How to Dress for a Summer Wedding | Gentlemen Wardrobe

 

How to Dress for a Summer Wedding - A Modern Style Guide for Men

Weddings are one of the rare occasions where men are expected and encouraged to truly dress up. Unlike everyday wear, summer weddings give you a moment to lean into sharp tailoring, vibrant color choices, and personal touches that leave a lasting impression. Whether it’s a city rooftop celebration or a vineyard ceremony under the sun, knowing how to dress for the occasion is essential.

From choosing breathable fabrics to selecting the perfect tie or lapel pin, this guide is designed to help you look polished, stay cool, and stand out for all the right reasons.

Know the Dress Code & the Weather

Before diving into patterns or accessories, start with the basics. The wedding’s formality and location will dictate the foundation of your outfit and summer heat should always factor into your decision making.

Formal / Cocktail Attire

• Classic colors like navy, charcoal, or deep brown
  

• Light wool or wool blend suits for breathability
  

• A crisp white shirt with a structured tie
  

• Leather dress shoes
  

This look works well for evening weddings, upscale venues, and black tie optional dress codes. Add contrast with a patterned pocket square or subtle lapel pin to give it a modern edge.

Semi-Formal / Outdoor Weddings

• Light grey, taupe, beige, or dusty blue suits
  

• Unlined or lightweight blazers
  

• Button down shirts—tie optional
  

• Loafers or dress sneakers for comfort
  

For warm weather ceremonies, especially outdoors, prioritize comfort and breathability. Cotton linen blends or tropical weight wool are ideal. Even without a tie, your look should still feel intentional. That’s where accessories come in.

How to Dress for an Outdoor Summer Wedding

Outdoor weddings are visually stunning but they’re also unpredictable. From sun exposure to soft ground, your outfit needs to balance style with practicality.

Choose the Right Fabrics

Heavy wool and synthetic blends can trap heat. Opt for unlined jackets and lightweight suits in linen, cotton, or wool silk blends. They’ll help regulate your temperature and maintain shape in the heat.

Footwear Matters

If the wedding is on grass, sand, or gravel, ditch leather soles and opt for loafers or rubber soled oxfords. Clean dress sneakers can also work for more casual outdoor weddings.

Color is Everything

Light, sun reflecting shades work best outdoors. Earth tones like sand, olive, sage, and stone look sophisticated without feeling stuffy. For more flair, balance your look with deeper accessories burgundy, emerald, and mustard are seasonally strong.

Summer weddings, especially outdoors, are all about accessories. Even if you skip the tie, a well chosen pocket square or lapel pin becomes a statement. These small details are where you stand out.

Suit Colors That Work for Every Setting

Summer weddings are the perfect time to break out of the typical black or navy. Color not only adds style it reflects personality.

• Navy: A timeless classic that’s appropriate for almost any venue
  

• Light Grey: Crisp, clean, and ideal for garden or daytime weddings
  

• Beige & Stone: Versatile neutrals for sunlit ceremonies and casual settings
  

• Brown or Chocolate: Rich and refined for early fall or rustic weddings
  

• Olive & Sage: Understated yet stylish perfect with ivory or neutral shirts
  

• Cream or Ivory: Elegant and breathable for beach or destination weddings

• Our collection of ties, pocket squares, and lapel pins comes in a wide range of tones from pastel blush and champagne to bold maroon and forest green making it easy to coordinate with any color palette.

Ties & Patterns: Express Yourself

Ties are one of the easiest ways to add personality to your wedding outfit. They don’t just complete your look, they define it.

Knitted Ties

A laid back yet refined option. Perfect for garden weddings or less formal events.

Patterned Ties

Florals, polka dots, or geometrics can add flair. Balance with a solid suit or subtle shirt.

Solid Ties

For a clean, classic finish. Choose from rich tones or seasonal shades to match the setting.

Our tie collection is built for versatility, with styles that pair well with both formal and relaxed looks. Whether you want to coordinate with a wedding theme or make a bold statement, we have options that suit every style.

Finishing Touches: The Accessories That Matter

What separates a good outfit from a great one? Accessories. They show intention, elevate the entire look, and allow you to express your personality without saying a word.

Pocket Squares

A non-negotiable detail. Folded clean or puffed with ease, it should complement never match your tie.

Lapel Pins

A lapel pin can make a subtle outfit unforgettable. Especially when skipping the tie, a floral pin adds structure and sophistication.

Tie Bars

Functional and stylish. A sleek tie bar keeps everything in place and shows you pay attention to detail.

Cufflinks

Only wear them if you have French cuffs but when you do, make it count. They’re a quiet luxury.

Socks

Don’t forget them. Dress socks should add interest, not distraction. Match your trousers or subtly echo another part of your outfit.

At Gentlemen Wardrobe, our accessories are curated to suit every event, every guest, and every suit. Whether you're leaning towards formal or semi casual, you’ll find timeless, well made pieces that bring your entire outfit together.

Final Word

When it comes to summer weddings, dressing well is more than following a dress code; it's about showing respect for the couple, the moment, and yourself. From the fabric of your suit to the color of your tie, every detail matters. Keep it effortless, season appropriate, and refined. Whether you're standing in the sun or dancing into the evening, the right accessories can take your look from standard to standout.

Here’s to showing up sharp, feeling confident, and looking like you belong in every photo.

Gentlemen Wardrobe
Timeless Accessories. Effortless Style