What to Wear to a Summer Wedding as a Guest: Men’s Go-to Guide

Summer is the best season for outdoor celebrations, especially weddings. Intending to look sharp and remain cool in the summer while wearing a heavy suit is definitely a challenge for men. Summer weddings are all about finding a harmonious balance between formal attire and practicality.

Selecting the perfect summer wedding guest outfit requires basic knowledge of breathable spring-summer fabrics, along with preferred warm-weather designs. 

Fortunately, Sirri gathered this information into one comprehensive guide to help you best prepare for the occasion from A to Z. From dress codes and best colours to materials, patterns, and even styling tips—we’ve got you covered. Keep scrolling to uncover the nuts and bolts of the summer dress code for wedding guests.

Summer Wedding Dress Code

While it is a joyous time of the year to celebrate the union of two friends in marriage, you might be thinking, “What is the appropriate wedding guest dress code for men?” Navigating this dress code can seem intimidating at first, but don’t worry—we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Popular Summer Wedding Dress Codes

Black Tie 

The preferred option for black-tie attire is a black tuxedo. While other colours and textures, like smoking jackets in blue or burgundy velvet, add flair to the attire, traditional satin-lapelled dinner jackets are the standard choice. For trousers, a well-fitted (but not too clingy) matching pair is essential, unless you’re purposefully going for a contrasting look (e.g., pairing a white tuxedo jacket with black dress trousers). Finishing off with a crisp white dress shirt and bow tie is a must.

Formal or Black-Tie Optional 

The name suggests something slightly less formal than black-tie attire, giving you a little more breathing room. Meaning—it extends you the option to wear a tuxedo if you like, but you may forgo the tuxedo and branch out to formal suits. 

When dressing for a black-tie optional wedding affair, note that it is likely to be an evening event. This entails sticking to darker colours while picking out your formal wedding guest suit, such as charcoal, navy, or black. The outfit is completed with appropriate dress shoes, a white shirt, and a tie or bow tie.

It’s also worth noting that formal attire is considered the most popular wedding dress code according to wedding planners. 

Semi-Formal 

Semi-formal wedding guest dress code is the most common one after formal attire and may also be referred to as cocktail attire. However, it is a favourite during the summer for its versatile nature, as it works for both daytime and evening weddings. 

ou’ll want to dress somewhere between formal and dressy casual for a semi-formal or cocktail dress code for a summer wedding. Opt for light colours and breathable fabrics for daytime affairs and darker, more formal colours for evening nuptials. It’s a step below formal but still elegant, so wearing a suit is a must.

However, a dress shirt paired with a tie could be skipped if the setting is more relaxed. Light colours such as beige, light grey, or navy are popular, and alternative colours such as dusty blue or sage green are acceptable. Completed either with dress shoes, leather loafers, or oxford shoes.

Dressy Casual 

This is a more relaxed dress code that allows for your personal style to shine through while remaining polished. Nevertheless, it’s best to skip the denim, shorts, and t-shirts as they are considered inappropriate for such an occasion. You can assume this wedding dress code means something similar to business casual—think tailored blazer with chinos or dress trousers.

A button-down shirt or polo shirt in breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen is also popular. As for footwear, loafers and derby shoes, either in leather or suede, complete the look.

Summer Chique

Most commonly seen at summer beach weddings, this attire revolves around elegance and freshness. Gorgeous prints and bright colours are all the rage. If you receive a wedding invitation with summer chic mentioned, it is almost de rigueur, meaning following the dress code to the letter is essential. 

With this dress code, you are expected to wear a suit. Opt for a breezy cotton or linen suit in either light colours or pastel shades. Accessories such as sunglasses, hats, pocket squares, and ties with a charming print or a cheerful colour can elevate your summer chic look. Neat summer shoes (such as a suede loafer or lace-up shoe) are the optimal footwear option for this dress code. 

Unspecified Summer Wedding Dress Code: What to Wear

If you’ve read this far—and your wedding invitation didn’t mention a dress code (or even stated in bold letters, “no dress code”)—you might be wondering, “What should men wear to a summer wedding if the dress code isn’t specified?” To that, we say: it depends on the venue and time of day.

Your safest bet is semi-formal or cocktail attire, as it works for most weddings—daytime or evening affairs. For an outdoor or beach wedding, dressing in summer chic or dressy casual attire is a safe and stylish choice. Googling the venue ahead of time and checking what other guests will be wearing is also a great idea!

Best Colours, Fabrics and Patterns to Wear for Men at a Summer Wedding 

As we have dived in previously, the colours are usually limited to the type of dress code of the wedding. However, there is a common theme among them all. 

Best Colours

• Light Neutrals: Beige, light grey, and ivory are timeless and versatile.
• Pastels: (Specifically worn in dressy casual or summer chic settings) lavender, sage green, sky blue, blush pink.
• Bright Accents: Coral, mustard, or turquoise for accessories.

Question: Can Men Wear Black to a Summer Wedding?

True with Nuance:

Men can wear black to a summer wedding if it’s an evening wedding with a formal or black-tie dress code. You can rock that black tuxedo with confidence because you’ll be dressed to the nines while meeting the dress code agenda. 

However, for an outdoor affair in the blazing sun, maybe steer toward lighter shades than black, like light grey, beige, or pastels, as they are better-suited alternatives and more comfortable in hot weather.

Best Fabrics

• Linen: Lightweight and breathable, a favourite choice for outdoor or beach weddings. A go-to option for those who want to look great and remain dry on a summer wedding.
• Cotton: A versatile and low-maintenance option for dressy casual and semi-formal settings.
• Wool Blend or Merino Wool: A breathable option for its heat-regulating properties and a popular choice for formal settings. 

Best Patterns

Could either be implemented in the main outfit or accessories, depending on the setting.

• Subtle Stripes: Adds interest without overpowering the outfit.
• Checks or Plaid: Works well in muted tones for a relaxed summer vibe.
• Solid Colours: Classic and foolproof for formal settings or when unsure of the dress code.

Summer Wedding Guest Wear: Attire Tips & Ideas

Summer Wedding Outfit Ideas for Men

By now, you’ve got the summer wedding dress codes down, but let’s dive into the fun part—putting those rules into action! Whether the wedding is formal, semi-formal, or casual, these outfit ideas will help you look stylish and stay seasonally appropriate. 

Semi-Formal or Cocktail Attire: The Summer Staple

Cocktail attire strikes the perfect balance between formal and relaxed, making it ideal for most summer weddings. You can skip the 3-piece formal suit and go for a 2-piece or separates instead. A typical cocktail outfit for men consists of:

• Jacket: A lightweight linen or cotton blazer in navy or light gray. 
• Shirt: A crisp white dress shirt or a light pastel button-down (think light blue or lavender).
• Trousers: Slim-fit dress trousers either matching the blazer or in a complementary shade—gray trousers with a navy jacket, for instance. 
• Shoes: Leather loafers or sleek oxfords in brown or black.
• Accessories: Add a patterned pocket square or a tie for personality. A leather belt in a matching shoe color ties it all together.

Formal or Black-Tie Optional Evening Wedding

For a more elegant, evening wedding, go darker and dressier.

• Suit: A charcoal, navy, or black suit in tropical wool.
• Shirt: A white dress shirt for a classic look.
• Tie: A satin tie or bow tie in a subtle pattern or solid color.
• Shoes: Polished black leather oxfords or derbies.
• Accessories: Cufflinks and a sleek pocket square complete the outfit.

Trendy and Summer Chic

For weddings with more relaxed or creative dress codes, lean into bolder, stylish choices.

• Jacket: A pastel suit jacket in light blue or soft pink.
• Shirt: A neutral shirt to balance the bold jacket.
• Trousers: Matching suit trousers or contrasting chinos.
• Shoes: Suede loafers or brogues.
• Accessories: A floral tie or printed pocket square for a playful, summery vibe.

Beach Wedding: Dressy Casual & Breezy

Dressy casual attire strikes the perfect balance between laid-back and stylish. Here’s what to consider to a beach wedding:

• Shirt: A short-sleeve linen or cotton button-down shirt in a light color, like white, beige, or pastel shades. You can also go for a patterned option like subtle stripes or florals.
• Trousers/Shorts: Tailored linen trousers or chinos in light shades, or tailored shorts (only if the dress code permits).
• Jacket (Optional): A light blazer in a breathable fabric like linen or cotton, perfect for a bit of formality without getting too hot.
• Shoes: Leather sandals or loafers (no socks!).
• Accessories: Keep it simple with the right summer wedding accessories, such as leather belt, sunglasses, and a casual pocket square for a bit of flair.

Summer Wedding Guest Attire Styling Tips

Whether you’re a groomsman or a guest, dressing for a summer wedding is an exciting experience to let your creativity shine. That said, it’s important to take a few tips into consideration before planning to purchase your next summer wedding guest look.

No matter what the dress code is, keep the following in mind:

Keep an Eye Out for the Weather 

The weather can heavily influence your summer wedding look, so be sure to check the forecast ahead of time before finalising your outfit. Also, take the wedding’s time of day into consideration—for an outdoor wedding, lightweight fabrics like linen, cotton, and merino wool are your best mates to keep you cool under the sun. 

Meanwhile, with nuptials taking place in the evening, the temperature might dip, so better bring along a light jacket or blazer. 

Lastly, an afternoon wedding means you can get away with a more relaxed outfit, while evening weddings may call for something a bit more polished.

Consider the Venue 

Haven’t got a clue what the dress code is? Checking the location of the ceremony ahead of time is going to influence what you’ll be wearing as a guest. At more formal venues like country clubs or historical estates, the vibe is usually a bit different than at a beach wedding or backyard celebrations. 

While the dress code usually tells you whether to wear a 3-piece suit set or go for suit separates, the venue itself will really decide if you need to wear socks with your dress shoes.

Accessorise in Moderation 

While accessories are an ideal way to elevate your look, it is essential not to overdo it—less is definitely more when it comes to summer weddings.

A tasteful watch, a pocket square, and maybe a sleek tie or bow tie are all you need. Keep it light and elegant, especially in the summer heat. You don’t want to be weighed down with heavy bracelets or rings. And if the wedding’s during the day, consider leaving sunglasses off until you’re outside. Your focus should be on the event, not on your accessories!

What Not to Wear to a Summer Wedding as a Guest

We’ve compiled a list of etiquette rules that are essential for every guest to follow at a summer wedding:

• Avoid overly flashy: While weddings are celebrations, they are not fashion shows. This goes without saying, but guests should avoid wearing anything too bold or revealing that could steal the spotlight from the couple. This includes extremely bright colours, neon shades, or outfits that are overly adorned with excessive accessories.
• Steer clear of wearing anything white: Unless the dress code specifically calls for a white-tie occasion, it is a huge mistake to wear white to a wedding. This includes any garments with prints that could seem as white.
• Anything too casual: Even if the occasion calls for a casual dress code, never attend a wedding wearing a basic t-shirt, jeans, slippers, and shorts (unless it strictly permits it). Nothing’s worse than attending a ceremony under-dressed. Therefore, when in doubt, guests should always err on the side of formal attire.
• Avoid casual shoes: Even if the dress code is more relaxed, casual footwear like flip-flops, sneakers, or sandals (unless they are elegant, dressy sandals) can undermine your outfit. Go for dressy loafers to ensure you are appropriately meeting the dress code.

Start Your Summer Wedding Outfit Journey 

Look no further than Sirri for your upcoming event. Discover everything the modern gentleman requires to craft the perfect summer wedding guest look—suits in breathable fabrics, versatile mix-and-match sets, premium dress shirts, and luxurious accessories. Sirri will help you dress to impress!