The Definitive Guide to Wedding Guest Dress Codes for Men
Wedding dress codes might as well be in a different
language,
so we’re here to help you translate.
Look
your best at every event with our guide—no cipher
required.
- White Tie
- Black Tie
- Creative Black Tie
- Formal or Black Tie Optional
- Cocktail or Semiformal
- Tropical or Beach
- Casual or Come as You Are
WHITE TIE DRESS CODE OUTFIT
If you're attending an event with this dress code, it's undoubtedly one of the most formal affairs. However, be prepared for the strictest dress code where there's no room for deviation. You'll need to don a tuxedo with tails, a white bibbed wingtip collar shirt featuring French cuffs, a white piqué bow tie, and a white waistcoat. While this dress code might be more common in the U.K., it's a rare sight elsewhere.
- Styling Tip
In this setting, it's best to embrace tradition rather than express individuality. Think of it as stepping onto the set of an episode of 'The Crown' and embody the classic look.
BLACK TIE DRESS CODE OUTFIT
When it comes to formal attire, you're firmly in tuxedo territory, and there's no substitute for a timeless black tuxedo. Ensure your finest black lace-up shoes are polished to perfection (patent leather shoes, while traditional, are not strictly required these days). Your choice of shirt is essential: a bibbed tuxedo shirt is the epitome of tradition and formality, while a covered placket or plain front shirt is a bit less formal and leans toward modernity. Opt for a peak or shawl lapel on your tuxedo; while a notched lapel is acceptable, it's best to avoid it if possible.
- Styling Tip
Ensure you have your accessories ready—cufflinks, studs, and a black bow tie (not a necktie)—as these are often the elements that distinguish a good black tie look from a great one. Depending on the occasion, you might have some roomto showcase your personal style through your choice of accessories. Consider a covered placket tuxedo shirt for a slightly unexpected yet stylish touch.
INVITE SAYS:
BLACK TIE CREATIVE DRESS CODE OUTFIT
We recommend adhering to formalwear attire in this setting; it's better to be overdressed than underdressed. However, if obtaining a tuxedo proves impossible, a dark navy or black suit is a suitable alternative. This is an opportunity to have some fun with your style and showcase your sartorial expertise. Consider a midnight blue tuxedo or a dinner jacket with velvet lapels; they are both excellent choices. If you opt for a suit, select a dark navy or black one, pair it with a white shirt, and choose a dark, preferably solid, tie. Steer clear of button-down collars under any circumstances
- Styling Tip
When it comes to shoes, opt for black leather lace-ups or slippers to complete your look
INVITE SAYS:
Formal or Black Tie Optional
WHAT TO WEAR:
These dress codes are typically reserved for the evening and indicate that something slightly less formal than black-tie is acceptable. So, a tuxedo isn’t required, but the event is still formal enough for one to be appropriate. You still have the option to wear a tuxedo, but a dark formal suit, white shirt, and dark tie will likely be the most popular choice. A tie is a must here.
- Styling Tip
A peak lapel can add a little extra formality to your suit and works perfectly in this situation. Avoid bold colors so you don’t steal the spotlight from the bride and groom—navy, dark grey, and black are your palette.
INVITE SAYS:
Cocktail or Semiformal
WHAT TO WEAR:
Cocktail attire has become one of the most popular wedding dress codes and is pretty ambiguous for those who haven’t attended a lot of weddings. Cocktail attire is a smidge more formal than semiformal attire, and is often for weddings held later in the day, while semiformal is usually for afternoon weddings. Avoid a tuxedo and go for a well-tailored suit with a solid shirt—tie optional but encouraged. Take cues from the wedding’s location. At a private club or mansion? Don’t forego the tie. At a country home or farm? You’ll likely be okay with an open collar. Again, a solid shirt is your best bet, but you can deviate from white into blues here. Loafers and lace-ups are both approved footwear.
- Styling Tip
Let the time of day dictate the color palette of your look, too. If it’s an afternoon wedding, a suit in a light shade of blue or grey is perfect, while evenings call for darker shades.
INVITE SAYS:
Tropical or Beach
WHAT TO WEAR:
Time to have some fun. We love a lighter-hued seasonal suit (cream, beige, light grey, or faded blue) with a relaxed shirt. Linen blends are perfect for most, and the bold shouldn’t overlook a printed Aloha shirt. Pay attention to specific attire requests from the couple (pale neutral shades only, for example). Skip the tie. Loafers or espadrilles are the play here.
- Styling Tip
Pure linen fabrics are naturally wrinkle prone and don’t travel well, so we prefer wool/linen blends for tailored clothing and cotton/linen blends for shirts. You get all of the character of linen and much better performance.
INVITE SAYS:
Casual or Come as You Are
WHAT TO WEAR:
Just because it says ‘casual’ doesn’t mean you should just show up in jeans and a t-shirt. While a suit is too formal, we think a sport coat with trousers (no tie) strikes the perfect balance between relaxed and refined. It respects the importance of the event without seeming out of place. Patterned or more textured fabrics for your tailored clothing (linen in the summer, wool flannels in the winter) are a great play here. Go for loafers or monkstraps (avoid lace-ups and sneakers).
- Styling Tip
This is a good opportunity to wear fun shoes and accessories. Solid or subtly patterned shirts and trousers are your best friends if you want to play it safe, but experimenting with the details shows you put some thought into dressing for the occasion.