When considering the summer wedding you must think cool…

The summer is the busiest time for weddings and as you receive your invitations you must also consider what to wear. You don’t want to show up to a wedding dressed like every other guy but instead you want to make a statement. A statement does not mean you attempt to out-dress the bridal party, after all it is THEIR DAY. ‘

What you do want to do is create an outfit that is simple yet consciously constructed.

Here are some pointers:

• Aim for light-colored shirts and bring dark elsewhere in the outfit.
  • The shirt is a foundation piece for the outfit and if you go with a dark shirt, it will immediately darken the whole outfit.
• Wear a shoe that speaks on its own but can be comfortably moved about in
  • When you are dancing (I do mean when and not if, because this must happen) you want your shoes to hold up to every repetition of the Cupid Shuffle that you perform
• Wear a jacket (no exceptions)
  • You should not show up to a wedding without a jacket. Summer or not you must complete your look with this finishing layer
  • The jacket you choose should be able to breathe and handle the summer heat
• Accessorize tastefully
  • tie bars
  • lapel pins
  • ties/pocket squares

How did I use these tips to build my look?

I started from the bottom up! I picked a pair of shoes that I knew would not only be attractive, but could also support me as I shook not one but all of my tail feathers on the dance floor. My J. Shoes Monkstraps which are on sale right now! From there I moved to the pants which I chose a gorgeous pair of light wool made in Italy slacks from Wolf vs Goat. These pants have a gorgeous appearance and the fit is impeccable, but beyond that they breathe well in the heat of summer. A white spread collar from J.Crew is the canvas upon which my knit tie from Bows-N-Ties sits upon. I went with a knit tie as it is simple yet adds texture to the chest. The whale tie pin is a fun conversation starter and the floral pocket square a pop of fun. I grabbed this peak lapel jacket to finish off the contrast and finish this wedding look.

I put this look together for a friends wedding that I was actually playing piano at. It was a blast!

How do you dress for summer weddings? I’d love to hear your ideas below!

(Links to actual items in text, other suggestions below)