Recently, a Saks Fifth Avenue employee informed me that the reason all of the men’s suiting was sold out of sizes was because of a major and utter wedding boom. As a recent article in The Atlantic pointed out, “the pandemic’s postponed nuptials are coming home to roost.” Between last year’s delays and this year’s new engagements after a year that recalibrated people’s, say, life priorities—chances are, you’re headed to a wedding this summer. And chances are, you’re in need of a new suit. Or two. From daytime wedding staples (fair-hued linens never fail, that’s a fact) and more brazen looks (short suit for that beach wedding, because ftw) to your black tie affairs, we’ve got you covered no matter how bold or classic you’re feeling. And, hey, Gatsby, leave the white attire to the bride (with some exceptions). In other words: etiquette, people….
BREAKING DOWN THE DRESS CODES
COCKTAIL
Wear a suit, simple. But, as the term implies, this calls for a party suit not your day-to-day office suit. These days, a tie is less of a requirement as long as you have on a good, crisp shirt, possibly buttoned up to the very top (the very popular “air tie”). That said, for a summer wedding, we love an open, slightly loose and unbuttoned linen shirt. A tan and a little European swagger not a must, but certainly doesn’t hurt.
CREATIVE COCKTAIL
Your own bold interpretation of traditional cocktail. This is where you can break the rules, get a little loose. Consider suiting in unexpected prints or colors and plays on traditional cuts.
SMART CASUAL
As a stylist, this is the way I would usually approach a press junket or morning talk show. In other words, it’s an elevated version of casual. Replace your jeans for trousers and throw on a nice knit polo. Or wear a more casual suit such as a seersucker or cotton, and throw it over loafers or even a clean sneaker. No sandals, for the love of god. Espadrilles, on the other hand, are always a good (warm weather) idea.
BLACK TIE
This does not mean your tie needs to be black. It does mean you need to wear a tuxedo or a very sharp dark suit and tie. If not indicated, we suggest asking your soon-to-be-married friend if creative black tie is allowed, but these days it’s fair to assume all manner of bold, colorful tuxes are considered acceptable—so have a little fun with your tux.
WHITE TIE
Hello, royal wedding. This will be the strictest of dress codes, with the least room to play. Someone requesting a white tie dress code means business. You’ll need to wear a black tuxedo with tails, a white tux shirt such as a pleated or bib-front design, a white waistcoat, a white bow tie, and black, patent leather dress shoes.
DAYTIME WEDDING
Bottega Veneta Pants $1,300
EVENING WEDDING
UNDERPINNINGS
LOOK SHARP
GET A LITTLE LOOSE
Zara Printed Shirt $23
TUX UP
Black Tux Ruffle Tuxedo Shirt $25 (For Rent)
