The Men's Summer Wedding Edit: How to Beat the Heat in Style

Credit: Bonobos

Our team is dedicated to finding and telling you more about the web’s best products. If you purchase through our links, we may receive a commission. Our editorial team is independent and only endorses products we believe in.

I know how it goes. You dropped a not-small chunk of change on a dark suit to amortize across upcoming weddings – and then the invites to July and August nuptials started rolling in. The truth hurts, but you might as well face it: that new purchase is staying put right on the hanger.  

That's because summer wedding style calls for a completely different playbook, emphasizing lighter colors, more breathable fabrics, and a breezy approach to even the most formal of dress codes. Lest your winterwear leave you looking hot, sweaty and woefully severe, I've pulled together my best recs for staying seasonal. Divided into three categories below – in order of formality – these looks are timeless enough that you won't be blowing out your bank account just to rock one ceremony.

Although even if you did, we'd salute your commitment.

We like

We don't like

CASUAL

Todd Snyder

Cotton Silk Short Sleeve Riviera Polo

$268
$268
Code:
Copy Icon
Credit: Todd Snyder

Whether you're beachside or in a backyard, a summer casual dress code is no excuse to roll up looking schlubby. A trim, well-fitted polo will never do you wrong, especially in a warm color like Todd Snyder's Copper Clay. As with all menswear, the details make the difference here: it's that white piping that elevates this shirt to something wedding-worthy.

We like

We don't like

Club Monaco

Short Sleeve Camp Collar Lily Stencil Shirt

$89.50
$89.50
Code:
Copy Icon
Credit: Club Monaco

If bold colors aren't your thing, you can still make a splash with a large, graphic print. Especially apt for a tropical, destination wedding, the right camp collar shirt can look great with a pair of tailored pants (which we'll get to). Club Monaco's long been a favorite of mine whenever I'm shopping for prints – their mix of sophistication and play is exactly how you want to come off as a wedding guest.

We like

We don't like

Luca Faloni

Lipari Linen Trousers

$195
$195
Code:
Copy Icon
Credit: Luca Faloni

Leave it to the Italians to perfect the linen trouser. Luca Faloni's artisanal, family-owned operation out of Northern Italy is the cream of the crop, making pants with the ease of vacation wear and the strong lines of a chino. Since shorts are rarely wedding-appropriate, these are your best bet for staying comfy and stylish at the same time. Drawstring optional or not depending on your level of island chill.

We like

We don't like

Banana Republic

Suede Penny Loafers

$120
$120
Code:
Copy Icon
Credit: Banana Republic

Ankles out, baby!! Ditch the dress socks and let those bad boys tan in a pair of suede loafers, the ultimate summer shoe. Banana Republic's are a great price for how impeccably they're made and how true-to-size they fit. Once you've got a pair, you'll start making excuses to wear them with everything.

We like

We don't like

Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Todd Snyder
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Club Monaco
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Luca Faloni
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Banana Republic
Luca Faloni
$195
$195
Code:
Copy Icon
Banana Republic
$120
$120
Code:
Copy Icon

SEMI-FORMAL

J. Crew

Ludlow Slim-Fit Suit Jacket

$450
$450
Code:
Copy Icon
Credit: J. Crew

No surprises here, right? Even if J. Crew isn't exactly a groundbreaking recommendation, it's important to remember they're ubiquitous for a reason. With enough suiting styles that it can be daunting to know where to start, the Ludlow line is my #1 pick for versatility and non-stuffy elegance. Go with the Harbor Blue or Charcoal colors for a modern, less-expected alternates to black and navy.

We like

We don't like

Bonobos

Italian Stretch Linen Suit

$750
$750
Code:
Copy Icon
Credit: Bonobos

Public service announcement: linen can get you halfway to formal too. Bonobos makes a killer stretch linen suit, with classically tailored lines that'll still help you beat the heat. At $750 for the whole set, it's a damn good investment too; one you can break out to lend some class to your future vacation wardrobe as well.

We like

We don't like

DAZI

Sugar Blossom Tie

$32
$32
Code:
Copy Icon
Credit: DAZI

Whether you go solid or patterned with your tie, it's your best bet for lending warm-weather whimsy to the whole ensemble. A small-scale floral print brings the right subtle pop, and DAZI has got options for you in spades. You can opt for an extra two inches of width if you prefer a heftier tie, but I'm Team Skinny Tie all day, especially before fall hits.

We like

We don't like

Amberjack

The Original

$179
$179
Code:
Copy Icon
Credit: Amberjack

Too many dress shoes turn into torture devices after hours of continuous wear, but Amberjack's products always feel as great as they look. The dual-function athletic outsole will power you through that late-night dance floor, while the classic Oxford stitching will keep you totally on-theme.

We like

We don't like

Coupon:
Shop Now
At
J. Crew
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Bonobos
Coupon:
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Amberjack
Amberjack
$179
$179
Code:
Copy Icon

BLACK TIE/FORMAL

Indochino

Hampton Ivory Tuxedo

$589
$589
Code:
Copy Icon
Credit: Indochino

If there was any doubt before about the white tux's level of cool, Henry Golding officially laid all that to rest. Indochino's is excellent – and a steal at that – considering it's made from a blend of wool, silk and cashmere, with satin buttons and lapels. As the confident mic-drop of summer formal fashion, a formal white suit will command all the right attention.

We like

We don't like

Ike Behar

Pre-Tied Silk Satin Bow Tie

$45
$45
Code:
Copy Icon
Credit: Saks Off 5th

Nothing looks better than a self-tied bow tie, but let's be real here: you've got enough on your plate without rewatching that YouTube tutorial fifteen times. Ike Behar's formal, pre-tied bow ties look crisp and classic, with a subtle, sleek shine that pops against any jacket. Just get your hands on a martini and you'll be in 007's wheelhouse.

We like

We don't like

COS

Slim Fit Formal Poplin Shirt

$99
$99
Code:
Copy Icon
Credit: COS

Even a blank canvas needs to be well-fitting. COS' formal shirts are always an asset to any suit, thanks to details like the sharply pointed collar and gleaming seashell buttons. It's made to be tucked in and stays put without bunching, thanks to poplin's fine ribbing that gives it a sturdy but silky surface.

We like

We don't like

Allen Edmonds

Carlyle Plain-Toe Oxford Dress Shoe

$395
$395
Code:
Copy Icon
Credit: Allen Edmonds

Last but not least, the dress shoe to end all dress shoes: Allen Edmonds' uber-polished black patent leather oxfords. They cut quite the imposing profile, making sure your footwear isn't just an afterthought while retaining comfort underfoot thanks to CustomCork™ insoles. While you could always go for a lighter color given the warmer climate, there's something about whipping out an inky black instead that gives the added "wow" factor.

We like

We don't like

Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Indochino
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Ike Behar
Coupon:
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Allen Edmonds
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.

Whoever said summer and black tie don't go together hadn't had a look at you in your black-and-white showstopper.

Shop The Edit

Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Todd Snyder
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Club Monaco
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Luca Faloni
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Banana Republic
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
J. Crew
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Bonobos
Coupon:
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Amberjack
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Indochino
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Ike Behar
Coupon:
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Allen Edmonds

Additional Reading