delightful...the temperatures shouldn't be overwhelming either.

    Are you on the water? If so, you might consider a seersucker suit. Try and tell me this doesn't scream summer wedding:
    Seersucker-Suit_1.jpg

    Anyways, you should have a good time.
  • ItsCasey
    ItsCasey Posts: 4,021 Member
    I like linen, but a light-colored suit (or trousers and oxford shirt) in any breathable fabric will work. No black, no navy, no dark brown. Light khaki or light gray would be perfect.
  • LonLB
    LonLB Posts: 1,126 Member
    Khakis and a nice dress shirt.

    But don't take advice from me, I suck at anything stylish


    Pretty much my default. Then try to bring it up a notch with shoes/belt/watch (or something else)
  • Special_Sauce
    Special_Sauce Posts: 36
    I'd go for casual dress...dress shoes, nice pair of dark blue jeans, long sleeve shirt with tie and a blazer. Or replace the blazer with a vest.
  • AlsDonkBoxSquat
    AlsDonkBoxSquat Posts: 6,128 Member
    If a suit is necessary, this is a nice look (see if you're buying new consider a wrinkle free linen suit, which will wrinkle just less than a normal linen suit):

    tumblr_l0r0q9oG5e1qa2j8co1_500.jpg

    If a suit is not necessary, lose the jacket, go for very nice kackies and a linen dress shirt:

    Jennifer_Warner_2.jpg

    don't wear a tie unless she says you should (but if you go with the first option take a tie with you just in case). As the date of a bridesmaid you should be able to determine which is better based on her dress and shoes. Don't worry about what other guests are wearing, dress to match her.
  • LonLB
    LonLB Posts: 1,126 Member
    I'd go for casual dress...dress shoes, nice pair of dark blue jeans, long sleeve shirt with tie and a blazer. Or replace the blazer with a vest.


    I don't want to be too casual since my date won't be casual (since she's in the wedding party)
  • TylerJ76
    TylerJ76 Posts: 4,375 Member
    Khakis and a nice dress shirt.

    But don't take advice from me, I suck at anything stylish


    Pretty much my default. Then try to bring it up a notch with shoes/belt/watch (or something else)

    Boom!

    You're done!
  • Special_Sauce
    Special_Sauce Posts: 36
    I'd go for casual dress...dress shoes, nice pair of dark blue jeans, long sleeve shirt with tie and a blazer. Or replace the blazer with a vest.


    I don't want to be too casual since my date won't be casual (since she's in the wedding party)

    I hear you. Whatever you do, don't go baggy...wear something that fits good.
  • LonLB
    LonLB Posts: 1,126 Member
    If a suit is necessary, this is a nice look (see if you're buying new consider a wrinkle free linen suit, which will wrinkle just less than a normal linen suit):

    tumblr_l0r0q9oG5e1qa2j8co1_500.jpg

    If a suit is not necessary, lose the jacket, go for very nice kackies and a linen dress shirt:

    Jennifer_Warner_2.jpg

    don't wear a tie unless she says you should (but if you go with the first option take a tie with you just in case). As the date of a bridesmaid you should be able to determine which is better based on her dress and shoes. Don't worry about what other guests are wearing, dress to match her.


    I like option 1!
    I don't want to be too formal because I have a feeling I'll be a little out of place, but don't want to be "just another person". LOL Ya, I'm OK with attention whoring.
  • myofibril
    myofibril Posts: 4,500 Member
    Outdoors, Michigan. Sounds delightful...the temperatures shouldn't be overwhelming either.

    Are you on the water? If so, you might consider a seersucker suit. Try and tell me this doesn't scream summer wedding:
    Seersucker-Suit_1.jpg

    Anyways, you should have a good time.

    This is an excellent choice, particularly if it is well fitted.

    Slim fit, slim lapels, all good.
  • ldrosophila
    ldrosophila Posts: 7,512 Member
    If a suit is necessary, this is a nice look (see if you're buying new consider a wrinkle free linen suit, which will wrinkle just less than a normal linen suit):

    tumblr_l0r0q9oG5e1qa2j8co1_500.jpg

    If a suit is not necessary, lose the jacket, go for very nice kackies and a linen dress shirt:

    Jennifer_Warner_2.jpg

    don't wear a tie unless she says you should (but if you go with the first option take a tie with you just in case). As the date of a bridesmaid you should be able to determine which is better based on her dress and shoes. Don't worry about what other guests are wearing, dress to match her.

    Almost, wear a nice brown loafer and tuck the shirt in. I think that is more than appropriate. First one or two buttons could be opened, but no more than that.
  • BeachGingerOnTheRocks
    BeachGingerOnTheRocks Posts: 3,927 Member
    Outdoors, Michigan. Sounds delightful...the temperatures shouldn't be overwhelming either.

    Are you on the water? If so, you might consider a seersucker suit. Try and tell me this doesn't scream summer wedding:
    Seersucker-Suit_1.jpg

    Anyways, you should have a good time.

    This is an excellent choice, particularly if it is well fitted.

    Slim fit, slim lapels, all good.

    This is the best answer. In either blue or beige stripe. Seersucker is so sexy. I mean it is sexy.

    Sexy.
  • LonLB
    LonLB Posts: 1,126 Member
    Every wedding I've been too I've been cleanly shaved. I used to actually enjoy a quality shave, but now it's just perma stubble. Is that OK or too scruffy?



    I feel like a fool for needing to have my hand held for this.
  • maecrocker
    maecrocker Posts: 56
    Wear what I always make my husband wear: Light tan khakis if during the day. Darker tan khakis if at night. Navy blazer. Striped oxford. Tie. Belt. Loafers no socks.

    http://www.brooksbrothers.com/Regent-Fit-BrooksCool®-Blazer/MM00110,default,pd.html?dwvar_MM00110_Color=NAVY&contentpos=19&cgid=0217
  • funforsports
    funforsports Posts: 2,656 Member
    I always like a light suit, with or without tie.

    Outdoor_Country_Club_Formal_-_Express_Mens_zps9b982f05.jpg

    mens_business_casual_style_01_checks_zps99afc136.jpg
  • jakidb
    jakidb Posts: 1,010 Member
    Depending on the "venue" for the reception...if formal, i'd go with a nice "summer suit"--if not so formal, I'd say 'linen'--a lot of mens stores offer the linen suits or linen 2 piece (shirt & pant)

    whatever you do, avoid "dark" colors
  • AlsDonkBoxSquat
    AlsDonkBoxSquat Posts: 6,128 Member
    Every wedding I've been too I've been cleanly shaved. I used to actually enjoy a quality shave, but now it's just perma stubble. Is that OK or too scruffy?



    I feel like a fool for needing to have my hand held for this.

    As long as it's groomed, what matters isn't how much facial hair you do or don't have, but whether or not you are groomed. Give whatever it is clean lines and you'll be fine.
  • jakidb
    jakidb Posts: 1,010 Member
    I always like a light suit, with or without tie.

    Outdoor_Country_Club_Formal_-_Express_Mens_zps9b982f05.jpg

    mens_business_casual_style_01_checks_zps99afc136.jpg


    This is really nice :)
  • DrBentonQuest
    DrBentonQuest Posts: 151
    Every wedding I've been too I've been cleanly shaved. I used to actually enjoy a quality shave, but now it's just perma stubble. Is that OK or too scruffy?

    I feel like a fool for needing to have my hand held for this.

    The last wedding I attended [mid-April] I wore a day's stubble. I was not in the wedding party--khaki suit, teal shirt, pink tie. This weekend I will be a best man--tuxedo, clean-shave.

    It really comes down to the event. If you have a good straight razor or even a safety razor, take a half-hour or so and give yourself a close shave the night before the event. Be sure to use lavender oil before the shave and dab an ointment afterwards to allow your skin to heal overnight.
  • Special_Sauce
    Special_Sauce Posts: 36
    Every wedding I've been too I've been cleanly shaved. I used to actually enjoy a quality shave, but now it's just perma stubble. Is that OK or too scruffy?



    I feel like a fool for needing to have my hand held for this.

    Bro you're making this too hard. Go with the scruff if that's who you are. You'll already be looking sharp from the extra effort you're putting in now. The fact that you care what you look like tells me that your date will notice your new sense of style.

    As for me, I like that mix of sharply dressed with a bit of "I could give a damn" type of stubble and hair.
  • maecrocker
    maecrocker Posts: 56
    I always like a light suit, with or without tie.

    Outdoor_Country_Club_Formal_-_Express_Mens_zps9b982f05.jpg

    mens_business_casual_style_01_checks_zps99afc136.jpg

    Now that is sexy! I like the bottom one best.
  • Atarahh
    Atarahh Posts: 485 Member
    white linen sets are always very classy for summer outdoors!

    You can probably land a nice one at K&G or Target/Walmart
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