By
Dan Michel, Men's Journal
Summer weddings are occasions meant to celebrate life, love, and friendships. They’re also the perfect excuse to dance your ass off and showcase your style.
However, that’s nearly impossible if you’re sweating bullets in your go-to, year-round suit. That’s not to say all formal attire will ruin your good time. There are plenty of breathable fabrics and rich textures to keep you looking and feeling cool.
[post_ads]“Summer weddings should be an opportunity to showcase your personality and enjoy the weather—not dread it,” says New York-based stylist Paul Fredrick. “You just need to pick the right jacket and go from there.”
Common breathable fabrics include chambray, cotton, and seersucker, but you can find summer-friendly wool, too. With so many options, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Lucky for you, we’ve taken the guesswork out of finding the right rig to match any style. Scroll down to find yours.
To Look Sharp, but Understated
You can’t look great if you’re pitting out before the vows begin, so pick a suit in a lightweight (or “summer weight”) fabric. Chambray is ideal. It’s made of lightweight cotton with a texture that gives it depth—that’s why it’s one of the summer’s biggest trends.
“It has that casual feeling, but you’ll still look smart,” says New York-based stylist Mitsu Tsuchiya. Wear a solid shirt underneath to create contrast, and a textured shirt to add interest. Get the pants tailored with no break—where the fabric barely touches your shoe—for even more air flow. Then finish the look with a cool pair of loafers, and don’t forget to wear liners.
To Impress Your Date
A jacket is the most crucial part of your look, so invest wisely, says Fredrick. Tan colors look great in summer, and this jacket’s stretch cotton fabric will breathe and move with you throughout the evening. Wear a solid shirt underneath for a sophisticated vibe and a knit tie to add texture. Details are crucial, so don’t forget to strap on a leather watch and a pair or brown brogues for some sharp finishing touches.
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To Look Casual-Cool
Seersucker is one of the lightest and most casual suits you can wear, so it’s a great choice for outdoor weddings. A solid, unexpected shade like olive is more modern than traditional stripes. If it’s a casual wedding, lose the dress tie and button-up altogether—a polo looks just as sharp, says Fredrick. Add some casual details with a NATO-strap watch and a pair of white leather sneakers.
To Make a Statement
Wearing a statement sport coat looks just as sharp as a suit, but allows for more sartorial license. If you want to turn heads, opt for a large windowpane print to show your style moxie. Give your look more complexity by adding a micro-tattersall pattern shirt.
“You can mix prints as long as they’re very different in size,” says Tsuchiya. Match them with a pair of leather loafers with no socks, and you’ll be the most stylish guy on the dance floor.
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