Wedding season is officially upon us: you've accepted the invitations and marked the dates in your diary. Now, all that's left to do is decide what to wear.
These days, a top hat and tails are no longer de rigueur: dress codes have relaxed and guests have more freedom to select outfits that they feel comfortable in. Summer weddings in particular often call for smart or smart casual looks, rather than head-to-toe formal attire. The heat certainly is not conducive to sporting heavy woollen three-piece suits and flannel shirts, particularly if it's a destination wedding at an exotic beachfront location. Instead, opt for a suit or tailored separates in lightweight and breathable fabrics like linen, seersucker or organic cotton.
The best part about dressing for a summer wedding is that it presents the perfect opportunity to have a bit of fun and experiment with colour. Now is not the time for grey and black. Instead, go for tailoring in light, neutral or pastel shades, and branch out with your shirting: hues like sage green or pale pink will work well. During the warmer months, consider contrasting your separates, opting for a lighter shade for your trousers and a slightly darker colour for your jacket.
A pair of smart shoes is essential, but don't feel restricted to lace-up Oxfords or derbies. Loafers or brogues will suit just about any venue, while boat shoes and even sneakers these days are ideal for more casual beach weddings. Accessorise with understated jewellery, a coloured knitted tie or silk pocket square, if you so wish, and certainly don't forget a pair of sunglasses: squinting through the ceremony is never a good look.
What to wear to a summer wedding
Wax London Midnight Linen Alp Trouser
Keep things classic in a pair of Wax London's Alp Trousers, made from responsibly sourced linen and boasting a flattering slim fit. Breathable and lightweight, they're the perfect warm weather alternative to heavier chinos. Dress them up with Wax's matching Fintry Blazer and complete the look with a short sleeved Cuban collar shirt and desert boots.
Luca Faloni Versilia Linen Shirt
Add a dash of casual refinement to your summer wedding attire with Luca Faloni's grandad collar linen shirt in a gorgeous sky blue hue. Crafted by skilled artisans in in Northern Italy, it makes use of pure Italian linen and mother of pearl buttons, resulting in a smart-casual staple that's guaranteed to stand the test of time.
Velasca Maester Loafers
Velasca's dark brown suede calf leather penny loafers are the ultimate all-occasion shoes, ideal for teaming with anything from denim to summer tailoring. With an ultra-light and flexible construction, they're perfect for the warmer months. A sturdy leather sole means they'll stand the test of time.
Johann Wolff Zhan Sunglasses
These slick aviator-inspired frames from Miami-based eyewear experts Johann Wolff offer the perfect finishing touch to your summer wedding ensemble. Lightweight lenses are combined with a custom stainless steel temple core and front pins, so you can rest assured they're built to last. But if any dance floor mishaps do occur, no need to stress: every pair Johann Wolff glasses comes with a lifetime warranty to make those accidents hurt a little less.
Roderer Stefano Bracelet
Subtly enhance any elegant summer wedding look with a minimalist bracelet, like this one from men's accessories label Roderer. Handmade from woven leather with a stainless steel clasp that features an elegant engraved Roderer logo, it exudes understated luxury.
L'Estrange 24 Blazer
You can never go wrong with a softly tailored blazer, and this lightweight version from London-based menswear label L'Estrange ticks all our boxes. It's unstructured and unlined with a soft lapel construction and just a hint of stretch Style it with L'Estrange's matching classic 24 Trouser for a smart-casual take on summer tailoring.
Aurélien White Voyager Sneakers
Amsterdam-based brand Aurélien is one of the first on our list for premium leather sneakers that fuse unfussy aesthetics with top notch – and sustainable – construction. We're big fans of the brand's signature Voyager sneakers, which are made from ultra-soft nappa leather with extra calf leather padding for ultimate comfort. So you can dance the night away with ease and enjoyment.
NOMOS Glashütte Ludwig 38
A summer wedding calls for an elegantly understated minimalist timepiece that will subtly elevate your ensemble without distracting from it. This sleek 38-millimetre watch from renowned German watchmakers NOMOS Glashütte will do just trick. A clean white dial is complemented by blue indices and a sophisticated, super-smooth Horween Genuine Shell Cordovan leather strap.
KLEMAN Padror Shoes
Derby shoes occupy the sweet spot between formal and casual, so they're the perfect go-to shoes for a wedding that doesn't take itself too seriously. This burgundy-coloured pair from French footwear label KLEMAN gets our pick. Made in France, they combine a cowhide leather upper with durable rubber soles for ultimate grip and comfort.
For more summer wardrobe inspiration, check out our pick of the best swim shorts this season.
