Wedding season is upon us and it’s time to start looking for inspiration of what wedding guest attire is best to wear for your attendance to upcoming nuptials. Whether the wedding you’re attending is black tie, co*cktail or casual, the most important thing to remember when deciding on an outfit is to not take attention away from the groom. Most wedding invitations will specify what the dress code and/or colour scheme is so that you can pick your suit out accordingly. If this is not detailed on the invite, ask the happy couple ahead of time what the groomsmen and the rest of the wedding party will be wearing so that you can make sure you don’t blend in.
Here at Standout we understand the stresses that come with picking an appropriate outfit for a wedding which is why we are here to help you out. Below we have detailed inspiration and advice for a variety of wedding dress codes to ensure that you’re looking and feeling your best this wedding season. From classic suits and tuxedos to casual patterned shirts and chinos, we’ve got you covered with a wide range of wedding guest outfit styles to suit you from leading designer menswear brands such as, Marc Darcy tailored menswear, Jeffrey West leather footwear and more.
Black Tie Wedding Guest Outfits for Men
One of the most popular wedding dress codes for formal weddings is black tie. This dress code typically means that male guests should wear a tuxedo or smart dinner suit, accessorised with bow ties, cufflinks, pocket squares and suspenders. Black tie doesn’t always mean that your tuxedo or dinner suit has to be black, depending on the bride and groom’s preferences, the type of tuxedo or dinner suit you choose to wear can vary. That’s why it’s important to clarify with the happy couple prior to the wedding what is and isn’t acceptable to wear, just to be sure you’re on the right track with your outfit choice.
G-Star RAW Dressed Super Slim Shirt – White £59.95, Marc Darcy Jenson Check Trousers – Marine £69.95 and Jeffery West Escobar Leather Shoes – Black Polished £179.95
A classic, crisp white shirt is an essential part of any black tie wedding outfit, no matter what tuxedo or dinner suit pattern you choose. This Dressed Super Slim Shirt from G-Star comes with a classic spread collar and buttoned closure in a super slim fit, ideal for layering under your blazer or dinner suit jacket. Pair with a tie or bow tie and suspenders for the ultimate swarve black tie wedding look.
Although the name suggests that black is the only option, in some instances a subtle pattern is allowed. We recommend steering clear of patterns that are too busy or bold and instead opt for a subtle print in neutral tones such as black, navy and brown. In this case we would suggest a traditional checked pattern such as these navy Marc Darcy Jenson Check Trousersalong with a matching dinner suit jacket and waistcoat in the same print.
Marc Darcy is our most popular formal wear brand here at Standout, offering a wide range of suit jackets, blazers, waistcoats and tailored dress trousers in a variety of patterns to suit all formal occasions. Whether you’re the groom, best man or wedding guest, you’re sure to look and feel your best in a Marc Darcy suit. From sport slim fit grey blazers and skinny fit trousers to traditional tweed checked three-piece suits, Marc Darcy have got you covered for your next formal event.
To finish off your black tie look, a pair of smart dress shoes is essential. If you opt for a pattern over a classic all-black tuxedo, make sure that you keep the rest of the outfit simple – add a plain black tie or bow tie and smart black shoes such as these Jeffery West Escobar Leather Shoes for a sophisticated look. These black leather shoes boast a very subtle perforated detailing and are versatile enough to keep in your wardrobe as a go-to formal shoe for years to come.
co*cktail Wedding Guest Attire for Men
co*cktail wedding dress codes are one of the most common modern wedding attire trends and also give guests the most amount of freedom with their outfit choices. You’re still expected to wear a full suit or at very least a smart suit jacket with a formal shirt and shoes but you can leave the tie at home if you wish and have fun with the colours and patterns you choose to wear. Some weddings may specify for guests to stick to a particular colour theme so that their wedding pictures come out the way they envision. However, make sure that whatever suit you choose doesn’t match the suits of the groomsmen too much so that you can avoid blending in with the wedding party.
Tommy Hilfiger Flower Print Shirt – Desert Sky £71.95, Lois Jeans New Luke Linen Trousers – Navy £109.95 and Timberland Cedar Bay Leather Boat Shoes – Dark Brown £84.95
A co*cktail dress code is the perfect chance for you to have fun with a wedding look and let your personality shine through, one of the easiest ways to do this is by opting for a patterned shirt. This Flower Print Shirt from Tommy Hilfiger features a deep navy and red print with a buttoned down collar and branded buttons with a subtle embroidered logo on the chest. The colours and print of this shirt are perfect for those wanting to experiment with patterns without committing to anything too loud.
Pair your patterned shirt with a pair of relaxed chinos – chinos are a great alternative to a classic suit trouser especially for a co*cktail dress code as they offer a slightly more casual take on traditional wedding attire whilst still keeping the look smart. This pair of Lois Jeans New Luke Linen Chinos feature a loose fit with an elasticated waist to keep your formal look comfortable along with open front pockets and a branded back pocket.
In regards to what shoe choice is most appropriate for a co*cktail wedding dress code, we recommend keeping it traditional with a brogue or a leather boat shoe. Boat shoes are more acceptable for co*cktail and casual weddings however we would suggest avoiding this type of shoe for a black tie event. These Timberland Cedar Bay Leather Boat Shoes in dark brown feature subtle branding on the side and have an OrthoLite comfort foam insole to keep your feet comfortable all day long from ceremony to the dancefloor.
Casual Wedding Guest Outfits for Men
A casual dress code for a wedding is a nice way for the bride and groom to give you permission to essentially wear whatever you want. This is great for those not wanting to splash out on a new formal outfit that will most likely just be worn once and instead just create an outfit using any blazer or shirt you already own. For this dress code, a full suit is not necessary, you can get away with wearing just a shirt or blazer with a pair of chinos or trousers, and any pair of shoes you wish. Have fun with more vibrant colours and patterns, whether you choose to draw your inspiration from seasonal tones or the wedding colour scheme, a casual wedding is your chance to get creative with your look.
HUGO Ellino Short Sleeved Shirt – Light Blue £118.95, and Jeffery West Velour Loafers – Grey £187.95
A floral patterned shirt is a great option for a wedding, no matter the season, florals are always acceptable. This Ellino Short Sleeved Shirt from HUGO features a relaxed fit with a spread colour, short sleeves and a buttoned closure with branded buttons. The light blue tones of this shirt make this perfect for a casual spring or summer wedding, and give you a variety of options to draw on for the rest of your outfit as blue can easily be matched with a wide range of complementing colours
Again, a pair of chinos are ideal for a more casual wedding. In this instance, this pair of in a pale blue hue would pair seamlessly with this floral shirt for an effortlessly cool yet smart wedding outfit. To finish off this casual wedding outfit, add a pair of smart leather trainers or loafers such as this pair of Velour Loafers from Jeffery West. These shoes come in stylish grey velvet colour with white and silver accents featuring a comfort light sole and slip on style, ideal for a long day of drinking and dancing.
No Dress Code Wedding Guest Attire for Men
If the wedding you’re attending doesn’t have a specific dress code or you’re just invited to the night time party, then these outfits are perfect for you. Although there’s no dress code, you still need to dress appropriately – we’re talking no joggers and hoodies, unless of course the bride and groom are okay with that. The most appropriate option will be a pair of jeans and a smart-casual top such as a polo shirt, finished off with a pair of smarter trainers or shoes.
Gabicci Lineker Longsleeved Polo Shirt – Cream/Navy £48.95, Armani Exchange Slim Jeans – Black £99.95 and Tommy Hilfiger Lo Cup Leather Trainers – Black £87.95
If the bride and groom opt to have a casual dress code, the outfit you choose is largely down to personal preference; however the general rule of thumb is that smart-casual outfit is the most appropriate. We recommend choosing a polo shirt as an alternative to a classic shirt and pairing with a smart pair of black jeans.
This Gabicci Lineker Longsleeved Polo Shirt comes in a sophisticated cream colour with navy trim accents for a polished look. Add a pair of slim fit black jeans like this pair of Armani Exchange Slim Jeans and an all-black pair of leather trainers to complete the perfect smart-casual wedding look. These Tommy Hilfiger Lo Cup Leather Trainers feature a cushioned collar and tongue with subtle branding, providing a supportive yet smart shoe option to keep you comfortable all day long, and into the night as the wedding celebrations continue
RSVP in style with the help of Standout
Now that you’ve been inspired by our wedding guest outfits for men, browse the Standout site to get your hands on our top picks. Take a look at our full collection of men’s designer shirts, trousers and footwear to find the perfect wedding guest attire to fit your next RSVP dress code. And be sure to check out our wedding guest outfits trend edit to find further style inspiration.
