You got the invite months ago, and the time has come — wondering what to wear to your next summer wedding can be quite the daunting question to answer. Right? Right. If you’re in the bridal party, that part of the equation is likely covered — just be sure to get your measurements right when it comes time to get fitted for your rental kit. What are the rest of us going to wear, though? That’s where today’s style suggestion is coming to the rescue. We’re talking tailored style for the heat, namely. A classic navy blazer, slim linen suit trousers and crisp leather loafers are the building blocks of this outfit — no doubt about it. I think you’ll find that the below picks are all about staying cool and sharp even as temperatures rise — that’s crucial if you happen to be attending an outdoor wedding (as I just did in my latest trip to Charleston). And I think you’ll also find that any of the below #menswear picks can be repurposed for travel, too — that’s what classic summer style is all about. The navy blazer seen here? Wear it on the plane atop a classic Oxford. Those stylish leather loafers? Wear ’em on the plane, too. If your interest has been captured, read on for the full ensemble below. To see how I’m wearing tailoring in the heat, check out my Instagram account, or hit the ‘Like’ button over at The Style Guide Facebook page. Cheers!
The Jacket: GANT Diamond G Stretch Blazer with American Pima Cotton — $277
Sharp, slim and breathable — just what’s needed for a summer wedding.
Here’s the first step to nailing summer wedding style — start with a great jacket. What do I mean by a great jacket? I mean a classic navy blazer in a modern — yet not overly tight fit — made with American pima cotton. Unlike lined suit jackets, this lightweight blazer blends nylon and cotton for a final product that’s stretchy, breathable and easy to wear for summer travel or a summer wedding. Pick it up in dark navy or — if you happen to be wearing dark trousers — the jacket’s additional color option, a bright marine blue.
The Shirt: Outlier Freecotton Button-up in White — $165
There’s a hefty price to pay for this crisp white shirt — but it’ll perform well in the heat.
Want to stay cool during an outdoor summer wedding? It’s an extremely tough challenge — believe me, I’ve been there, done that. But there’s help on the way — companies like Outlier are blending breathable, performance-ready fabrics with the familiar tailored fit and styling details of classic dress shirts. The Freecotton Button-up should be your go-to shirt for the heat — that goes for a summer wedding or a high-pressure business meeting. Know that Mizzen+Main offers similarly well-made, breathable dress shirts, too.
The Pocket Square: The Tie Bar Stamped Flowers Coral Pocket Square — $10
A summer-friendly, highly affordable pocket square to complement that navy blazer.
Now, we’re skipping the tie in this semi-casul ensemble — if per chance you need to pick one up, reach for something classic, like a silver knit tie. We’re not, however, skipping over another crucial finishing touch: A stylish pocket square. And The Tie Bar makes options in a plethora of affordable colors and patterns. In particular, this coral-colored floral option should handsomely offset the dark navy blazer and sharp white shirt — ya dig?
The Trousers: Taylor Stitch Telegraph Trousers in Charcoal OR Cobalt— $178
Two color options from Taylor Stitch, each featuring comfortable fabric and a modern fit.
The trousers you go with here are all dependent on the color of your blazer — going light in color with your jacket? Reach for the cobalt blue, wool-linen blend Taylor Stitch Telegraph Trousers. Going dark in color with your jacket, like the GANT Diamond G Blazer seen above? The light charcoal Taylor Stitch Telegraph Trousers are your best bet. Either option features a tailored fit, excellent fabric and easy wearability in the heat. And the rest of the summer? Team them with a slim-fit white polo and classic suede chukkas on casual Friday.
The Loafers: Nisolo Chamberlain Loafers, $188
Unique nubuck leather and a classic profile help set these Nisolo loafers apart from the pack.
If the wedding location happens to be outdoors — be it the stifling South or the dry heat of the West — you’re going to want to use any means possible to stay cool. Ditching the stuffy dress socks for a pair of stylish no-show socks and sharp leather loafers is as good a place to start as any. Luckily, the Nisolo Chamberlain Loafers balance a sleek silhouette with solid construction and great quality. Plus, they’re a nice style swerve from the sea of black shoes normally found at weddings — am I right, or am I right?
The Socks: Arvin Goods No-show Socks (Three-pack), $30
In a handy pack of three, these Arvin Goods no-show socks are a crucial summer wedding accessory.
As we just talked about, comfortable no-show socks are the way to make this whole outfit work. From the modern Taylor Stitch Telegraph Trousers to those crisp Nisolo leather loafers, you’re not going to want any sock showing — are we clear there? Good. Arvin Goods makes its no-show socks in packs of three, so you have options to wear to and from the wedding — and the rest of the weekend when paired up with stylish summer sneakers.
The Belt: J. Crew Braided Leather Belt — $55
A reliable accessory pick-up from a reliable brand.
If you’ve got a trusty leather dress belt that you’ve had for years, this is the time to break it out. And if you’re looking to add some texture and visual interest to this summer wedding ensemble, J. Crew is the place to go. This belt should last exceptionally long for the price, and it’ll match up nicely with your Nisolo leather loafers in terms of color, too.
The Watch: Linjer Classic Watch — $250
A sharp, sleek watch that’ll play nicely off your navy blazer and leather loafers.
We’re nearing the end of this summer wedding style suggestion — but not before we recommend a stylish leather watch for the occasion. If you recall, the folks at Linjer Leather Goods started with a small run of products like minimal wallets before ramping things up considerably. The result of that expansion is the mighty fine, mighty minimal and exceedingly sharp Linjer Classic Watch. Refined and sharp enough for a wedding, simple and sleek enough to pair with a stylish short-sleeve shirt through the rest of the summer.
The Sunglasses: Pacifico Optical Blair Sunglasses — $159
Just the right balance of dressy and casual — just what you want at a summer wedding.
If you’re looking to check a few key boxes when it comes to stylish summer sunglasses, the team at Pacifico Optical might be able to sort you out. When it comes to wearing sunglasses to a summer wedding, leave the sports shades at home. Instead, think of a pair that’s simplistic, classic and versatile — yet slightly unique. In this case, the Pacifico Optical Blair Sunglasses get the job done quite nicely. And the rest of the summer, you can easily wear them to the beach or as a laidback complement to your favorite summer shirt.
Did you pick out that wedding gift yet? Flight all booked? Done and done. And if you follow the above style tips, I’d wager you’ll be more than set to dress in style at your next summer wedding. If you keep the basics in line — starting with a navy blazer and a breathable-yet-crisp white dress shirt — you’ll set yourself up for success. From there, it’s all about nailing the fit and details of supporting accessories, including essential pieces like the Taylor Stitch Telegraph Trousers. Round things out with sharp leather loafers — like the Nisolo Chamberlain Loafers — and hone in on stylish details like a Linjer Classic Watch or Arvin Goods No-show Socks. Add in sharp sunglasses — I’d recommend the Pacifico Optical Blair Sunglasses — and you’re ready to take on afternoon and early evening weddings in equal measure. What will you be wearing to your next summer wedding? Drop me a line in the comments below, and swing by Twitter for a lively discussion on all things men’s style.
Cheers and all the best — thanks for reading!
-Beau
The Style Guide 