FREE SHIPPING OVER $100
Take $20 off your first purchase*
Sign up now for access to exclusive offers, style advice, competitions and events.You will now receive updates from
Van Heusen.
Van Heusen.
MENU 
Search
Ah, summer weddings — a time for celebration, romance and the occasional wardrobe meltdown. Figuring out what to wear is more than just ticking the "looks sharp" box; it’s about nailing that perfect balance between style and comfort. From beachside ceremonies to classy evening receptions, our guide to men’s summer wedding fashion is packed with tips to help you dress your best.how to store suits and everything else in between.
Ah, summer weddings — a time for celebration, romance and the occasional wardrobe meltdown. Figuring out what to wear is more than just ticking the "looks sharp" box; it’s about nailing that perfect balance between style and comfort. From beachside ceremonies to classy evening receptions, our guide to men’s summer wedding fashion is packed with tips to help you dress your best.how to store suits and everything else in between.
Formal or semi-formal? Understanding summer wedding dress codes
Summer weddings often come with creative dress codes, so understanding the vibe is step one.
- For black-tie affairs — Black-tie events mean a full tuxedo, but formal doesn’t have to mean uncomfortable. Choose a tuxedo in lightweight wool or a linen blend to stay cool while maintaining a refined look.
- For semi-formal or cocktail parties —Linen blazers and tailored trousers are your ultimate wingmen. If the vibe’s a bit more chill, ditch the tie and throw on a shirt with a bold, colourful print. Add a waistcoat to level things up, but balance it out with white kicks or some sleek suede shoes.
- Linen suits — Linen is lightweight and airy, but wrinkles like crazy. Spot clean with care and opt for professional dry cleaning for suits. Use a steam iron to smooth out wrinkles, but avoid excessive heat.
- For beachfront celebrations — A crisp shirt paired with chinos (or even tailored shorts for casual vibes) can nail the look without overheating.
When in doubt, pay attention to the invite and the venue. Elegant ballrooms call for formal attire, while a garden or beach setting might lean into something more casual. The time of day matters too; daytime weddings typically suit lighter colours and more relaxed outfits, while evening events usually call for darker, more polished looks.
Beat the heat with breathable fabrics
Nothing is worse than sweating through your suit before the photos are taken! That's why choosing the right fabrics is essential.
Linen and cotton are fantastic for any men's guest attire for summer weddings. Linen is lightweight and airy, while cotton allows for movement no matter the cut or design of your shirt or suit.
Like wool but think it’s too heavy for warm weather? Not if you choose high-quality merino wool, which is surprisingly breathable. It offers excellent stretch for added comfort, regulates temperature effectively and holds its shape better than other fabrics.
Exclusive collection available online and selected MYER stores in Australia and New Zealand.
Seasonal colours to consider
Dark suits might feel like overkill for a summer wedding, so why not lighten things up? Soft neutrals like beige and tan are tried-and-true classics, but summer’s the perfect time to mix it up with pastels. Think pale blue, blush pink or mint green — they’re unique and comfortable.
A white button-up shirt ties it all together. Want to add a bit more personality? Throw in a subtle micro-check or stripe and make the look your own. For formal ceremonies, a silk tie or bow tie keeps things classic.
Exclusive collection available online and selected MYER stores in Australia and New Zealand.
Key pieces for a stylish summer wedding outfit
- Suits and jackets — A great suit always starts with the right fit. The jacket should sit naturally on your shoulders with clean lines that mean business — no bunching or sagging. For summer weddings, a partially lined or unlined jacket is your go-to for staying cool and comfortable. As for lapels, slim designs bring a modern edge, while wider lapels offer a more classic vibe.
- Shirts and ties —Cotton poplin shirts are ideal for formal settings, while linen offers a laid-back, airy feel. When it comes to ties, stick to lighter fabrics like silk, cotton or chambray. Summer is the perfect time to experiment with pastels, earthy tones or subtle floral patterns.
- Pants and shorts —Tailored linen pants are a no-brainer for formal occasions. If you want something with more texture, consider seersucker. This lightweight fabric features a puckered, striped design that stands out. For casual outdoor weddings, shorts can work if styled right. Stick to neutral shades like white, beige or light grey and pair them with a crisp shirt and a contrasting blazer.
Exclusive collection available online and selected MYER stores in Australia and New Zealand.
Fashionable footwear for a summer wedding
Your shoes can pull (or ruin) your whole outfit together. Loafers work with almost anything — go for tan or light brown for daytime or navy for evening events. Brogues are an elegant choice. Opt for suede or lighter leather in beige or caramel tones for summer.
For beach weddings, dress sandals in neutral shades like tan or dark brown keep things stylish yet relaxed.
Exclusive collection available online and selected MYER stores in Australia and New Zealand.
Final touches: accessories to elevate your outfit
Accessories can turn a basic man’s summer wedding guest outfit into a standout look.
- Sunglasses — Go for classic frames like aviators or wayfarers in neutral colours like black, brown or tortoise shell. Avoid overly sporty styles that might clash with the formal vibe.
- Pocket squares —Pocket squares are a simple yet effective way to inject colour, pattern and texture into your outfit. Choose one that complements, rather than matches, your tie or suit.
- Belt —A quality belt pulls your look together. Match its colour to your shoes for a cohesive finish.
Exclusive collection available online and selected MYER stores in Australia and New Zealand.
Formal or semi-formal? Understanding summer wedding dress codes
Summer weddings often come with creative dress codes, so understanding the vibe is step one.
- For black-tie affairs — Black-tie events mean a full tuxedo, but formal doesn’t have to mean uncomfortable. Choose a tuxedo in lightweight wool or a linen blend to stay cool while maintaining a refined look.
- For semi-formal or cocktail parties —Linen blazers and tailored trousers are your ultimate wingmen. If the vibe’s a bit more chill, ditch the tie and throw on a shirt with a bold, colourful print. Add a waistcoat to level things up, but balance it out with white kicks or some sleek suede shoes.
- Linen suits — Linen is lightweight and airy, but wrinkles like crazy. Spot clean with care and opt for professional dry cleaning for suits. Use a steam iron to smooth out wrinkles, but avoid excessive heat.
- For beachfront celebrations — A crisp shirt paired with chinos (or even tailored shorts for casual vibes) can nail the look without overheating.
When in doubt, pay attention to the invite and the venue. Elegant ballrooms call for formal attire, while a garden or beach setting might lean into something more casual. The time of day matters too; daytime weddings typically suit lighter colours and more relaxed outfits, while evening events usually call for darker, more polished looks.
Beat the heat with breathable fabrics
Nothing is worse than sweating through your suit before the photos are taken! That's why choosing the right fabrics is essential.
Linen and cotton are fantastic for any men's guest attire for summer weddings. Linen is lightweight and airy, while cotton allows for movement no matter the cut or design of your shirt or suit.
Like wool but think it’s too heavy for warm weather? Not if you choose high-quality merino wool, which is surprisingly breathable. It offers excellent stretch for added comfort, regulates temperature effectively and holds its shape better than other fabrics.
Seasonal colours to consider
Dark suits might feel like overkill for a summer wedding, so why not lighten things up? Soft neutrals like beige and tan are tried-and-true classics, but summer’s the perfect time to mix it up with pastels. Think pale blue, blush pink or mint green — they’re unique and comfortable.
A white button-up shirt ties it all together. Want to add a bit more personality? Throw in a subtle micro-check or stripe and make the look your own. For formal ceremonies, a silk tie or bow tie keeps things classic.
Key pieces for a stylish summer wedding outfit
- Suits and jackets — A great suit always starts with the right fit. The jacket should sit naturally on your shoulders with clean lines that mean business — no bunching or sagging. For summer weddings, a partially lined or unlined jacket is your go-to for staying cool and comfortable. As for lapels, slim designs bring a modern edge, while wider lapels offer a more classic vibe.
- Shirts and ties —Cotton poplin shirts are ideal for formal settings, while linen offers a laid-back, airy feel. When it comes to ties, stick to lighter fabrics like silk, cotton or chambray. Summer is the perfect time to experiment with pastels, earthy tones or subtle floral patterns.
- Pants and shorts —Tailored linen pants are a no-brainer for formal occasions. If you want something with more texture, consider seersucker. This lightweight fabric features a puckered, striped design that stands out. For casual outdoor weddings, shorts can work if styled right. Stick to neutral shades like white, beige or light grey and pair them with a crisp shirt and a contrasting blazer.
Fashionable footwear for a summer wedding
Your shoes can pull (or ruin) your whole outfit together. Loafers work with almost anything — go for tan or light brown for daytime or navy for evening events. Brogues are an elegant choice. Opt for suede or lighter leather in beige or caramel tones for summer.
For beach weddings, dress sandals in neutral shades like tan or dark brown keep things stylish yet relaxed.
Final touches: accessories to elevate your outfit
Accessories can turn a basic man’s summer wedding guest outfit into a standout look.
- Sunglasses — Go for classic frames like aviators or wayfarers in neutral colours like black, brown or tortoise shell. Avoid overly sporty styles that might clash with the formal vibe.
- Pocket squares —Pocket squares are a simple yet effective way to inject colour, pattern and texture into your outfit. Choose one that complements, rather than matches, your tie or suit.
- Belt —A quality belt pulls your look together. Match its colour to your shoes for a cohesive finish.
Quick tips for nailing men’s summer wedding fashion
To sum it up, here’s a quick list of dos and don’ts to achieve the perfect outfit.
- Do: Choose cool and airy fabrics that match the season.
- Do: Stick to light shades or pastels for a fresh, summery vibe.
- Do: Add colour and character with pocket squares or ties in subtle patterns.
- Don't: Wear trainers unless the theme explicitly calls for a casual vibe.
- Don't: Overdo accessories — keep it clean and balanced.
- Don't: Ignore the dress code — it’s better to overdress than underdress.
Shop men’s summer wedding guest outfits at Van Heusen
Though it may feel and look like it, men’s summer wedding fashion isn’t rocket science. It’s simply about keeping it fresh, fun and comfortable in every sense. With the right fabrics, colours and accessories, you'll look and feel ready for anything, from heartfelt toasts to killer dancefloor moves.
Shop Van Heusen’s summer wedding collection today and enjoy free shipping on orders above $100!
Quick tips for nailing men’s summer wedding fashion
To sum it up, here’s a quick list of dos and don’ts to achieve the perfect outfit.
- Do: Choose cool and airy fabrics that match the season.
- Do: Stick to light shades or pastels for a fresh, summery vibe.
- Do: Add colour and character with pocket squares or ties in subtle patterns.
- Don't: Wear trainers unless the theme explicitly calls for a casual vibe.
- Don't: Overdo accessories — keep it clean and balanced.
- Don't: Ignore the dress code — it’s better to overdress than underdress.
Shop men’s summer wedding guest outfits at Van Heusen
Though it may feel and look like it, men’s summer wedding fashion isn’t rocket science. It’s simply about keeping it fresh, fun and comfortable in every sense. With the right fabrics, colours and accessories, you'll look and feel ready for anything, from heartfelt toasts to killer dancefloor moves.
Shop Van Heusen’s summer wedding collection today and enjoy free shipping on orders above $100!