What to Wear to a Summer Wedding, No Matter the Dress Code

Wedding dress codes are complicated. Sure, there’s your standard black tie, but there are also a lot of weird ones: Elegant chic, country formal, country cocktail, elevated beach, city slicker—okay, maybe not that one, but there’s definitely a variety of city wedding themes that will arise. So how the heck are you supposed to know what to wear?

Well, here’s our advice. First, take stock of the time of day and the location. If it’s earlier and in a more casual setting, you can get away with something less formal, but if it’s later and at a fancy schmancy estate, think not. Still lost? Don’t ask the couple about the dress code—ask the maid of honor. (Note how we didn’t say the best man? He’s probably just as clueless as you are.) And when in doubt, no one will ever think you’re overdressed. We always encourage wearing a tie—unless you’re explicitly told not to—and if you feel overdressed, then you can just take it off.

Below, find our breakdown of summer wedding outfits for all of the occasions you might face.

This is probably a glamorous estate wedding, a city ceremony, or a destination wedding done at a nice club at night. Traditionally, Black Tie is not wedding attire—it’s often been reserved for galas and parties—but it’s plenty popular in America. Lately, we’re seeing more and more black tie weddings, and if the dress code calls for it, you must abide. Don't get cute on someone else's big day. Your best bet here is sticking with a tux. You can keep it simple with a sleek satin from Suitsupply or Brooks Brothers. We also love a grosgrain-accented tuxedo, which has a bit more of a classic European feel. Oh, and make sure that bow tie matches your lapels—satin with satin, grosgrain with grosgrain.

Assume every wedding, unless otherwise specified, at an in-town venue is formal—no one will ridicule you if your default is a little overdressed. Simple navy suit, black shoes, black knit tie. If you arrive and feel overdressed (you probably won't, but if you do for some odd reason), just lose the tie and put it in your pocket.

Less-than-formal means you can go for separates. Think: gray pants, a navy jacket, or a gold-button blazer. You can get a little more adventurous with the tie. (Yes, we still recommend a tie, because you can always take it off, but you can never make one appear.) Add loafers, but they don’t need to be patent or velvet. Just keep it classy.

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This is most likely at a fancy hotel or beach club. The dinner will have proper silverware, and the bar will be serving you curated cocktails with proper glassware. Broken record: Wear a tie! Then, opt for a breezy linen or seersucker suit. You can tone down the accents, however—suede loafers are game, brown belts and shoes, earth-toned suits—you get the point.

We are officially giving you our permission to lose the tie on this one. Wear a polo or a shirt with the collar open. Split the suit into separates. Off-white linen pants are game, but do not go for a white jacket. It’s not as taboo as a white dress, but you should really just avoid it—again, not your day. You probably don’t need to think about shoes too much, but an upscale espadrille or sueded loafer should do the trick.

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Follow beach wedding protocols, depending on whether it’s a formal or less formal occasion. Lean into the ruggedness in material and in style. You could, say, wear a linen-twill blend or perhaps even a subtle pattern. For colors, stay neutral; earthy greens and browns are always a surefire way to go. Or go for a simple suit with a colorful accessorized pop.