What to Wear to a Wedding (Without Second-Guessing Yourself)
What to Wear to a Wedding (Without Second-Guessing Yourself)
A modern man’s guide to decoding the dress code — and showing up in style.
Weddings can be tricky to dress for. You’ve got a dress code, a time of day, a venue—and sometimes a vague invite that leaves you guessing.
The good news? Once you understand the vibe, the rest is simple.
Here’s your no-stress cheat sheet for what to wear to any wedding — so you look sharp, feel confident, and never show up underdressed.
1. Black Tie Optional
This is the most common evening wedding dress code — and one of the most misunderstood.
What it means: A tuxedo is welcome, but not required.
Your move:
If you have a well-tailored tux, wear it. You won’t be overdressed.
Prefer a suit? Go for a dark, tailored option in midnight blue or charcoal. Pair it with a crisp white shirt and a solid tie.
Finish with polished black shoes, a classic watch, and maybe a subtle pocket square for refinement.
Style Tip: The fit should feel intentional. Clean lines, no pooling at the ankles, and nothing overly trendy. Timeless always wins.
2. Cocktail Attire / Semi-Formal
This is your catch-all for most afternoon and early evening weddings. The tone is stylish but not overly formal.
For daytime weddings:
Lightweight suits in tan, light grey, or soft blue work well
Cotton or linen-blends keep you cool and polished
For evening weddings:
Stick to navy or charcoal
A blazer and chino combo can work—just make sure the tailoring is sharp and the shirt is tucked
Tie optional? Technically yes. But wearing one always elevates your look—and shows respect for the occasion.
Bonus Tip: Add a touch of personality through your shirt pattern or pocket square, but keep it tasteful. One standout element is plenty.
3. Beach or Destination Wedding
This is where most guys go too casual—or overdo the “resort” vibe.
Here’s the formula I recommend to clients:
Linen or cotton button-up shirt
Tailored trousers in light khaki, stone, or soft olive
Loafers or leather sandals (flip-flops are never appropriate)
Optional lightweight tie if the invite feels formal
A subtle print or fun pocket square adds personality without going overboard
Remember: Even if it’s outdoors or near the water, it’s still a wedding. Relaxed doesn’t mean sloppy.
Final Thought
Weddings are about celebration, connection—and showing up with intention.
When in doubt, dress one notch above what you think the invite calls for.
You’ll never regret being the best-dressed guy in the room.
Take a look at my outfit inspiration board below ↓
And if you need help pulling together a custom look for your next big event, I'm here to help — here’s where to find me.
Brandi is a personal stylist with over a decade of experience helping men show up with confidence and ease. She offers tailored style solutions that take the guesswork out of getting dressed—so you look sharp and feel great, no matter the occasion.