Styling Guide: Top Summer Wedding Outfits for Men

Published on July 24, 2024 | Updated July 25, 2024

summer wedding guest wearing men's light grey suit, white suit accessories, and sunglasses at barn venue

Summer Wedding Style for Men

Summer weddings are a delightful blend of romance and celebration, but dressing for them can be a challenge. The warm weather calls for outfits that are both stylish and comfortable. This guide will explore the best summer wedding outfits for men, focusing on looks that strike the perfect balance between laid-back and polished. Whether you're attending a beach wedding, a garden party, or a casual backyard gathering, we'll provide you with outfit ideas that will help you look effortlessly stylish and stay cool throughout the day. Get ready to discover versatile and easygoing ensembles that are perfect for any summer wedding occasion.

Key Takeaways

Always check the wedding invitation for the dress code to determine if a suit, tuxedo, or more casual attire is appropriate.
To stay comfortable in the summer heat, opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and light wool blends.
Light or neutral colors such as beige, light gray, and pastels are perfect for summer weddings and keep you cooler.
Use accessories like ties, bowties, cufflinks, tie bars, belts, and pocket squares to add style and personality to your outfit. Experiment with different types of tie knots for variety.
Ties aren’t always necessary for casual or semi-formal weddings, but for black-tie events, a formal tie or bowtie is required.

Understanding Summer Wedding Dress Codes

Summer weddings can feature various dress codes, each requiring a different level of formality. Choosing the right outfit involves understanding these dress codes and selecting pieces that are both stylish and appropriate for the season. Below, we'll break down the different types of wedding attire, from the most formal to the most casual, to help you navigate summer wedding fashion with confidence.

Men’s summer black-tie wedding attire

Black-tie wedding attire is all about elegance and refinement. For men, this means wearing a tuxedo with a black bowtie, a white dress shirt, and black dress shoes. For summer, look for tuxedos made from lighter fabrics like wool blends or linen to stay cool. While black is the traditional color for black-tie affairs, dark navy or charcoal can also be appropriate options.

When it comes to formal vs. black-tie attire, black-tie is more rigid and specific, so make sure to adhere strictly to these guidelines. Avoid wearing light-colored suits, casual shoes, and anything too informal, like a sports jacket. Stick to the tuxedo essentials to fit the dress code.

Men’s summer formal wedding attire

Formal wedding attire, sometimes called black-tie optional, gives you a bit more leeway compared to black-tie. Instead of a tuxedo, you can wear a dark suit and tie. For summer weddings, opt for a suit made from lightweight fabrics like cotton or a breathable wool blend. Pair it with a crisp white or light-colored dress shirt and polished dress shoes. You can also play with accessories like pocket squares or subtle cufflinks to add a personal touch.

Even with the slightly relaxed rules of formal wedding attire, you should avoid anything too casual. This means no khakis, jeans, or polo shirts. You still want to look polished and put together. Stick to traditional dress shoes, make sure your suit fits well, and avoid anything that looks too laid-back.

Black tie summer wedding guest wearing men's black tuxedo and suspenders at vineyard venue

Man wearing formal dress code summer wedding outfit in burgundy suit with silk pocket square on city rooftop

Men’s summer semi-formal wedding attire

Semi-formal wedding attire, also known as cocktail attire, strikes a balance between formal and casual. A suit and tie are usually expected, but you can be more creative with colors and patterns. Light gray, beige, or pastel suits are excellent choices for summer weddings. Match your suit with a tie that complements your outfit but doesn’t overpower it. Semi-formal attire allows for some personality, so don’t be afraid to experiment a little.

When considering formal vs. semi-formal attire, remember that semi-formal gives you more freedom. However, avoid going too casual with items like sneakers, T-shirts, or overly bold patterns. Keep your look neat and cohesive. Make sure your suit is well-tailored, your shoes are polished, and your accessories are tasteful.

Men’s summer casual wedding attire

Casual wedding attire is the most relaxed dress code, but you still need to put some effort into your look. Think dressy casual—chinos or dress pants paired with a button-down shirt or a lightweight blazer. For summer weddings, incorporate brighter colors and lighter fabrics to stay comfortable and stylish. Casual doesn’t mean sloppy, so make sure everything fits well and looks neat.

Men’s beach wedding attire falls under the casual category but requires special considerations due to the setting. Opt for linen or cotton shirts, light-colored pants, and dressy sandals or loafers. A light blazer can add a touch of sophistication without being too formal. Beach weddings are a great opportunity to embrace lighter colors and breathable fabrics to blend with the natural surroundings.

Cool men's summer wedding guest outfit for semi-formal dress code with light blue suit and blue accessories.

Casual summer wedding attire for men with tan suit and sage green dress shirt at outdoor wedding

Tips for Putting Together a Summer Wedding Outfit for Men

Choosing the right outfit for a summer wedding is all about finding that sweet spot between looking great and staying comfortable against the heat and humidity this time of year is most known for. You want to be stylish without overheating, so here are some tips to help you nail your summer wedding look.

Shirts for staying cool

A good dress shirt is essential for staying cool and looking sharp. A white button-up dress shirt is a classic choice that works for any dress code. But depending on how formal the wedding is, you can also play around with patterns and fun colors. When it comes to fabrics, go for lightweight options like linen or cotton. These materials are breathable and perfect for keeping cool in the summer heat.

Colors to consider

When putting together your summer wedding outfit, think about colors that suit the season. Light or neutral colors like beige, light gray, and pastels are perfect for summer—they reflect the sun and warm-toned hues of the season while also keeping you cooler. Plus, they match the bright and cheerful vibe of summer weddings. Darker colors like black or dark gray are better for fall and winter, so for summer, stick with lighter shades that look and feel great.

Accessories to complete the look

Accessories are the finishing touches that pull your outfit together. Here are some to consider:

Ties and bowties: Depending on the dress code, a tie or bowtie can really elevate your look. For formal weddings, stick with classic silk ties. For more casual events, you can have fun with patterns and textures. Try different types of tie knots to see what feels comfortable and looks good.
Cufflinks: These add a touch of class to your outfit. Choose cufflinks that complement your outfit and the event's formality.
Tie bars: A tie bar not only keeps your tie in place but also adds a bit of style. Just make sure it's not wider than your tie.
Belts: A good belt should match your shoes and tie your whole look together. Go for a leather belt in a neutral color.
Pocket squares: These can add a pop of color or a fun pattern to your suit. Pick a pocket square that complements your tie and shirt, but don’t be afraid to get a little bold.

Light tan men's suit with light blue tie and pocket square showing how to accessorize for summer wedding

Men's light blue suit for an outdoor wedding in summer

Summer Wedding Attire for Men FAQs

Whether or not you have to wear a suit depends on the dress code. If the invitation specifies a formal or black-tie dress code, then men's suits or tuxedos are expected. For these types of weddings, you'll need to stick to traditional attire like a dark suit or a tuxedo to match the event's formality. However, for semi-formal or casual weddings, you can often get away with a more relaxed look, such as a nice blazer or a dress shirt paired with slacks. In these cases, you have more freedom to experiment with lighter colors and fabrics. Always check the invitation for dress code details or ask the couple to ensure you're appropriately dressed.

For summer weddings, choosing the right fabric is key to staying comfortable while looking sharp. Cotton, linen, and light wool blends are great options because they’re breathable and lightweight. Linen and cotton are especially good for hot weather, as they allow air to circulate and help keep you cool, preventing you from overheating. Light wool blends can also work well for more formal attire, offering a balance between comfort and structure without being too heavy. These fabrics ensure that you stay comfortable throughout the event, from the ceremony to the reception.

No, ties aren’t always necessary, depending on the dress code. For casual or semi-formal weddings, you can often skip the tie or opt for a more relaxed look with an open collar. If the dress code requires a tie, you can still have fun with it by choosing patterns and colors that add a touch of personality to your outfit. This allows you to express your style while adhering to the dress code. However, for a black-tie wedding, a formal tie or bowtie is a must to meet the event's high standards of dress. Always consider the dress code and the couple's preferences when deciding whether to wear a tie.

Your Path to Perfect Summer Wedding Fashion

Finding the perfect summer wedding outfit involves balancing style, comfort, and the appropriate dress code. To stay cool, choose breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and light wool blends. Light and neutral colors are ideal for the season, while accessories like ties, cufflinks, and pocket squares can add the finishing touches to your look. Remember, men's wedding guest attire varies from formal to casual, so always check the dress code.

For all your summer wedding fashion needs, SuitShop is your go-to source. With our extensive selection of stylish and comfortable men's wedding guest attire, you'll find everything you need to look your best. Use our Fit Finder and Fit Guide to ensure your outfit fits perfectly, making you look sharp and feel confident at any summer wedding.