A menswear guide to dressing for a summer wedding

You need to look sharp and keep cool

(Getty)

Wedding season is in full swing and so is Britain’s heatwave thus creating the biggest sartorial dilemma of them all: what should you wear?

While the expansion of options within menswear is undoubtedly a good thing, the ongoing evolution of the suit can make dressing for a wedding particularly confusing; even more so when it’s hot.

Your first port of call when deciding what to wear should be the invitation where, if the bride and groom are planning on having a dress code, you’ll find it specified.

And remember, if you’re not sure just how formal the event will be, it’s always safer to overdress than to underdress.

Next, you need to bear the climate in mind and, while it mind sound obvious, wearing the same three-piece wool suit you wore to the office Christmas party will leave you melting.

Instead, keep a cool head by investing in a suit made from breathable fabrics such as linen. Synonymous with summer, linen suiting should be your go-to for warmer climes but we suggest choosing one that’s mixed with silk or cotton to avoid excess crinkling.

Linen Miracle Slim Fit Textured Jacket, £99, Marks & Spencer

It’s also important to think about colour. While navy is a safe choice, if you want to opt for something lighter try experimenting with soft eggshell blue or a mix of earthy tones such as cream, khaki, tan and brown.

If the wedding is a more casual affair or you want to mix up your look, it’s worth considering whether to forgo a full, matching suit altogether.

Haydon Cuban Collar Shirt, £85, Reiss

Equally as sharp but an altogether more relaxed alternative, replacing a traditional white dress shirt with a Cuban collared version will demonstrate your fashion knowledge and make for a welcome addition to your everyday summer wardrobe – simply wear unbuttoned layered over a T-shirt.

While some rules are there to be broken, there are others that you should wholeheartedly adhere to.


 Light Blue Tapered Smart Trousers, £35, Topman

When it comes to picking your shoes, don’t be tempted to eschew tradition in favour of a pair of sandals or lightweight trainers. For a wedding, only formal footwear will do but you may forgo socks should your trousers stop at the ankle.

Archie, £260, Grenson

Mauna Hawaiian Shirt, £85, All Saints