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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.
Top picks:
- For a black-tie fairy tale wedding in Lake Como, Italy: Ralph Lauren Purple Label Gregory Wool Barathea Tuxedo
- For a formal City Hall wedding in New York: J.Crew Ludlow slim-fit suit
- For a semi-formal beachside wedding in Punta Mita, Mexico: Suitsupply tailored-fit Havana suit
- For a dressy, casual wedding in the Greek islands: Banana Republic double-breasted linen suit
- For a cocktail-attire reception party at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles: Asos Double-breasted velvet suit
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.
There’s also some fun in tuxedoes, particularly with accessories: Cufflinks give you a chance to play with bling; suspenders and cummerbunds keep you looking sleek even after the fifth Beyoncé track on the dance floor. (Should you wear a vest? Sure, but not with suspenders and/or a cummerbund. And stick to a color that matches your jacket or trousers; a colorful vest can make you look like you’re going to prom.) To have some fun with color, midnight blue is a chic option, or try on a white dinner jacket. If you’re into Hollywood style, look at any Oscars red carpet. That’s your black-tie guide.
If the dress code is “black-tie optional,” consider it the hosts’ way of giving you some flexibility: Tux still at the cleaners? Your darkest suit will do. You could skip the bowtie and go for a regular silk tie; no need for patent leather shoes (the traditional option) and your shiniest pair of black oxfords will do. That said, if you can, spring for the tux to add a little 007-style to the occasion. We should all dress up more anyway.
Formal attire
A “formal” dress code is still buttoned up and calls for a suit, but no need to scramble and rush to get your first-ever tux. You'll find this dress code on a lot of different invitations because it’s applicable to a wide array of settings and offers guests some wiggle room. If the event is after sundown, darker colors will fit the mood: navy blues and blacks; the daytime invites more flexibility and lighter colors: browns, charcoal grays, brighter blues. Regardless of situation, you’ll want to look put-together without sticking out like a sore thumb.
Semi-formal, festive, and cocktail attire
Here’s where we get into free-wheeling dress-code territory. “Semi-formal,” “festive,” and “cocktail” attire can mean lots of different things to a lot of different wedding guests. As ever, matching jackets and trousers can fit the “-formal” part of the brief, but it doesn’t have to be the suit you wear to the boardroom or, heaven forbid, a funeral. Colors can get brighter and shinier, especially in the daytime: Think plum or even pastel pink, a rich burgundy or an emerald green balanced by a classic tailored shape. This is the dress code that absolutely invites more personality and accessibility; for a “cocktail” setting, suit separates are definitely appropriate. Ultimately, it’s up to you to use your best judgement. If the marrying couple loves maximalist style and their wedding colors are hot pink and paisley, then you must absolutely bust out the hot pink and paisley blazer.
Casual and themed dress codes
Listen, if the wedding is on a ranch in Texas and the dress code is “Renaissance Act II Realness,” then you may as well lean in and wear cowboy boots and a sparkly sequin suit. This is the time to let loose while chasing some glamour. Find some funky sets or mix-and-match your separates—shirts can be polos, sweaters, and thematically-appropriate tees. (Wedding on a boat? Have a laugh with nautical prints. You just have to if it's a Below Deck–themed wedding.) Dressing down doesn’t have to mean showing up in jeans and a white tee. You can play with the shapes and principles of formalwear while injecting your personality into the outfit. Be bold! The couple made the dress code “casual” for a reason; wear something that will make them smile when they see you.
