Men’s wedding dress code guides, explained
How to dress for any wedding, from white tie to casual and everything in between.
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Getting a wedding invitation in the mail can be a rollercoaster of emotions: First, there’s joy for the happy couple, excitement for the big celebration and then, let’s be honest—fear, panic, and confusion about the dress code.
At times, couples are super specific about what to wear to the nuptials (have you been invited to a wedding that comes with an outfit moodboard yet?) while, more often than not, the invitation points folks to a more general traditional dress code like ‘black tie’ or ‘cocktail attire’ that guests can interpret how they want.
To make it easier, we’ve broken down some of the most popular wedding dress codes that men are asked to adhere to—and offer product options so you’ll be ready for whatever wedding invite comes next, from classic suits to casual inspiration.
What to wear to White Tie weddings
Unless you’re friends with royalty or a sitting president, you’ll likely be spared an invitation to a true white tie wedding and its hyper-formal dress code. To make sense of it, take a look at Bridgerton and its balls from a bygone era or a White House state dinner.
White tie is the most formal of all wedding dress codes, and for men should include an evening jacket with tails, a crisp white shirt, a vest or waistcoat, matching black pants, a hand-tied white bow tie, cufflinks and studs, and formal black shoes. Some people argue that you can take a little liberty with accessories, but realistically, if you’re invited to a white tie wedding, there’s a reason for the strict dress code—and this shouldn’t be the time to get creative.
For a proper white tie look that you want to own, there’s no better place to look than the suit shops of London, and this 100% wool option from Oliver Brown is as classic as it comes.
Oliver Brown’s matching evening tail pants are made with 100% soft barathea wool and include a traditional high waist and a split back with brace buttons for suspenders.
The key to white tie attire is to have high-quality staples, like this 100% Egyptian cotton pique weave tuxedo shirt from Suitsupply.
A hand-tied white bow tie is absolutely required at any white tie event (okay, you could probably get away with a pre-tied). This silk option in the classic butterfly shape from Todd Snyder will do the trick.
Every man needs a timeless set of shirt studs and cufflinks in their wardrobe, whether it’s for a white tie event or simply to dress up a more casual wedding look. This set is an investment you can keep for a lifetime.
Simple and classic black patent leather shoes are absolutely necessary for a white tie wedding, but you don’t have to go designer to complete the look. For less than $100, this pair from The Black Tux will get the job done.
What to wear to Black Tie weddings
A step down in rigidness from white tie, classic black tie wedding attire still adheres to a basic set of rules—and considering that most black tie events are still quite formal, you won’t want to skimp on the tried-and-true pieces that complete the look. This means just one thing: a black tuxedo. After all, there’s nothing worse than being underdressed or taking a creative liberty that makes you stand out for the wrong reasons.
The key here is to choose great base pieces that you love—do you want a notch lapel or something more dramatic, like a shawl collar—and take them to a tailor because the real way to stand out in an identically-dressed crowd is in the fit.
Here’s a classic and timeless look you can rewear for years (although if you only need it for one night, you can also rent one from The Black Tux). Just note that some folks might tell you it’s okay to skip the tuxedo vest, but you really shouldn’t.
The go-to classic look is a black tuxedo with a single-button closure and peak lapels. The Black Tux’s take is made with 100% super-fine merino wool, silk satin peak lapels, has side vents, and is fully canvassed.
Made with 100% super-fine Italian merino wool and featuring a five-button closure and black satin accents, this tuxedo vest can easily move between different tuxedo jackets if you decide to grow your collection.
A great white dress shirt should be a staple piece in every man’s wardrobe, and you can’t go wrong with this affordable 100% cotton shirt from The Black Tux that also allows for cufflinks and button studs.
With a black tuxedo, you’ll need a set of accessories to dress it up—shop the studs and cufflinks set linked above, and then come grab this pre-tied black butterfly bow tie.
Bringing back Black Tux’s classic black patent leather shoes because you can’t go wrong with the timeless style—and the price. It also wouldn’t hurt to invest in some nice shoe cleaner to give them a shine before heading out to your event.
What to wear to Creative Black Tie weddings
About as confusing a dress code as they come, creative black tie basically means that while the event is still formal and dressy, you’re allowed to take some creative liberty with how you style a tuxedo without fear of judgment (read: too much judgment, at least).
With creative black tie, you still want to go for a tuxedo look, but this is your opportunity to have more fun. Swap the classic tuxedo jacket for a fun dinner jacket, try a different color than black (but still in a respectable color), vie for a different fabric (velvet baby!), or any other creative styling that takes away a touch of formality, like a patterned bow tie, swapping out the classic white shirt for a black shirt or, finally, wearing your fun dress socks.
For a little fun, go burgundy with this 100% wool tuxedo from Indochino. When you shop Indochino, everything is custom-made to fit your body, so make sure you take careful measurements (or get fitted!) and note that delivery time can take a few weeks.
If the creative part comes in the color of the tuxedo itself, you’ll want to keep your accessories classic. Keep things clean and simple with this affordable Indochino accessory set.
For added fun, forget the fun socks and go with fun shoes, like these cotton velvet loafers that scream “life of the party.”
What to wear to Black Tie Optional weddings
For a black tie optional wedding, think of it like this: You don’t have to wear a tuxedo, but if you do, dress it down. Or, if you decide to wear a regular suit, dress it up. Black tie optional is less stuffy, less formal, and a great place to infuse your personal style in a way that still understands the assignment.
With this dress code, you can wear a sleek but playful tuxedo without repercussion or go for a nice fitted suit in a smart color. For this look, we’ve pulled a formal suit with a classic dress shirt, leather shoes and a tie.
Tailored slim for a defining look and in an elegant navy shade that will stand out in all the right ways, Suitsupply’s Mid Blue Three-Piece Tailored Fit Havana Suit is made from a lightweight summer wool-silk-linen blend, has a sharp single-breasted jacket, matching vest, and sleek, tapered pants.
Made with ultra-fine stitching and comfortable collar and cuffs, this shirt will allow you to breathe and move during the best part of the wedding—the dancing! It features a shorter length that doubles as a great shirt to wear in casual settings.
Black tie optional allows for more freedom to choose your accessories, so why not swap the classic black tie for something more fun, like knit?
If you don’t already have a pair of black penny loafers in your closet, it’s time to invest. These Italian calf leather shoes read formal and casual—and easily dress up or down with different outfits. Just be sure to break them in before wearing them to a wedding.
What to wear to Cocktail Attire weddings
These days, most weddings are less rigid and require cocktail attire, where your main goal should be simply dressing in a way that lets your personality and sense of style shine. Tie? No need (unless you want one!). Dressy sneakers? Totally fine. Cuff links? Forgettaaboutit.
The key to dressing great for cocktail attire is remembering that dressing up for this event means dressing down in a way that’s smart and effortless. What it’s not, is a free-for-all where you wear kitschy socks or too many textures or patterns and end up looking like a silly frat bro in their sophomore year of college. The goal is a look that’s easy, breezy, simple and smart.
If you’re shopping for cocktail attire, consider buying something you’d wear again for work or another casual-leaning event, like this blue skinny suit that’s just enough pop of color to stand out without, you know, standing out too much.
The jacket features classic notch lapels and two buttons for a classic shape but this statement-making soft blue.
A skinny-fit take on the classic white dress shirt, wear this shirt sans tie and with the top few buttons undone for a fun and casual look.
Another way to inject a little personality into a cocktail attire look is with your shoes. Punch up the blue suit with edgy loafers like these that have a chunky sole and leather upper.
What to wear to Beach Weddings
Beach weddings come in many shapes and sizes. They can be totally casual (think: all-inclusive resort with your besties) or on the totally formal side (a la Kevin Kwan’s Lies and Weddings.) Realistically, you're more likely to be invited to casual beach weddings, so meet them in the middle with a relaxed suit in a breathable fabric to help beat the heat.
Also remember that what really sets the tone for beach wedding attire is the color you decide to wear, what textures or patterns you incorporate, and practical shoes in case you’re standing on a literal beach.
With a great lightweight suit in a relaxed color (like light gray) you can stand out by dressing down to be comfortable at a potentially hot outdoor wedding. This jacket is made with a soft and lightweight linen-mix that just screams that your job is beach…or at least beach wedding.
The matching pants in this set can easily be reworn to different events without being noticed. For the wedding itself, wear it with the jacket. For more casual events, tie it together with a knit polo or floral button-down.
Pair the suit with a white t-shirt, and you’ll nail the perfect beach look. While any white t-shirt will do, this broad scoop neck adds a little more character.
Tie this look together with a pair of versatile sneakers in a light color, like the iconic New Balance 725 that’s a mix of grays and whites. They’re comfortable and easy to dress up or down. I would know: I wore these for my own wedding.
If the tee feels a bit too casual, this lightweight knit polo will pair perfectly with the pants to create a semi-dressy but beach-forward look that’ll have you looking like the cast of ‘The White Lotus.’
What to wear to Casual Weddings
A wedding invite with a dress code that simply reads “casual” is not an invitation to throw all the rules out the window. Before you decide what to wear, take stock of what you know about the couple. What would they wear to a casual wedding? Chances are it’s not flip-flops and blue jeans.
For a casual wedding, it’s best to dress down pieces that you would otherwise dress up. Wear a button-up, but maybe don’t tuck it into a pair of dress pants. Here, you can get creative with the patterns you wear, just don’t overdo it. If you opt for patterned dress pants, opt for a solid shirt, or vice versa. Casual can be cool and smart, but don’t mistake it for a lazy look. You’re going to a wedding, not Wal-Mart.
J.Crew’s weathered chinos are a great middle-ground for a casual wedding look. If it’s a summer wedding, pair these with a nice white button-up and loafers. For a fall or winter wedding, throw a nice sweater over that button-up and you'll be set.
It doesn’t get more classic than a Brooks Brothers’ Oxford shirt, which can easily be tucked in and belted, worn out and loose or smartly placed under a sweater.
For a fall or winter wedding, a cable sweater is an easy way to dress up a casual look while still being comfortable and warm. Suit Supply makes a solid option that’s 100% cotton and will look killer over a white button-up.
For a stylish approach to casual, a design-forward t-shirt is totally acceptable. This elevated option from Todd Snyder is relaxed and comfortable, and it looks like a million bucks. Add a light suit jacket to dress it up and you’re all set.
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