When it comes to wedding outfits, all too often men are overlooked. But while the main focus of attention is always on the bride, followed by the bridesmaids, male guests have to look the part too. The groom, best man – or men – ushers and family members and close friends should all treat a wedding as an occasion to look their very best.
It shouldn’t be just about the suit, though it’s important that the suit is well fitted, clean, and suitable for the setting. It is, of course, the centrepiece of the whole ensemble so make an effort; don’t just drag the day-to-day work version out of the wardrobe, treat yourself to something fresh and new. And then start adding the extras and accessories, which can give the outfit an edge.
There’s no point having a slick suit if the shirt you wear beneath it is in poor condition, either worn and washed out or baggy and too large. Invest in a brand new dress shirt, crisp and pristine – view this range from Dobell for inspiration. Remember, there’s a strong likelihood that you’ll remove your jacket at some point during a wedding ceremony and subsequent reception, particularly during the summer, so the shirt will be seen.
If unsure about what shirt to go for, white works with just about everything but consider a subtle gingham check. If you’re going for a coloured shirt, choose your tie carefully to ensure it complements the shirt. A navy gingham shirt requires a tie that is also navy or a shade just above or below.
The other significant items to select wisely are the shoes. As this blog from Reiss suggests, opt for safe shoes and ‘err on the side of caution’. Nothing too fancy or extravagant; black Oxford shoes are a solid choice, or dark brown brogues.
Main outfit chosen, you can now add some individuality pieces of your own, those special touches which capture your style and catch the eye of other guests.
A statement watch takes some beating as an accessory – check out this selection from Esquire magazine. Ignore the Rolex of Patek Philippe models on there (unless you’re very fortunate) but take a good look at the selection of watches priced under £1,000. A good quality watch isn’t a one-off purchase. It might make its debut on your wrist for a wedding but it’s a long-term investment that you can use time and time again.
Next, add a pair of funky cufflinks. Don’t make do with the fabric ones which come with the shirt – they’re just for display purposes. You can find plenty of novelty types but give these a miss at a wedding (just like you should always avoid a novelty tie). Stay simple and classy with a pair of gold or silver cufflinks, or a discreet diamante design. For a nice touch you can get a bespoke pair for the occasion, perhaps by having the initial of the groom on one and of the bride of the other.
The golden rule when it comes to accessorising is not to go overboard – a wedding is a formal occasion and the dress code should be respected. You don’t want to stand out in a bad way, you just want to reflect some individuality and personality.
