Weddings. The ultimate collision of tradition and individuality, where you’re supposed to honor age-old customs while somehow showing up as the sharpest, most confident version of yourself. Easy, right? Not so much. The thing about weddings is that they’ve got an unspoken dress code even when you’re not the groom. And if you are the groom, the pressure to get it just right is next level. Forget the same recycled advice about black suits and muted ties—this is about standing out in a way that feels like you. Let’s talk about flipping the script while keeping it classy.
Forget the Rules (But Learn Them First)
You’ve heard it before: rules are meant to be broken. But in wedding style, it’s less about breaking them and more about bending them until they fit your personal aesthetic. The “rules” exist for a reason—weddings are significant events, and dressing well shows respect. But respecting tradition doesn’t mean losing yourself in a sea of penguin suits.
Start with the venue. Beach ceremony? Skip heavy fabrics. Grand ballroom? Maybe leave the linen at home. Black tie? Well, now we’re playing with some sartorial history. Understand the framework so you can work around it, like swapping out the usual black tux jacket for a midnight blue option. Knowing what’s expected makes your departures from it intentional—and intentional always reads better than accidental.
The Classic Wedding Look Isn’t Always the Move
Let’s be real—there’s nothing wrong with the classic wedding look. A well-tailored tux or a sharp suit in neutral tones will always be timeless. But weddings in 2024 aren’t cookie-cutter affairs anymore. People want personality, and your outfit should rise to the occasion.
Start thinking about fabrics. Classic wool suits dominate, but velvet, silk, and even lightweight tweeds have made their way into the mix. These options offer a textured edge that photographs beautifully and feels fresh. Then there’s color. While black and navy dominate the wedding circuit, softer shades like sage green, taupe, or even blush can set you apart without trying too hard. It’s about knowing how to balance unexpected touches with traditional grounding pieces, like pairing an unconventional jacket with a crisp white shirt.
Another underrated tweak? Footwear. Skip the shiny patent oxfords and go for polished leather loafers or even Chelsea boots, depending on the formality level. Every detail counts when you’re rethinking the classics.
Accessories? Not Just for the Bride
Wedding style isn’t just about what you’re wearing but how you’re finishing it. Accessories are no longer relegated to the bare minimum of a pocket square and cufflinks. Think of them as the punctuation to your sentence—they’re subtle but can completely change the tone.
Ties are optional these days, but if you’re skipping one, make sure your collar game is on point. Wide collars, tab collars, or even a grandad collar can add personality when paired with a tailored blazer. Pocket squares are non-negotiable, but don’t match them to your tie—coordination is key, but matching too closely screams prom night. Then there’s jewelry. Yes, jewelry. A sleek bracelet, understated necklace, or even a unique tie bar can quietly pull everything together. Just don’t overdo it—this isn’t a festival.
For a final flourish, hats are making a subtle comeback. Not your dad’s floppy beach hat, but sharp fedoras or tailored caps that match the vibe of an outdoor ceremony. Trust us, a hat done right turns heads for all the right reasons.
Skip the Rental Rack—Get Personal
The fastest way to kill your wedding look is to grab something off a rack that a thousand other guys wore last season. Rentals might seem easy, but they rarely fit perfectly, and the last thing you want on your big day is to tug at a collar that’s too tight or worry about jacket sleeves creeping up your arms. Invest in tailoring—it’s a game changer.
Getting something custom doesn’t have to break the bank. Many local tailors can work with off-the-rack pieces, turning them into something that feels entirely unique. Bonus: tailored fits photograph better, which matters when your pictures will be around forever. Even small tweaks like hemming your pants or tapering a jacket can make a standard suit feel like it was made just for you.
Beyond the fit, think about embroidery or monogramming for a personal touch. A subtle date stitched into the inside of your jacket or initials on your cuff adds a layer of uniqueness without shouting for attention. It’s these quiet details that elevate your look from “off-the-shelf” to “one-of-a-kind.”
Match the Mood Without Losing Yourself
Here’s the tricky part: balancing your style with the overall tone of the wedding. Whether you’re looking at wedding venues in Miami, NYC, or anywhere in between, the location and theme play a huge role in setting the mood. But that doesn’t mean you need to disappear into the scenery.
For urban weddings, think sleek and modern. Sharp tailoring, minimalist accessories, and bold but refined colors work beautifully in cityscapes. Beach weddings? Light, breathable fabrics in pastel tones or earthy shades are the way to go. Rustic, countryside vibes? Consider relaxed tailoring with a textured fabric like tweed or linen.
The key is to coordinate without overmatching. If the wedding has a color palette, use it as a loose guide rather than a strict rulebook. And remember, your outfit should reflect the energy of the event while staying true to your style. If you’re bold by nature, go ahead with that statement blazer. If understated is more your thing, focus on flawless tailoring and let the details do the talking.
Wrapping It All Up
Your wedding look isn’t just about ticking boxes on a dress code; it’s a reflection of who you are at one of the most memorable moments of your life. Don’t let tradition or expectations dull your edge—this is your moment to shine. Whether you go full classic, lean into modern touches, or experiment with something totally new, the goal is to feel like yourself while looking your absolute best. Because when the day’s over, all that really matters is how you felt wearing it. And if you nailed it? You’ll know—you won’t just see it in the mirror; you’ll feel it.
Fraquoh and Franchomme
P.S. We want to hear from you! Do you like classic wedding attire? What do you think is nice to do differently on a wedding day? Why? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, X or Instagram!