Men’s Style Tips #8: Wedding Style: Part 1, Being the Dapper Guest, by Gareth Scourfield

Wedding dress codes can be a minefield in themselves, but knowing how to interpret them and what socks to wear only adds to the pressure. Celebrity stylist Gareth Scourfield breaks down the wedding dress code and offers his top tips on being the most dapper guest, no matter the rules.

1. Black Tie

Gents, firstly please always look at the invite. You don’t want to be the guy that missed the dress code and gets it wrong.

For a black tie wedding, I would actually suggest a midnight navy dinner jacket over black. It has a subtle richness to it. Pair with a bow tie and a Marcella front dress shirt. Always avoid wing collar shirts. These are for a white tie or as a distant memory of past university summer balls. 

For socks, try mustard for a strong yet upmarket statement.

2. Lounge Suit

This is a formal suit, but not necessarily your work suit. Unless you’re spending a lot of time outdoors (again, check the invite), go for a lightweight fabric. Super 120 wool is ideal.

A pop of pink with your socks and some brown shoes will round off the look with stylish confidence.

3. Suit Colours

I’d start with navy for a classic British wedding but a nice mid-blue can also give a great foundation for the rest of your outfit (turquoise socks would be my choice). For spring and summer weddings, dove grey to light charcoal are good alternatives, while for those that want to stand out a bit, a brown suit with classic navy socks will guarantee style points.

4. Matchy matchy?

Generally, a formal two- or three-piece suit is a fail-safe. However, the rise in blazer options offers some dashing alternatives, especially if the invite indicates that this will be a less formal affair.

It is important to look for a contrast though. Never try to match your blazer to your trousers. Pair a navy blazer with grey wool or stone cotton tailored trousers. And if you go for a double breasted blazer, keep it slim, not too long in the body and not loud in pattern or colour.