A Guide to Casual Wedding Guest Attire for Men (2024)

Calling all men who are very confused when it comes to wedding guest attire! Between black tie, formal, semi-formal, co*cktail, and so on, trying to find an outfit to wear to a wedding can feel pretty overwhelming. After all, the last thing you ever want to do is show up underdressed to someone's big day, right? Plus, when it comes to celebrations that have a casual dress code, we've found that many men don't know what to wear to this type of event. Which begs the question: What does casual attire for men actually mean?

For starters, men should use this level of formality to show off their personal styles while still looking put together. "With the right clothing combination, men can still be appropriately dressed but still feel relaxed with casual touches," explains Jonathan Marc Stein, fashion designer and founder of Jonathan Marc Stein Atelier. “For example, a formal dress code creates a more elegant atmosphere, while a casual dress code produces a more relaxed and laid-back vibe." That said, there are some rules and guidelines to know when selecting a casual outfit.

To help further break down this confusing dress code, we spoke with Stein to put together a comprehensive guide to casual wedding guest attire for men. Continue below for everything you need to know, including tips, tricks, dos, and don’ts.

What Is Casual Wedding Guest Attire for Men?

Casual wedding guest attire for men is all about striking a balance between comfort and looking put together, according to Stein. “While you don’t want to be overdressed for a more casual wedding, you also don’t want to appear like you threw on the first thing you took from your closet,” he shares. “Casual wedding attire is merely a more relaxed and informal dress code compared to that of traditional black tie or formal wear."

It's also important to note that there are different levels of formality when it comes to casual weddings. For instance, some couples may ask guests to dress "smart casual," while others may opt for "dressy casual" or "beach casual." According to Stein, “A dressy casual dress code would be slightly less formal than co*cktail attire." As for smart casual? This style of attire "is an integration of formal, and the comfort and relaxed feel of something casual. For men, chinos, dress pants, and a nice shirt would be appropriate to present a classy look," Stein notes.

Lastly, beach casual tends to be the most complicated type of attire, as you may be tempted to wear board shorts and flip-flops. However, don't do it! “For the most casual wedding such as beach venues, polo shirts with dress shorts for men could be the best choice. Men can never go wrong with a blazer, button-down shirt, and chino pants," says Stein. He further adds that "Casual dress codes at their most formal entail a sports coat, dress shirt, and chino pants for men. At its least formal, casual attire can allow men to wear polos and dress shorts."

What to Wear to a Casual Wedding

"It’s important to dress appropriately for a wedding, as dress codes set the tone of the event," while promoting a "cohesive aesthetic,” says Stein. "Appropriately dressing for a wedding is also a sign of respect for the couple’s vision and the overall style of their special occasion.” So, to help you look your best and respect the couple's wishes, here's a breakdown of what to wear to a casual wedding as a man.

Shirts

When it comes to shirts, sticking with light and breathable fabrics, like cotton and linen, is going to be your best bet. Stein goes on to add, “Casual dress shirts, such as those derived from linen or cotton, are suitable for any ceremony with a casual dress code. Their breathability and comfort surpass other fabric mediums when it comes to higher temperatures.” Just make sure you have an iron or steamer to get out any unwanted wrinkles.

Pants

Casual weddings don’t call for tuxes or full suits, which is why we think options like chinos or dress pants will get the job done. “Casual wedding dress code allows men to dress down, swapping dress pants for chinos, oftentimes worn in a neutral color such as khaki, black, or gray,” says Stein. “While neutral colors can become mundane, one can always play with shape. From slim to wide leg, you can always personalize your style when under the directions of a dress code.”

Jackets

Jackets are a great piece to consider wearing at a casual wedding as they provide a more polished look. “Blazers can uplift an outfit by providing a solid color or a more tailored piece that often matches whatever bottoms you may choose,” Stein adds. That being said, layering isn't a necessity for casual affairs, but if the wedding is taking place in a windy area or during a colder season, finding a suitable jacket is something you should consider.

“Men may consider a blazer or wool peacoat to prepare for the elements,” Stein continues. “While they can sometimes be considered an afterthought, it is important to make sure that whatever layering piece you choose, [it] also complements your outfit underneath, either by color, shape, or size.”

Footwear

Not sure what to wear for shoes? We recommend sticking with a nicer shoe that will pull the rest of your casual outfit together, such as a loafer or dress shoes. “When choosing the ideal pair of footwear, you should consider what color garments you will be wearing,” Stein adds. “Black shoes often go better with black or white clothing, and brown with blues, greens, and reds. Casual events often go towards the latter, as black and white have always been associated with formality.”

Accessories

As for accessories, go for pieces like belts, ties, and pocket squares, as they tend to be the perfect finishing touch on any outfit. Stein adds, “A scarf can be a great accessory that can be worn across the shoulders or around the neck, especially in the absence of a tie. If choosing a hat to coordinate with your outfit, think about the risk of blocking people’s view of the wedding ceremony.”

What Not to Wear to a Casual Wedding

Even if you’re going to a casual wedding on the beach, we strongly advise that you not wear board shorts, flip-flops, or sneakers. This is a wedding we’re talking about after all, not a run-of-the-mill backyard party. “Even for a casual wedding, beachwear like board shorts and flip flops would not be seen as acceptable," Stein adds. "The same applies to wearing jeans, sneakers, pajamas, yoga pants, etc. unless otherwise stated by the couple. You should be respectful of them by wearing something that elevates the experience for everyone.”

You should also steer clear of wearing anything that might take the attention away from the couple, such as loud prints and extremely bright hues. “Animal print or other loud patterns may not be dressy enough for a wedding depending on the dress code,” notes Stein. “For those who love prints and patterns, maybe consider more subtle options like polka dots, stripes, or light floral patterns."

Lastly, and we can't stress this enough, if you’re questioning whether your outfit is too casual, it probably is. As a rule of thumb, it's far better to show up a tad overdressed than underdressed. You’ll avoid glares from the couple and, more importantly, won’t feel self-conscious. “There is dressing casually, and then not trying at all,” says Stein, so be sure to put some effort into your outfit.

Additional Tips for Men's Casual Wedding Guest Attire

“If you are attending a morning or early afternoon wedding, they often tend to lean towards lighter colors,” shares Stein. For something later in the evening, however, black dress pants and a white shirt are a classic choice.Additionally, be sure to reference the couple's color scheme before selecting an outfit, as you don't want to show up looking like a member of the wedding party.

What's more, it's always wise to make note of the venue's location. (Is the wedding being held in a ballroom, backyard, estate, beach, or somewhere else?) According to Stein, “A wedding at the beach or in a backyard versus a ballroom wedding would suggest a very different attire for those attending.” Ultimately, if you're completely confused as to what to wear, it never hurts to ask the couple, or someone in their wedding party, for guidance.