Suited Guide

The wedding guest outfit, decoded for men

Weddings are the easiest event to get right because the couple usually tells you the answer. Decode the invitation, then apply the formula.

Black tie

Tuxedo, white dress shirt, black bow tie, black patent or well-shined shoes. Rented is fine; ignoring the code is not.

Cocktail / semi-formal

Dark suit (navy, charcoal, deep green), dress shirt, tie optional but welcome, leather dress shoes. Evening skews darker; daytime allows lighter suits.

Casual or daytime outdoor

Unstructured blazer with chinos or dress trousers, open-collar shirt, loafers. Linen and lighter colors work for summer and beach settings — but shorts almost never do.

No dress code given?

Aim for cocktail. It is far easier to remove a tie than to apologize for jeans.

The two guest rules

• Never compete with the couple: no white, nothing louder than the wedding party.
• Photos last forever: classic beats trendy at every wedding you will ever attend.