PEANUTS Collaborates with AVI-8 for Limited Edition Collection
On July 25, 2025, AVI-8 proudly launches its first official collaboration with...
How to dress for a casual summer wedding
|
In the summer months particularly, more and more couples are opting for a smart-casual dress code. Google searches for 'casual wedding' increased by 40% over the last quarter – a trend which has been replicated every summer for the past five years1. But how casual is too casual? M&S Menswear Director, Mitch Hughes shares tips for balancing comfort and polish to nail this famously perplexing dress code.
Think about the venue
Start by considering the venue the couple have chosen. While a polo shirt might be acceptable for a laid-back beach wedding, this may not be appropriate for a religious venue. Always research the venue - they often feature images and photos on their website which could help you narrow down your choice of attire. It's also important to consider the weather, as Mitch explains: "At an outside ceremony or reception, you can be baking in the sunshine. So, it's important to choose natural, breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen and silk blends."
Linen is your best friend
A linen suit is always a classy alternative to a traditional suit or tuxedo. The fabric is much more breathable, and it offers a more casual vibe. But there are some things to consider: "Concerns about creases often put people off wearing linen. However, I tend to think if you leave the house mostly wrinkle-free, any creases you acquire during the day are completely acceptable – it's part of linen's beauty. Linen suits are also incredibly versatile. While a linen suit looks great with a shirt, a simple white T-shirt can bring a level of sophistication to your look without being overly formal."
Experiment with colours and patterns
A more casual dress code can allow you to be more experimental with colours and patterns: "If you are attending a wedding with a relaxed theme or dress code, this can be an opportunity to be playful with your attire. Beige, tan, or even a slate grey are less traditional colours that work well. A pastel tone like soft green, blue or coral is also worth considering if you want to stand out."
Dare to jean
Whether jeans are wedding-appropriate is an incredibly hotly debated topic. Mitch believes it can be possible to make denim work, if the dress code allows: "Unless the couple have expressed otherwise, a pair of smart, dark coloured jeans can fit the bill for a 'casual' dress code. Pair them with a white, tailored shirt and stylish blazer to give off an effortless but put-together look. If you're not sure jeans are appropriate, a light chino is an easy-going alternative."
Don't neglect accessories
Accessories have the power to bring an outfit together and elevate your look and sunglasses are, of course, a summer wedding staple: "Sunglasses instantly make you look – and feel – cool. Inject some fun into your outfit with a pair of coloured frames or lenses. You could even match them with other accessories such as a pocket square, belt or tie to being a sense of cohesion to your ensemble."
Complete the look with the right shoes
Whether or not you're a dancer, most weddings involve being on your feet for long periods of time so if the dress code allows for a smart pair of trainers, go for it. Equally, if you're not ready to ditch your formal shoes, loafers are a more comfortable twist on the classic dress shoe, as Mitch explains:
"A white trainer may seem a strange choice for a wedding but paired with chinos or even a linen suit can work well and look suitably elevated. Play around with your trouser silhouette. Try a wider leg suit trouser that sits stylishly over your trainers. If trainers feel too casual, you may find a pair of classic loafers in suede of leather look more natural with a more casual suit."
Shop Marks and Spencers menswear here.
