Let me take a wild guess here: you're at that special point in your life where everyone you know is getting married. Your best friend from college? He tied the knot last month in Cancun. Your buddy from work? His wedding is in three weeks. Let's not forget about your cousin, which, by the way, you still need to book your flight for their wedding in August.
And because you've been to so many weddings, I bet you think you're basically a pro. You know what to wear, how to act, what passed hors d'oeuvres to avoid. The rules in your head are simple—that is, until you get an RSVP in the mail that says "beach wedding." You're instantly thrown for a loop, because, what the hell do you wear to a beach wedding? Well not to worry, because our style experts have your back.
In This Article You'll Find:
What is Appropriate Beach Wedding Guest Attire?
So, what exactly does beach wedding guest attire mean? Well, unlike other wedding dress codes—formal, semi-formal, black tie, casual, you get the point—a beach wedding leaves a little more room open for interpretation, and is really dependent on the venue and the wedding style. In the past, beach weddings were often considered "dressy-casual," but now, they could even be formal. There's a big difference between someone tying the knot on the sand in Baja California, versus the Breakers in Newport, Rhode Island. A general rule of thumb, though, is that beach wedding guest attire should consist of lightweight materials, neutral or pastel-colored fabrics, and fun accessories.
If you're attending a beach wedding this summer, there are a few ways to make sure you're not that guy. Always do your research. Check the wedding invitation and see if there are more regulations regarding the dress code. A lot of couples even have websites where they list examples of the clothing code they want their guests to abide by: as someone who is getting married soon, please, read it. We also recommend paying close attention to the location and the weather. Are you going to be outside all day? Will dinner and dancing be indoors? These are all important things to consider when deciding what your final fit will look like.
What To Wear to a Beach Wedding?
Some of the most common beach wedding guest outfits for men include a button-down, a knit polo or camp shirt, a pair of slacks or chinos, and a suit jacket (for those more formal occasions). The fabric of each garment should be a key element when deciding what to wear—you should look for breathable options like cotton or linen that will help keep you cool and even seek out styles that can withstand the crisp ocean breeze, like nylon.
But the big question is: how do you know whether to dress more formally or more on the casual side? Well, if the invite doesn't address this specifically, the time of day could be a big indicator. An evening beach wedding (one that typically starts at 5 p.m. or later) tends to call for clothes on the dressier side, whereas a seaside soirée that takes place during the day will allow you to get away with wearing an outfit that is a little more laid-back and relaxed. And again, not to sound like a broken record, but take a look at the venue. You're a smart guy! If it's a waterfront wedding at an upscale resort, then it's time to suit-up, but if you're going to gather right on the sand, that a pair of casual linen pants will surely suffice. Whatever you do, don't let shorts be your plus one—just leave them the fuck home.
Suits for a Beach Wedding
Alright, so you've officially decided that the beach wedding you're attending requires formal attire—step one, done. Now, you have to find a suit that not only has the coolest, most comfortable fabric out there but also one that is lightweight and breathable—because who wants to worry about sweat stains while you're popping, locking, and dropping it? To help you out, we've included 6 of the best options below—from single-breasted styles to double-breasted styles to linen looks and seersucker suits. Take your pick.
Bonobos Jetsetter Suit
Now 30% Off
Suitsupply Havana Suit
Spier & Mackay Suit
Todd Snyder Italian Suit
Saks Fifth Avenue Suit
Now 50% Off
Blazers for a Beach Wedding
For beach weddings that have a more semi-formal vibe, a great blazer is the way to go. This is the perfect way to look dressed up without looking too dressed up, and the best part is that they come in just about every conceivable color and pattern you can imagine. While you might typically opt for a black blazer to wear to semi-formal events, when it comes to a beachy occasion, we suggest gravitating toward neutral colors like blue, tan, or white.
Todd Snyder Ecru Jacket
Banana Republic Corcoran Jacket
Lululemon Venture Blazer
Now 40% Off
Bonobos Linen Blazer
Faherty Inlet Blazer
Vineyard Vines Textured Blazer
Shirts for a Beach Wedding
But maybe the beach wedding you're attending is a casual affair, or perhaps you're just looking for something to go under that great blazer you snagged above. Either way, we have 6 different shirt options for you to choose from (that will go with just about anything)—including a long-sleeve button-down, short-sleeve camp shirt, and even, dare I say it, a knit polo. We've done all the hard work for you; all you have to do is choose a style to successfully stunt on your friends—or possibly, even meet someone new.
Tommy Bahama Linen Shirt
Todd Snyder Hollywood Shirt
Cubavera Guayabera Shirt
Now 33% Off
J.Crew Knit Polo
Coofandy Aloha Shirt
Abercrombie & Fitch Sweater Polo
Now 20% Off
Bottoms for a Beach Wedding
It's time to get serious. Now, I don't care what the specific dress code is—formal, casual, cocktail—shorts do not have a place at a wedding. Of course, like any hard-fast rule, there are always exceptions. Maybe the couple getting married wants their guests to rock some leg-baring Bermudas, but unless specifically stated, avoid these bottoms at all costs. I know it may come as a surprise, but pants will actually still keep you cool in the summer and looking sharp. From airy linen trousers to crisp cotton chinos, these 6 styles are perfect for occasions (like this) when you really do just have to wear pants.
Tommy Bahama Linen Pants
Incotex Venezia Trousers
H&M Linen Pants
Todd Snyder Beach Pants
Delave Linen Pants
MR P. Trousers
Shoes for a Beach Wedding
By now, you should have a fit that is almost fully formed. The only thing you're missing is a solid pair of shoes that can either hold up in the sand or sashay across the dance floor. Hell, why not both? Shoes are an essential part of your outfit, so to complete the whole look, you need one of these pairs of sandals, loafers, or espadrilles, and you need them STAT.
Todd Snyder Espadrilles
Tecovas The Monterrey Loafers
Prada Crochet Shoes
Steve Madden Thoros Strappy Sandals
Ralph Lauren Boat Shoes
Nisolo Huarache Sandals
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