Summer is a season for weddings, weddings, and more weddings! It’s so easy for us BSBs to throw on a sundress or a classy fit-and-flare for the occasion but what about our beaus? Below are five style tips for southern gentleman heading to weddings this summer thanks to Colin Hunter, co-founder of Alton Lane. You won’t be able to keep your eyes off of your date after you share with him these timely style tips!
1) Plan for the whole weekend
When planning for a summer wedding, make sure to think about what you will wear for each event. Weddings are rarely just about the ceremony and reception any more. From welcome parties to the rehearsal dinner, the ceremony to Sunday brunch, each event will have its own style, setting and formality. Do your research in advance (outdoors vs. indoors, formal vs. informal etc.) to make sure you always look your best, are appropriately dressed and comfortable.
2) Focus on the fabric
While fit remains the most important aspect of style, fabric is a close second. Particularly for summer weddings and events, a focus on the right fabrics will really pay off. For summer, Italian Cotton can be a great choice, as it has enough structure to look formal, but is still very light and breathable. Linen is also a fantastic option for summer. If you are worried about the care of linen, select a linen/wool or linen/silk blend. These blends will give the classic appearance of linen but with significantly fewer wrinkles with wear. Finally, if you decide on a wool suit, choose a lightweight wool. Anything that is 7-8 oz. will be perfect to keep you looking sharp while staying cool in the summer heat.
3) Light Construction
For all of your summer blazers and suits, we strongly recommend having them made either half-lined or deconstructed. A fully deconstructed blazer is definitely more casual, but because it is unlined, it is also more breathable and will keep you effortlessly cool on the hottest of days. Half-lined jackets provide a bit more structure, but with less lining, making it the perfect option for formal summer events.
4) Stick to Neutrals
While pops of color can always be fun in the summer, when attending a wedding, you never want to stand out more than the groom. Leave the bright blazers and suits at home and opt for a classic fabrics in neutral tones. From stone cottons to sand linens, sky blues and light greys, soft neutral tones are a great choice for any outdoor or less formal wedding.
5) The finishing touch
Although simple, the pocket square is far too often overlooked. It is a style staple for every well-dressed southern gentleman. For summer, we recommend keeping it simple with a classic white poplin or linen pocket square. It provides a clean accent for your look and also serves as a handy tool for wiping away sweat, tears or stains at a summer wedding.
Photo Credit: Todd Wright Photography
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Michiel is a Black Southern Belle living a lowcountry life. I love all things fashion, home decor and southern! When I am not running around doing fun stuff for Black Southern Belle, I live in antique stores and have a minor obsession with historic homes :)
