What to Wear to a Wedding as a Guest Male Casual: Decoding Men’s Attire

Listen to this article

Deciding what to wear to a wedding can feel daunting. You want to follow the dress code but not feel underdressed or overdressed. If the dress code is casual, the lines further blur. It feels like almost everything relaxed fits into the event, but that’s not true. 

What you do have freedom with the “casual” dress code is the colors. You will see women in pink summer dresses, kids in champagne silhouettes, and probably even a bridal crew dressing in burnt orange at the altar. 

Fashion choices are a different game altogether, especially if you are a man. Below, we decode what casual wedding attire for men entails.

What is a casual wedding attire for men?

Wedding casual attire is different from your regular casual attire. It’s an elevated, refined version of the regular casual, but a toned-down rendition of the black-tie dress code. 

Think along the lines of a crisp button-up shirt in a comfortable fabric or a solid polo T-shirt paired with chino or khaki pants and a blazer as a layering option. Accessories can include loafers, slip-ons, a leather belt, a bow, and a pocket square to elevate the outfit. 

The choices will also depend on the type of casual dress code, which is decoded in the next section.

Types of casual dress codes for weddings

There’s a surge in relaxed, cozy weddings, giving casual attire many renditions. Here are the 4 most common types of casual dress codes mentioned on wedding invitations! 

1. Smart casual

Smart casual is all about swapping some pieces of the formal outfit for a more casual one or dressing down each piece for a suave approach. 

A sharp button-up shirt with a blazer or sportcoat and well-fitted pants is a good option. You can skip the tie and also swap the shirt with a smart Polo shirt for the festivities. 

2. Business casual

Business casual lies somewhere between black-tie and smart casual. Lean towards a formal approach and pick options like button-down shirts, dress pants, and loafers for a refined look. Avoid low-cut shirts, jeans, and casual footwear to a wedding with a “business casual” dress code. 

3. Beach casual

Don’t reach for your beach shorts and flip-flops when the invitation mentions “beach casual”. It simply means to dress appropriately for the breezy weather and look suave at the same time. 

Think solid-polo T-shirts or buttoned-down floral shirts paired with chino or khaki pants. Accessories like watches, a cool bracelet, penny loafers, and sandals are all good options. 

4. Country casual

Country casual is all about rustic elegance. Skip jackets (if it’s winter, opt for a linen coat in dark colors) and wear button-up shirts in casual fabrics instead. Jeans are a fabulous choice but stay away from baggy styles. Boots and leather shoes work well for footwear. 

What to wear to a wedding as a guest male casual?

Pulling off the the “casual” dress code for a wedding can be tricky for male guests. You want to look relaxed yet polished, blending style with comfort. From smart shirts to well-fitted trousers, discover how to strike the right balance, so you’re wedding-ready without being overdressed or too laid-back.

1. Shirts

When it comes to casual wedding attire for men, start with choosing an everyday fabric and avoid any shiny or satin material. Button-down shirts with minimal patterns, solid Polo T-shirts, and chambray shirts align with all seasons and wedding styles. 

Short-sleeved shirts also work for a summer outdoor wedding on a beach or mountains! Avoid wearing overly casual or graphic shirts to someone’s special day. 

2. Pants

Chinos, dress pants, and well-fitted jeans in neutral colors like khaki, gray, or cream are all smart choices and pair well with a wide range of shades for a modern look. 

Go for the last option (jeans) if the wedding has a country casual dress code or is held in an unconventional location, denoting a relaxed approach to traditional customs. 

3. Jackets 

Blazers/ jackets in comfortable materials like linen or cotton in summers and warming fabrics like wool or wool-blend for winters add a polished look to your outfit.

Layering is not a necessity for casual celebrations though. You can skip it altogether for outdoor celebrations promising beaming Sun rays all along. 

4. Footwear 

Loafers, dress sneakers, slip-ons, brogues, dress boots (for rustic or winter weddings), and suede shoes are all classy choices for your casual wedding attire. 

The right one with a complementary color will elevate the outfit and add a subtle sophistication. Black should be generally avoided as it’s often worn with a formal/ black-tie outfit. 

5. Accessories 

Accessories are a great way to show off your personal style and add finishing touches to your outfit. You can add a patterned tie or bow tie, belts, and watches to complete your wedding guest outfit. 

Pocket squares in materials like cotton, wool flannel, and linen also add dimension to the topwear. Avoid cufflinks as they are a tad bit formal and don’t go well with a casual dress code.  

Season matters

Of course, the season will also dictate your styling, color, and material choices. Here are some guidelines to follow for each season:

1. Spring/ Summer

For summer/ spring weddings, floral prints, pastels, sky blue, and gentle green work well as a color palette. These celebrations are also generally held outside, so opt for light, breathable fabrics like tropical weight linens, cotton, and blends that allow air circulation. 

A linen blazer is a great add-on when the casual code states to lean towards business or smart casual. 

2. Fall

Fall weddings are all about earthy tones and sunset shades. A tweed blazer paired with gray chinos and a black shirt is appropriate for the season. You can always play with the fall palette to make a statement outfit. 

But remember to choose a combination that looks good even without the layers; you might have to remove it when you’re attending an indoor fall wedding. 

3. Winter

Deep colors like burgundy, chocolate brown, emerald green, navy blue, and ruby red are best for winter weddings. Pick your casual wedding attire in this color palette and layer it up with a woolen jacket or blazer to keep you warm and cozy. 

Dress boots and scarves can work as perfect accessories to elevate your outfit.

Additional tips: 

• Check the couple’s wedding website for more information on dress codes. Invitations have limited spaces, but the website gives freedom to include details. It will offer you greater clarity on what to choose. 
• If you’re still confused, ask someone from the wedding party or a close family member of the bride or groom for help. 
• Do follow the dress code! You’re honored to be a part of someone’s special day and they’re expecting you to elevate the vibe of the celebration, which starts with the clothes you choose. 
• When in doubt, pick something modest with neutral colors and limited patterns. 

Dress smart, feel great

That’s it for our guide! We hope it clears your top doubts about casual wedding guest attire for men. Remember to iron the outfits, clean the shoes, and pick something comfortable so you feel like yourself. 

A touch of confidence will make you look sharp and effortless, adding to the joyful atmosphere appreciated by the couple of the hour!