It’s happened again. You’ve opened yet another WhatsApp message with an STD for your loved ones’s upcoming nuptials.
You’ve blocked it out in your calendar, congratulated the couple, and you’re looking forward to the party. But then, the same familiar concern rears its ugly head once again – what do I wear?
Well, there are a few things you should consider to ease the sartorial woes. First up, the formality of the wedding. If it’s not immediately obvious from the invite, don’t feel bad sense-checking with the happy couple – they’d rather you turn up on-brand than completely missing the mark. If you ask us, it’s always safest to go with a suit. If the wedding’s erring on casual, though, you can drop the tie and opt for a more casual shirt – or even switch to a polo, instead.
Then, think about the time of year and location. Heading to a summer wedding in the south of France? Airy linen or seersucker tailoring is the answer. Or maybe the couple are staying in London for a cosy December wedding – in which case a more heavyweight double-breasted two-piece would be more appropriate. Either way, steer clear of skinny silhouettes and lean towards those that feel more relaxed.
Colour-wise, weddings are generally a free-for-all (bar white, of course), so generally speaking you can stick to colours which suit you best. When it’s warmer you can lean towards lighter shades like cream or taupe and pair it back in winter with darker hues, think classic navy and black. While there are no hard and fast rules you need to follow, it’s best to avoid attention-grabbing bright shades - it’s not your day, after all.
Above all, we’d always suggest buying a suit you’ll wear for multiple occasions, be it a day at the races, a formal soirée or even another wedding. The way you style it makes all the difference, so think about bulking out your tie and shirt collection so you can change it up every time. Our top tip? If you’re ever passing a charity shop or thrift store, check out their silk tie collection because that’s where you’ll discover some absolute gems you can’t find anywhere else.
So, though you may not have secured the best man title, now’s your chance to take best dressed guest. Keep scrolling for our top pick which we’ve categorised under suits, shirts, ties, shoes and accessories.
Suits
Reiss Belmont Slim Fit Suit
You can count on Reiss for a strong suiting selection. This double breasted blazer is a wool stretch blend for a luxurious look which will feel comfortable from the ceremony to the reception. The sharp peak lapels and slightly nipped waist take it to the next level.
Buy now £526.00, Reiss
Mango Slim-Fit Tencel Blend Khaki Suit
For well-priced tailoring on the high street, head to Mango. The Spanish label’s collection spans suits, shirts and ties, all which feel more expensive than their RRP. This time, it’s a tencel-blend neutral set which would look great with a tonal linen shirt for a sunny wedding abroad.
Buy now £229.98, Mango
Suitsupply Sand Herringbone Tailored Fit Havana Suit
Suitsupply is the go-to for premium suiting crafted using first-rate fabrics. This Havana Suit is for guys who want an elevated finish thanks to the subtle herringbone stripe. Or, if you prefer a block colour, they’ve got you covered on that front, too – and it comes in long, regular and short sizes. Though the RRP is a little higher, it’s one that’s definitely worth it.
Buy now £599.00, Suitsupply
Percival Tailored Linen Suit
For a casual take, Percival’s your best bet. With a tailoring range that’s made up of more relaxed fabrics – linen and seersucker included – the London-based label leans into the laid-back feel with utility-inspired details and a regular fit. Our favourite? The forest green.
Buy now £358.00, Percival
Charles Tyrwhitt Natural Stretch Twill Suit
Every man needs a traditional black suit at the ready. The good news? Charles Tyrwhitt has you covered. From the natural stretch to the half-lined trousers, the classic fit to the premium wool, it’s both straightforwardly smart and expensive-looking, not to mention exceptionally comfortable.
Buy now £329.00, Charles Tyrwhitt
T.M.Lewin Williams Italian Luxury Slim Denim Puppytooth Suit
Far away, this may look like your run-of-the-mill blue suit, but get a little closer and you’ll actually realise it’s an appealing micro-puppy tooth pattern – would you expect anything less from the heritage tailoring expert, T.M.Lewin? The brand does have over a century’s worth of experience, after all.
Buy now £400.00, T.M.Lewin
Shirts
Moss Slim Fit Sky Stripe Shirt
For a dress shirt in just about any hue or fit, look no further than Moss. The high street tailoring expert’s selection is one of the best on the market, from striped to block colour, plain white to burgundy.
Buy now £49.95, Moss
Arket Oxford Shirt
If you’re looking to dress down a suit for a less formal celebration, you could try Arket’s Oxford Shirt. The navy option would work best beneath a navy suit, but there’s blue, striped and white to choose from too.
Buy now £57.00, Arket
Luca Faloni Classic Polo
For a destination wedding in a hot climate, sometimes a polo shirt will do. If you’re opting for a neutral-tone suit, brown is a great pairing. The good news? Luca Faloni’s design will work perfectly.
Buy now £125.00, Luca Faloni
H&M Linen Shirt
A linen shirt worn with a linen suit is a summer flex. H&M’s regular-fit take, which is available in six colours, is crafted using pure linen meaning it boasts breathable and anti-bacterial properties (no sweat patches to see here). All for less than £40.
Buy now £37.99, H&M
Ties
Drake’s
Price range £95 - £165
Blending casualwear with tailoring is Drake’s MO, so, naturally, the ties they offer fit the #OldMoneyAesthetic to a tee. From the classic prints to the rich colour palette, not to mention the luxurious fabrics, these are some of the best ties on the market – and they’re all handmade in London.
Buy now, Drake's
Ralph Lauren
Price range £75 - £255
Unsurprisingly, Ralph Lauren is the place to go if you’re into a preppy aesthetic – we’re talking collegiate stripes, vintage paisleys and Ivy League-inspired crests. Paired with slacks and a v-neck sweater, you’ll have the look nailed down.
Buy now, Ralph Lauren
Hermès
Price range £185 - £960
The purveyor of luxury, Hermès is always on our wishlist. You could opt for a monogrammed style, a subtle geometric print, or even equestrian-themed illustrations. And no matter which you select, it’s an investment that will transcend the trend cycle.
Buy now, Hermès
BOSS
Price range £45 - £139
For tried and tested classics, BOSS has you covered. The more formal arm of the Hugo Boss brand, BOSS is an expert at tailoring and all the accoutrements. Whether you prefer a pindot, a simple stripe or a micro-check, this is for guys who like to keep it low-key.
Buy now, BOSS
Marks & Spencer
Price range £10 - £59.95
M&S is the best place for tailoring on a budget – ties included. As well as its own M&S Collection and Autograph ranges, it offers ties by suiting experts Charles Tyrwhitt and Hawes & Curtis. The ever-expanding selection ranges from knitted to printed to striped as well as block colour.
Buy now, Marks & Spencer
Reiss
Price range £45 - £68
For premium quality at a great price, Reiss is your best bet. Besides the pure silk constructions, the understated prints and muted colour combinations make for ties that could have been plucked from a trunk sale – just the aesthetic we’re looking for.
Buy now, Reiss
Shoes
Duke + Dexter Wilde Black Slip Loafer
Loafers are a great all rounder which will work with most suits. For a selection which spans illustrated penny loafers, classic slip loafers as well as neutral suede and backless designs, it’s Duke + Dexter you need on your radar.
Buy now £240.00, Duke + Dexter
Grenson Eric Derbies
The Oxford’s more easy-going sibling, a Derby would be great for a country wedding in the UK or even a relaxed affair in London. Enter: Grenson’s Eric Derbies. In the heritage shoemaker’s signature style, these are a classic design which is expertly crafted using top notch materials – leather upper and sole, included. And they come in black too.
Buy now £310.00, Grenson
Schuh Base London Dime Shoes In Black
For smart shoes on the high street, Schuh’s got a great selection. From the retailer’s own brand to Base London as well as G.H.Bass’ iconic penny loafer, it’s a one-stop-shop for more affordable options. Our top pick is this leather Derby by Base London.
Buy now £75.00, Schuh
Charles Tyrwhitt Leather Oxford Shoes
When the dress code is more traditional, a pair of Oxfords would be the safest option. They’re sleek and understated – and you’re sure to get good use out of them over the years. Marks & Spencer stocks a whole host of footwear brands which hit the brief – and this pair by Charles Tyrwhitt is a prime example.
Buy now £149.00, Charles Tyrwhitt
Accessories
Burberry Check Engraved Palladium-plated Tie Bar
If you’re into fashion, perhaps a tie bar by one of the top houses would suit. Enter Burberry’s palladium-plated checked design, which offers an understated nod to the brand without being showy.
Buy now £230.00, Burberry
Falke Airport Men Socks
It’s always tricky choosing the right pair of socks to go with a suit. As a general rule, it’s best to go for something tonal. Navy with navy, brown with neutral – you get the picture. For breathable options that fit in all the right places, Falke would be our top choice. The Airport Socks are the best all rounder – and they come in an impressive 27 shades.
Buy now £19.00, Falke
Cartier Double C de Cartier 18ct yellow-gold and palladium-plated sterling-silver cufflinks
It doesn’t get any more luxurious than Cartier. Featuring the jeweller’s instantly recognisable CC logo, the palladium finish and 18-carat yellow gold sun rays will make you shine - and, even better, you can pair these with either silver or gold accoutrements so you can forget about needing two pairs. Timeless and classic, they’re ready to be passed down through the generations to become a family heirloom that will be worn on shirt cuffs for years to come.
Buy now £1820.00, Selfridges
Mejuri Square Chain Bracelet
A sterling silver chain that’s a fraction of the price, Mejuri’s bracelet has a high polish finish that will make your ‘fit shine. Understated yet elevated, the Canadian label’s bracelet is for special occasions and day-to-day wear alike.
Buy now £98.00, Mejuri
