Casual Wedding Attire for Men: How to Dress for Style and Comfort


Picture it: you just opened your mailbox to find a collection of wedding invitations. While you’re likely very excited to celebrate your nearest and dearest, you can’t quite make heads or tails of the dress code. You’re not alone. Recently, we’ve seen a major uptick in requests for casual wedding attire for men—no matter the season or venue. Wedding attire for men varies greatly, we’re here to help you decode the dress code. 

Wondering what casual attire at a wedding means? It’s slightly more relaxed than a semi-formal dress code. Don’t get too relaxed, though. You’ll want to keep your outfit polished and pulled together out of respect for the happy couple. Leave your favorite T-shirt at home, and reach for pieces that are casual and comfortable yet still appropriate. Need some ideas? You’re at the right place. Read on for all things stylish when it comes to what to wear to a casual wedding.

Casual Wedding Guest Looks for Every Season

As you can imagine, weather plays a huge part when planning what to wear to a casual wedding. While the fabrics, colors and prints might vary, the basics will remain the same: pants, shirt, perhaps a layering piece and, of course, comfortable shoes—always a wedding must. Got an invite for every season? No sweat. Let’s break it down with what to wear for any time of year.

Spring Casual Wedding Attire for Men

Spring is one of the most popular times for a wedding. The weather is warming up, and people are ready to celebrate. When selecting spring casual wedding attire for men, stick to classic bottoms like chinos or dress slacks. Lighter-colored pants such as khaki or stone grey will brighten up your look. Up top, opt for a cotton button-down shirt. Warm day at an outside venue? Reach for a short-sleeve or give your long sleeves a cuff up to the elbow. If you feel extra celebratory, embrace prints and patterns to stand out in the crowd. Our top print picks include floral, geometric and timeless stripes. Tie it all together with cognac sport bottom oxford shoes and a coordinating belt. You’re ready to hit the dance floor in your spring wedding attire best.

Men’s Casual Summer Wedding Attire

When it comes to what to wear to a summer wedding, you’ll want to take the temperature and humidity into account. If you are attending a ceremony on a hot summer day, keep things lightweight and breathable. Our pants of choice? Laid-back trousers in seasonal colors. Think grassy green, sunny yellow and salmon pink. Cuff your pants and let your ankles get some sun. White leather sneakers will keep you looking cool and collected. For the ultimate summer version of casual wedding attire for men, try shorts. Wondering how to make these celebration-ready? A pair with a longer length, structured fabric and a well-tailored fit will do the trick. Tuck in your printed button-down shirt and add on a braided leather belt. Slip into loafers—and skip the socks. There you have it, the perfect men’s casual summer wedding attire for an outdoor ceremony.

Fall Casual Wedding Attire for Men

Come fall, there may be a slight crisp in the air. Here, it’s all about layering your casual wedding attire for men. Weddings may still be held outdoors, and you’ll want to dress the part. When it comes to color, think about dark and moody fall hues. Navy slacks are no-brainers and give a more casual and relaxed feel over black. Dark wash jeans may also be acceptable, but double check the dress code listed on the invitation or wedding website. Once you’ve chosen your pants, a long-sleeve cotton button-down shirt is the way to go. A light grey option will offset the dark pants, while a checkered print will be in keeping with the season. Feel free to show off your personality with layers. A corduroy sport jacket is a standout autumnal must, and infuses both style and shine into your look.

Winter Casual Wedding Attire for Men

As temperatures drop, you’ll want to bundle up. While winter weddings are typically held indoors, you may find yourself outside for cocktail hour or late-night bonfires. A crew neck sweater is an optimal option for casual wedding attire for men. Look for one in a deep hue like forest green or rich burgundy. Layer it over a classic solid-color button-down shirt. Remember to tuck in your shirt collar points below the sweater neckline. Pair the combo with charcoal grey chino pants. Brown chukka boots will complete your ‘fit to keep you warm and stylish all at once. For especially frigid days, a heavyweight overcoat will have you coming and going in dapper fashion. Drop it at the coat check, and you’re ready to celebrate the happy couple. 

What to Wear to 3 Popular Casual Wedding Venues 

Location is another important factor when selecting what to wear to a casual wedding. With each unique location comes varied weather and environments to consider. Whether traveling far or staying close to home, we’ve done the work for you. Allow us to guide you through what to wear to three of the most popular wedding locations.

1. Men’s Casual Beach Wedding Attire

The happy couple has chosen the sand and the sea to say I do. On the hunt for men’s casual beach wedding attire? Look no further than our casual wedding outfits for men to make dressing for the occasion a breeze. Coastal weather calls for light and airy fabrication, and with that in mind, linen is the way to go. Select an easy linen button-down shirt in powder blue or beige to emulate the seaside hues. Can a guy wear a white shirt to a wedding as well? Absolutely. Just be sure to incorporate other colors into your look. For a classic spin on beach wedding attire for men, a white shirt and tan pants are shore-ly the ultimate duo. 

Whether the ceremony overlooks the ocean or is set on the beach, you’ll want appropriate footwear for the occasion. Boat shoes are ideal for a casual beach wedding. The herringbone pattern on the rubber sole means no slipping on the dance floor. Or, ditch your shoes for barefoot dancing in the sand.

2. Mountain Casual Wedding Attire for Men

From the Sierra Nevada summits to the Rocky Mountain ridges, nothing beats the views of a mountain wedding. Wondering what to wear to casual weddings in these idyllic environments? We’ve got you covered with these tips to elevate your casual wedding outfits for men. Cool air goes hand in hand with a summit shindig, especially if the nuptials are in the evening. Dress for the elements with a long-sleeved button-down shirt to stay warm. Since the wedding is casual, a flannel shirt will do the trick. Give a nod to the rugged surroundings with one in navy or deep pine plaid. Finish off your outfit with brown cords and leather chukka boots. Your spirits will be as high as the altitude. 

3. Backyard Casual Wedding Attire for Men

You know the saying: there’s no place like home. When it comes to backyard weddings, we have to agree. This intimate and easygoing setting is gaining popularity, and we’re here for it. Echo the relaxed vibe of a backyard wedding with equally casual wedding outfits for men. Strike the right balance of laid-back and polished in a fresh pair of chino shorts and a polo shirt. People often ask: can you wear a polo shirt to a wedding? If the dress code is casual, absolutely. For a sunny afternoon full of love and lawn games, opt for a cotton polo to stay cool—literally and figuratively. 

Casual Groom Attire

We’ve covered casual wedding guest attire. But what if you’re the groom? Even with a mellow dress code, it’s still important for the key player in the wedding to look his best. There are plenty of options to wear to tie the knot without tying a tie. We’ve rounded up suggestions to take the stress out of your look, letting you focus on nailing your vows instead. 

Start with the shirt. A simple and well-fitting dress shirt goes a long way. Do you have wedding colors? If so, narrow down your selection by choosing a button-down to coordinate. You can opt for a tie, but for men’s casual wedding attire, it’s not required. Instead, add a refined touch to your outfit with a leather belt. Or take inspiration from formalwear’s white dinner jacket and don a light linen blazer. Keep it on for the ceremony and photos, and then hang it up for the reception. As for pants, chinos or slacks are easy go-tos. Is your dress code even more casual than that? You can’t go wrong with dark wash denim with a dress shirt or a short-sleeved button-down. After all, it’s your day, and you make the rules.

Casual Wedding Attire for Men in the Wedding Party

Your loved one is getting married, and you have the honor of standing by their side as they say I do. And lucky you, the dress code is casual, freeing you from a trip to the tailor. While the dress code may be informal, we still recommend dressing a few steps up from the bachelor party attire. Stumped on men’s casual wedding attire for the wedding party? Don’t worry—we’re here to support you, so you can support the betrothed stress-free. 

An easy place to start is, again, with color. Does the happy couple have a theme or specific tones for their wedding? If so, ask if they would like the wedding party to coordinate and choose your outfit from there. Free to select your own look? Chino pants or shorts are happy mediums to remain casual yet put-together. As for shirts, short-sleeved button-downs or polos will never let you down as casual wedding attire. Play it safe with neutrals such as tan, grey or olive. You can also lean into seasonal shades such as dusty pink for spring or a deep wine red for fall. Now all that’s left to do is practice your toast one last time.

Looking for fresh new pieces for your casual wedding lineup? Get started today and ask your style expert for casual wedding attire when you order a Fix. Relax as five items arrive at your doorstep. Say I do and buy the items you love. Simply send back the rest. Shipping and returns are always free.

Style Advice, Anytime

Get expert fashion advice without the expert price.

Get a personal stylist

Get articles and style advice—straight to your feed.

Follow Us