Warmer weather usually means two things: trying to stay cool in the heat and trying to look cool at all the various family functions and celebrations that happen this time of year. Unfortunately, those two aren’t always the easiest to accomplish in one outfit.
This is especially true when dressing up for a wedding. Sure, you want to look your best, but the thought of wearing a three-piece black tux in August might just have you RSVP’ing “no.” Fortunately, everyone’s a little more forgiving in the summer, meaning you can take sartorial liberties that cooler months may not afford. If you’re looking for a stylish alternative to the standard navy suit hanging in your closet (and shorts are a little too casual for your cousin’s nuptials) keep reading for our guide to dressing right for your next summer soirée.
Styling Basics for a Summer Wedding
I’m not going to sugar-coat it here: summer weddings are awful when it comes to comfort. I have first-hand experience in the matter: my brother got married in a barn (!) in North Carolina (!!) in August (!!!) and I haven’t talked to him since. Throughout the night, my rented tuxedo from Men’s Wearhouse clung to me, until I was so uncomfortable I stripped to just my undershirt and pants. All the photos from the evening show me, red-faced and sweaty, in the background. Don’t make the same mistake I did, dear reader: dress appropriately for the season.
First and foremost, go with a light, natural fabric. Linen reigns supreme in this regard, with a loose, light weave that allows for maximum airflow. Not only will this keep you cool, but it also offers an almost intentional casualness that’s best pulled off by dapper stars in a Fellini film. If you can’t get past the wrinkles that are inherent in anything linen, seersucker is a great alternative. It’s thin but holds a bit of shape, while the texture keeps things interesting.
Avoiding a slim-cut silhouette is important here, too. Even with the thinnest fabrics, a lack of ventilation will leave you uncomfortable as temperatures rise. A nice, unstructured jacket and a bit of room in your trousers will only add to the Mediterranean charm of a summer suit. And keep it simple–no need to go with a double-breasted jacket. That extra bulk only gets in the way.
As for colors? Now is your chance to get a little adventurous. Most linen suits come in a more natural tone, with beige, grey, or tan as the standard. But if you want to incorporate a little more color, a nice sage green or rose can look fantastic. As with any color, just be mindful of your own skin tone–rose, for instance, tends to make me look a little porcine, given the red undertone to my complexion. Thankfully, Perry Ellis creative director Michael Millie points out that color can be brought into one’s wedding outfit in other ways. “Don’t hesitate to incorporate bold, unexpected prints with formal wear, balancing traditional elements with personal style for a look that’s both respectful and distinctive.”
Warm Weather Suit Options
Photo via Alex Crane
Alex Crane Alta Linen Suit
Because the nature of a linen suit is more casual, its separates can easily be incorporated elsewhere into one’s wardrobe. Coming in an array of soft neutrals created with natural dyes, it’s easy to imagine wearing the Alta blazer well into fall, proving that well-made garments are often greater than the sum of their parts.
Photo via Buck Msaon
Buck Mason Seersucker Carry-On Suit
Buck Mason has become one of the leading menswear brands in the US for good reason. The brand is consistently putting out pieces that look great and effortlessly fit into every aspect of a guy’s life. The carry-on suit has quickly become a classic because it’s comfortable, well-constructed, and endlessly stylish.
Summer Shirting
Photo via Huckberry
Flint and Tinder Classic Linen Shirt
No matter what suit you wear, a linen shirt will help regulate body heat and give you a stylish upgrade. Flint and Tinder’s Classic Linen Shirt is based on the classic oxford shirt, but with a decidedly summery feel. It comes in five neutral shades that go with just about…well, anything.
Photo via Taylor Stitch
Taylor Stitch The Jack Linen Shirt
What often happens in menswear is a tailored fit tends to sacrifice comfort, and vice versa. The Jack button-down seems to have solved this. By putting the arm holes a bit higher, while still keeping a tailored fit, this shirt won’t bunch up while you’re showing off your moves on the dance floor, but still has a trim appearance once the jacket and tie come off.
Essential Accessories
Photo via La Matera
La Matera Diplomático Woven Belt
Taking Millie’s advice above, a little color can add a bit of personality to your summer suiting. La Matera’s woven belt is both playfully designed and textured, giving your outfit an added layer of character that breaks up the simplicity of linen-on-linen.
Photo via Tie Bar
Tie Bar Shoreside Striped Tie
Another way to add some character is to play with design. Sure, it’s another linen piece, but the diagonal stripes are just interesting enough to create a bit of dynamism against the blank canvas of a white shirt.
Photo via Florsheim
Florsheim Dubino Loafer
There are two rules I’d never break for a summer wedding: go with loafers and go sockless. Think about it: wouldn’t a thick black sock just ruin the overall vibe we’re going for here, fellas? Florsheim’s Dubino loafer is classic design with a refined feel due to the addition of the horsebit detailing, giving you a nice contrast between the otherwise relaxed nature of your outfit.
Photo via Sperry
Sperry Harpswell Driver
I’m a big fan of wearing boat shoes to a wedding. They provide comfort, breathability, and strike the right balance between New England civility and collegiate charm. But if you need a bit of an upgrade from your old Topsiders, Sperry’s Gold Cup line uses higher-quality materials and has a more luxurious and polished feel. These drivers are perfect for pairing with a nice navy seersucker suit to a wedding, and equally great for throwing on with jeans to grab a coffee and nurse a hangover the next morning.
