06 Sep Beat the Heat: A Complete Guide for Stylish Summer Wedding Looks
Summer weddings are a delightful blend of romance and sunshine. Last summer, My friend found himself at a beautiful outdoor wedding, sweating through a wool suit that was clearly a poor choice for the season.
That uncomfortable experience made me realise the importance of dressing appropriately for summer weddings. As temperatures rise, the key is to balance style and comfort without sacrificing either.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to master the art of summer wedding style, ensuring you look dapper while beating the heat.
UNDERSTANDING THE DRESS CODE
Summer weddings often come with their own set of Challenges, largely dictated by the weather and the venue. Outdoor settings like beaches, gardens, or vineyards are common, each with its own vibe and dress code.
Depending on the formality, you might encounter dress codes such as beach casual, garden party attire, or formal evening.
ESSENTIAL PIECES FOR A SUMMER WEDDING LOOK
Creating the perfect summer wedding outfit involves selecting a few key pieces:
Suits and Blazers: Linen suits are ideal for their breathability and classic look. An unstructured blazer can also add a touch of formality without the bulk.
Shirts: Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. If your dress allows, Short-sleeve dress shirts or roll-up sleeves can keep you cool while maintaining style .
Trousers: opt for chinos or linen trousers. They are lighter than traditional wool trousers and offer a smart-casual vibe.
THE WEDDING LOCATION
City Wedding
Urban settings tend to be more formal, but summer weddings in the city can still incorporate lighter fabrics and colours.
A sharp navy or charcoal suit in lightweight wool or a wool-linen blend is a smart choice. Pair it with a white dress shirt and polished leather loafers or oxfords. Consider a patterned tie and pocket square to add a touch of personality while keeping the overall look city-appropriate.
@julienpiket
GARDEN WEDDING
For an outdoor wedding in a lush garden, think in terms of soft, natural colours that blend with the surroundings or lean toward semi-formal, where the rustic charm of the venue meets refined elegance.
A light green or pastel-coloured suit paired with a white shirt offers a fresh and elegant look. You might add a floral pocket square or a pastel tie to complement the setting, and a pair of loafers or a beige or light brown linen suit, paired with a pale blue shirt, strikes the right balance. Finish the look with a pair of brown suede loafers and a coordinating tie will keep the semi-formal look grounded and appropriate for walking on grass.
@mohammedalnazal
BEACH WEDDING
Picture a ceremony by the waves, with a breeze in the air and sand underfoot. This calls for a relaxed, yet stylish approach.
opt for a pair of tailored linen trousers in a light shade, such as beige or soft blue, paired with a lightweight, unbuttoned shirt. Complete the look with espadrilles or leather sandals. A light blazer is optional but adds a touch of polish.
@conradssonphilip
BONUS TIP – If your dress allows , shorts will be your casual cool companion
COLOUR PALETTE
When selecting colours for summer wedding attire, it’s important to focus on shades that are light, breathable, and reflective of the season’s warm and sunny vibe.
LIGHT NEUTRALS
Beige : A classic summer colour that pairs well with almost anything. Beige suits or trousers are perfect for daytime weddings.
Light Grey : Offers a subtle, sophisticated look that works well in both formal and semi-formal settings.
Ivory/Off-White : Ideal for beach or garden weddings, this colour reflects sunlight and keeps you cool.
White : Perfect for shirts, white is crisp and classic. Avoid wearing an entirely white suit unless specified by the dress code, as this can be too formal or potentially outshine the groom.
Pastels
Pale Blue : A refreshing and elegant colour that’s versatile and perfect for summer. It pairs beautifully with white, grey, or beige.
Mint Green : Soft and modern, mint green adds a fresh twist to traditional wedding attire.
Lavender : Light purple hue is a great choice for adding a pop of colour without being too bold.
Sky Blue : This light, airy colour is great for outdoor weddings and pairs well with white or beige.
Slate Blue : Slightly darker than sky blue, slate blue adds depth while remaining light and summer.
EARTH TONES
Light Brown/Tan: Earthy tones like tan or camel are great for creating a relaxed yet polished look, particularly in outdoor settings.
Olive Green: A muted, earthy green that offers a unique alternative to traditional colours, perfect for garden or vineyard weddings.
Giordano Robert Brown Window Check Jacket
Accent Colours
Soft Pink or Coral: These hues work well for ties, pocket squares, or even a light shirt, adding a touch of warmth and playfulness to your look.
Light Yellow: A pastel yellow can add a sunny, cheerful element to your outfit, particularly for accessories.
Subtle Patterns
Light Stripes or Checks: Incorporating soft, subtle patterns like thin stripes or checks in colours like blue, grey, or tan can add a touch of personality to your outfit while keeping it summer-appropriate.
FABRIC CHOICES
High temperatures and humidity levels mean that choosing the right fabrics and styles is crucial.
Linen: Linen is a classic summer fabric. It’s lightweight, breathable, and has a natural texture that looks stylish. However, it wrinkles easily, which can add to its casual charm.
Cotton: Cotton suits and shirts are excellent choices for summer weddings. They are breathable, soft, and comfortable.
Lightweight Wool: Contrary to popular belief, wool can be suitable for summer if it’s lightweight and woven in an open weave. Tropical wool suits are designed specifically for warm weather, providing breathability and a polished look.
Silk Blends: Fabrics that blend silk with other materials like linen or cotton can offer a luxurious feel and a slight sheen while still being appropriate for warmer weather.
Seersucker: A type of cotton fabric with a puckered texture, is particularly popular for summer events.
Performance Fabrics: Some modern suits are made from performance fabrics that are designed to be breathable, moisture-wicking, and wrinkle-resistant. These can be a good option for staying cool and comfortable while maintaining a sharp appearance.
ACCESSORISING FOR THE HEAT
Hats: A stylish hat like a fedora or panama can protect you from the sun while adding a touch of elegance.
Ties and Pocket Squares: Light fabrics such as cotton or linen are preferable. Choose colours that complement your outfit.
Sunglasses: Opt for a pair of sleek sunglasses to shield your eyes from the sun while enhancing your overall look with a dash of sophistication.
FOOTWEAR
The right footwear is essential for completing your summer wedding look, and it plays a crucial role in ensuring comfort throughout the day. Given the warm weather and potentially outdoor settings, your shoes should not only look great but also keep your feet cool and comfortable.
LOAFERS
Leather Loafers: A timeless option, leather loafers are versatile and suitable for both semi-formal and formal summer weddings. Opt for lighter shades like tan or cognac, which are less prone to absorbing heat. For a more relaxed vibe, choose loafers with a soft, unlined construction.
Suede Loafers: Suede is a breathable material that offers a softer, more casual look. Suede loafers in colors like beige, grey, or navy are perfect for garden or beach weddings. Just be cautious in wet conditions, as suede can stain easily.
DRESS SHOES
Oxfords: For more formal summer weddings, classic Oxfords remain a solid choice. To keep them summer-appropriate, look for pairs in lighter shades such as tan or light brown.
Derby Shoes: Derby shoes, with their open lacing system, are slightly more breathable than Oxfords and can be worn with suits or more formal outfits. Choose lighter leather shades like tan or light brown to keep things summery.
Brogues: With their decorative perforations, brogues add a touch of detail to your outfit. A pair of tan or light brown brogues can bring a classic yet casual feel to your look, perfect for outdoor or semi-formal weddings.
TIPS FOR STAYING COOL
Staying comfortable is just as important as looking good:
Layering Strategically: Stick to minimal layers. A lightweight undershirt can help absorb sweat.
Managing Sweat: Use antiperspirants, sweat-wicking clothing, and cooling towels to stay fresh.
Hydration: Carry a stylish water bottle and stay hydrated throughout the event.
Keep these tips in mind to ensure you’re on the right track:
CONCLUSION
Dressing for a summer wedding doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By focusing on breathable fabrics, light colours, and smart accessories, you can create a look that is both stylish and comfortable.
Experiment with your style, but always keep the weather and venue in mind. Share your own outfit ideas or experiences in the comments below!
Recent Digital and Social Media Marketing graduate. When I’m not glued to my screen, I’m either lost in a world of music or finding my inner peace through meditation.
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