If you’re someone who wears men’s wedding guest attire to your friends’ Big Days, then count yourself lucky: Figuring out what to pack for destination weddings is more straightforward than you may think. All you have to do is follow the dress codes, which, in turn, are also quite simple when it comes to menswear. Need a breakdown of what those dress codes actually mean? I’ve got you covered. As a professional wedding guest (I have been invited to at least five this year, two of which require travel) and an all-around well-dressed magazine editor at Condé Nast Traveler, allow me to show you the way.
The thing about men’s clothing for weddings is that dress codes are beautifully prescriptive. “Black-tie” means a tux—no more, no less. “Semi-formal” can translate to “show a little personality, but no designer jeans, please.” If you’re still unsure, ask the folks who invited you what their expectations are; some might even share Pinterest boards for style inspiration. Again, it’s all about matching the vibe of the event, whether it’s a luxe destination wedding in the South of France or a chill and intimate ceremony in your neighbor’s backyard.
More broadly, regardless of what kinds of clothes you like to wear, the cardinal rule of wedding dress codes is that you should follow them as much as you can. After all, one of the best wedding gifts you can give the happy couple is to meet the expectations they’ve set for the event. If the invitation says “dress code: formal” then your best bet in the realm of menswear is to wear a crisp dark-colored suit. That said, knowing the traditional rules also helps you better understand the more unique or esoteric dress codes like “fabulous cocktail,” “cowboy formal,” or “the garden of time” (all very real themes I have seen in the wild). And of course, At the end of the day, matching your look to the event’s overall personality and spirit will ensure that you’ll be in step with the vibe of the day, however the people getting married have decided to style it.
Here’s a rundown of the most common dress codes for wedding guests, explanations for each, and wardrobe options for menswear that will help you look and feel your best depending on the wedding scenario. Remember: All else fails, ask the people who invited you for a dress code or what they recommend. You’ll have much more fun on the dance floor at the reception knowing that you’ll be on-theme in all the wedding photos.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
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Black-tie and black-tie optional
Though the black-tie dress code may seem intimidating at first, it’s actually one of the easiest vibes to pull off in the realm of menswear. “Black-tie” is a tux, period—especially if the event is after sunset. You can choose between peak lapels versus shawl collars, four-season wool or linen, but the shape and style of a tux is difficult to mess up. Rules of thumb: Talk to your tailor about how to best enhance your shape. No need to over do it, trust me. A good classic tux will make you look good without all the bells and whistles at a black-tie evening.
