What to Wear to a Wedding as a Guy, Sorted by Dress Code
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Building a wedding guest outfit for men starts with one line on the invitation, the dress code. Black tie optional calls for a tuxedo or a dark suit, cocktail and semiformal mean a suit and tie, and dressy casual lets you relax into linen and knits. We sorted these 21 pieces in that same order so you can jump to the section that matches your invite.
Every pick comes from a brand you already know, like Suitsupply, Bonobos, Banana Republic and The Tie Bar. Plenty of the pieces cross over, so the navy suit can go formal with a silk tie or relaxed with a knit polo. Think of this as a menu of men's outfits for a wedding that you can mix, match and wear again long after the reception.
1. Suitsupply Havana Tuxedo in Black
Black tie optional is your chance to wear a real tuxedo, and this one from Suitsupply is cut from pure S110's wool. It has a tailored fit with a slim chest, a natural shoulder, a satin straight peak lapel and jetted pockets. Flat front pants with side adjusters come with it, so you can skip the belt.
Wear it with the crisp white Bonobos dress shirt and the black Allen Edmonds oxfords. The burgundy grenadine tie gives you a little color if a bow tie is not your thing. Fold the white linen pocket square into a flat strip along the breast pocket and you are ready.
2. Suitsupply Perennial Havana Suit in Navy
If you only buy one suit for weddings, make it navy, because it works at every dress code from black tie optional to cocktail. Suitsupply's Perennial Havana suit is made of pure tropical wool with a tailored fit, natural shoulders and wide notch lapels. Matching flat front pants with belt loops complete the set.
Go formal with the white dress shirt, the burgundy grenadine tie and the black oxfords. For a daytime ceremony, swap in the light blue Suitsupply shirt and the Cole Haan penny loafers. You can even wear the jacket on its own over the Taylor Stitch knit polo and the Quince linen pants.
3. Bonobos Jetsetter Stretch Dress Shirt in Solid White
Every formal wedding outfit needs a white dress shirt, and this one has room to move. Bonobos makes the Jetsetter from a stretch blend of 75% cotton, 21% polyester and 4% Lycra, so you can dance without pulling at the buttons. It has a semi spread collar, a French placket, collar stays and double button cuffs.
Pair it with the tuxedo or the navy suit for the most formal looks on this list. A semi spread collar frames a tie knot well, so try it with the navy knit tie and the silver tie bar. Tuck it into the tan Bonobos dress pants for a cocktail hour look without a jacket.
4. The Tie Bar Solid Grenadine Tie in Burgundy
Grenadine is a woven silk known for its crisp texture and visual depth, which makes it a smart choice for an evening reception. The Tie Bar's solid burgundy version adds color without a loud pattern. A deep shade like this looks right at black tie optional and cocktail weddings alike.
Knot it over the white shirt with the navy suit for a classic red and blue pairing. It also stands out against the dark gray suit and the light blue shirt. Echo the color with the burgundy Cole Haan loafers and clip the silver tie bar in place.
5. The Tie Bar Brushed Straight Tie Bar in Silver
Small details matter at a wedding, and a tie bar keeps your tie in place through toasts, photos and the dance floor. The Tie Bar says this brushed straight style has been its best seller since the company began. Its plain silver finish suits every tie on this list.
Clip it between the third and fourth buttons of the white dress shirt or the light blue shirt. It sits nicely on both the burgundy grenadine and the navy knit tie. Keep the rest of your metals silver to match, like the buckle on the Bonobos belt.
6. The Tie Bar Solid White Linen Pocket Square
Nothing finishes a suit or tuxedo faster than a white pocket square. The Tie Bar makes this one in light and airy linen. White goes with every tie and jacket here, so it is the square you will reach for most.
Fold it flat for the tuxedo or the navy suit at a black tie optional wedding. Puff it loosely into the Banana Republic linen jacket or the Faherty knit blazer for an outdoor ceremony. It pairs well with either tie, the burgundy grenadine or the navy knit.
7. Allen Edmonds Park Avenue Oxford in Black Custom Calf
Cap toe oxfords in black are the most formal shoe a guest can wear, and the Allen Edmonds Park Avenue is the classic version. It has premium leather uppers, a Balmoral lace up closure, calfskin linings and a single oak leather sole. It is made in the USA on the welted 65 Last, which the brand says is especially accommodating for high arches.
These belong with the tuxedo, the navy suit or the dark gray suit. Pair them with the heather charcoal socks so the line from trouser to shoe stays dark. On the days you wear them, trade the brown belt for a black one so your leathers match.
8. Suitsupply Perennial Havana Suit in Dark Gray
Cocktail and semiformal invites call for a suit and tie, and dark gray is a sharp alternative to navy. Suitsupply cuts this Perennial Havana in pure tropical wool with a tailored fit and natural shoulders for a sleek silhouette. Flat front pants with belt loops come with the jacket.
Wear it with the light blue shirt and the navy knit tie for an easy cocktail look. The dark brown Thursday Chelsea boots and the brown belt warm up the gray. For an evening reception, switch to the white shirt, the burgundy grenadine and the black oxfords.
9. Suitsupply Tailored Fit Widespread Collar Shirt in Light Blue
Light blue is the friendliest dress shirt color in photos, and it pairs with almost any suit. Suitsupply makes this one in wrinkle free Pima cotton with a formal tailored fit. It has a classic widespread collar, a French placket and single cuffs.
Try it under the dark gray suit with the navy knit tie at a semiformal wedding. It also looks fresh with the Banana Republic linen jacket and the Quince navy linen pants. Add the silver tie bar and the penny loafers and you are set.
10. The Tie Bar Pointed Tip Knit Tie in Navy
Knit ties feel a little more relaxed than flat silk, which makes them a great fit for cocktail and daytime weddings. The Tie Bar gives this one a rich knit texture and a pointed tip, so it looks more structured than a flat end knit tie. Navy goes with every shirt and suit on this list.
Wear it with the light blue shirt and the dark gray suit for a sharp semiformal look. It also dresses up the Banana Republic linen jacket and the white Everlane linen shirt at an outdoor ceremony. Hold it in place with the silver tie bar.
11. Bonobos Jetsetter Wool Dress Pant in Tan
Dress trousers in a lighter color let you build a sharp outfit without a full suit. Bonobos makes these from an all season wool stretch fabric, 97% wool and 3% spandex, for a tailored look with a hint of give. They have a hook and bar closure, button through back pockets and a front leg lining.
Pair them with the navy suit jacket for a polished mix at a cocktail wedding. They also work under the Faherty knit blazer with the white dress shirt. Finish with the burgundy penny loafers and the dark brown belt.
12. Cole Haan American Classics Penny Loafers in Deep Burgundy
Penny loafers sit right in the middle of the dress code chart, dressy enough for a suit and easy enough for a garden party. Cole Haan's American Classics pair has a round toe, a storm bead welt and a heavy stitched penny keeper. An EVA footbed adds cushioning, and Cole Haan notes the style runs large, so consider half a size down.
Wear them with the navy suit or the dark gray suit for a cocktail wedding with a little personality. The burgundy leather picks up the grenadine tie. They also look great with the tan dress pants and the heather charcoal socks.
13. Bonobos Leather Dress Belt in Dark Brown With Silver
Belts are easy to forget until the morning of the wedding, and a slim leather one pulls a suit together. Bonobos makes this dress belt in 100% leather with a silver buckle. Dark brown covers every brown shoe on this list.
Wear it with the Thursday Chelsea boots, the Cole Haan loafers or the Johnston & Murphy bit loafers. It threads through the belt loops on the navy and dark gray suits and the tan dress pants. The silver buckle matches the tie bar, which keeps your metals consistent.
14. Bonobos Soft Everyday Socks in Heather Charcoal
Socks show every time you sit down at the reception table, so they deserve a little thought. Bonobos knits these from 72% Pima cotton, 25% polyester and 3% spandex, and calls them lightweight, cushioned and ventilated. That cushioning helps on a long day of standing for photos and dancing.
Heather charcoal blends with the dark gray suit and stays low key under the navy suit. Wear them with the black oxfords or the Chelsea boots for a clean line. They go straight in the washer on cold, so they are ready for the next wedding too.
15. Thursday Boot Company Cavalier Chelsea Boot in Dark Brown
For a barn, vineyard or any venue with uneven ground, dress boots are a smart choice. Thursday's Cavalier is made in dark brown WeatherSafe suede with elastic goring, a Goodyear welt and a fully lined glove leather interior. Cork bed midsoles form to your feet, and leather outsoles with TPU studs add traction.
Pair them with the dark gray suit or the navy suit at a semiformal or rustic wedding. They suit the tan dress pants and the Faherty knit blazer too. Match the leather with the dark brown Bonobos belt.
16. Banana Republic Herringbone Linen Suit Jacket in Natural
Linen tailoring keeps you cool at dressy casual and outdoor weddings while still looking put together. Banana Republic weaves this jacket from 100% certified European linen in an undyed natural color with a subtle herringbone. It has a soft Italian style shoulder, a notch lapel with a two button front, a double back vent and an unlined back for anyone who runs hot.
Wear it over the white Everlane linen shirt and the Quince navy linen pants for an easy beach or garden look. Add the navy knit tie if the invite leans a little more formal. Finish with the tan Johnston & Murphy bit loafers and the white pocket square.
17. Faherty Inlet Knit Blazer in Heather Grey
Faherty calls the Inlet its flagship blazer for guys who don't wear blazers, which makes it a natural fit for dressy casual weddings. It is unstructured and unlined with a classic fit, two buttons, three outside pockets and two inside. The fabric is 85% organic cotton and 15% recycled polyester.
Layer it over the light blue shirt or the Taylor Stitch knit polo with the tan dress pants. The Thursday Chelsea boots or the bit loafers keep the outfit relaxed. Tuck the white pocket square in loosely for a bit of polish.
18. Quince 100% European Linen Dress Pants in Deep Navy
Staying comfortable at an outdoor ceremony in the heat is a lot easier in linen trousers. Quince makes these dress pants in 100% European linen that is breathable and lightweight. The brand also says the fabric is highly durable, so they will hold up for many weddings to come.
Pair them with the Banana Republic linen jacket and the white Everlane linen shirt for a classic beach wedding outfit. For a more casual reception, wear them with the Taylor Stitch knit polo and the tan bit loafers. The deep navy also matches the knit tie if you want to add one.
19. Everlane Classic Shirt in Linen in White
White linen is our pick for dressy casual weddings on a beach, lawn or rooftop. Everlane's Classic Shirt in Linen has a standard fit, long sleeves, a collar and a front pocket. Linen is naturally breathable and cool to the touch, and Everlane says it looks even better without ironing.
Wear it under the Banana Republic linen jacket with the Quince linen pants. Add the navy knit tie for a dressier look, or leave the collar open for the most relaxed invites. The tan bit loafers and the brown belt finish it nicely.
20. Taylor Stitch Nichols Polo in Nocturne Cotton Cashmere
When the invite says dressy casual, a knit polo is a smart swap for a button up shirt. Taylor Stitch knits the Nichols from 95% organic cotton and 5% cashmere in a 12 gauge jersey. Full milano rib on the collar and front placket gives it a neat, finished look.
Layer it under the Faherty knit blazer or the navy suit jacket for a modern take on a suit. Pair it with the Quince linen pants or the tan dress pants. The Johnston & Murphy bit loafers keep the whole outfit easy.
21. Johnston & Murphy Beck Leather Bit Loafer in Tan Full Grain
Outdoor and dressy casual weddings call for a lighter shoe, and these Johnston & Murphy bit loafers fit the bill. They have a leather upper, lining and insole with a moc toe and a leather bit detail. Lightweight construction and cushioned insoles keep you comfortable from the ceremony to the last dance.
Wear them with the Quince linen pants and the white Everlane shirt at a beach or garden wedding. They also look sharp with the Banana Republic linen jacket and the Taylor Stitch polo. Pair them with the dark brown belt to keep your browns in the same family.
What does black tie optional mean for a male wedding guest?
It means the hosts will be in formal wear and you are welcome to join them in a tuxedo. A dark suit in navy or charcoal with a white shirt, a silk tie and black oxfords is just as correct.
What is the best wedding guest outfit for men when the dress code is unclear?
A navy suit with a white or light blue dress shirt and a simple tie covers almost any invite. You can drop the tie at a relaxed reception or add a pocket square for an evening event.
Can men wear linen to a wedding?
Yes, linen is a great pick for dressy casual, beach and outdoor weddings. Keep it dressed up with a full jacket, proper trousers and leather shoes, and save shorts for the after party.
