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Weddings

How to Be a Stylish Groom, Based on Dress Code

Want to bring your wardrobe A game on the big day? Here’s how to figure out exactly what to wear, based on your wedding theme and personal style.

groom wearing navy blue suit poses with bride carrying bouquet
Chris Hardin Photography

groom wearing navy blue suit poses with bride carrying bouquet
Chris Hardin Photography

Being stylish on your wedding day doesn’t mean you have to stick to a specific trend or dress code. Instead, you should focus on putting thought into an outfit that will make you feel like the best version of yourself, whether that means wearing a snazzy tuxedo or simply rocking a nice sport coat and dress pants. And because knowing how to dress appropriately for any occasion is fundamental to being stylish, your wedding attire should also be a reflection of your venue, wedding season, and theme. But with all of this in mind, finding the right suit or tuxedo for your big day might seem like a hefty task, which is why we’ve partnered with the menswear experts at Generation Tux to bring you these inspirational ideas. Below, you’ll find our suggestions on what you should wear as the groom, depending on the overall look and aesthetic you’re going for. 

Check out our favorite groom’s style ideas for any dress code right here.

groomsmen wearing blue suits surround the groom
Mandy Ford Photography

Updated classic

Black and gray will always be go-to colors when it comes to traditional wedding attire, but for an updated classic look, consider rocking something blue instead. Whether you choose navy blue, light blue, or something in between, this color is a great option for bridging the gap between timeless and trendy styles. Blue pairs well with both brown and black, making it a versatile color that can be worn for nearly any setting, season, or dress code. Our recommendation: For a sophisticated (but not stuffy) vibe, wear a Mystic Blue three-piece suit in a fitted silhouette. Pair your suit with brown leather dress shoes, a crisp white collared shirt, and a white pocket square. Dressing your groomsmen in identical blue suits and matching ties will create a sleek look — choose a floral patterned tie for yourself to stand out as the groom.

bride holding white wedding bouquet kisses groom wearing blue-green suit
Elicia Bryan Photography

Fashion-forward

If you’re a risk-taker when it comes to your everyday style, you’re probably already thinking about stepping up your fashion game on the big day, too. Make a statement by wearing a suit or tuxedo in the latest eye-catching color: blue-green. The unique jewel tone is inspired by this year’s top wedding color palettes, which are all about the return of bold and vibrant hues. From bohemian weddings in the woods to swanky ballroom celebrations, wearing a blue-green suit on your big day is definitely bound to turn some heads, but this color is easier to pull off than you might expect (the color pictured here is called Slate Blue). Since this non-traditional hue will attract enough attention on its own, keep the rest of your look streamlined and sharp. Go easy on the colorful accessories and prints — stick with solid, neutral colors instead to achieve an outfit that’s fashionable without being over the top.

bride and groom in formal attire walk with their wedding party
Carrie King Photographer

Formal

Your wedding day is a fabulous opportunity to get totally dressed up. After all, how often do you have an excuse to go full-on James Bond in a tuxedo and a bow tie? Because a classic black tux will never go out of style, this is a smart choice if you’re going for timeless attire or are having a wedding on the more traditional side. We love this look if you’re getting married at a glamorous ballroom, historical museum, country club, or other swanky venue. The best part? Tuxedos aren’t just limited to the color black — you can easily find styles in dark blue, gray, and even white (major throwback vibes), so you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to choosing one that makes you feel like a million bucks. 

groomsmen in light gray suits with blush pink ties at outdoor wedding venue
Megan Kelsey Photography

Laid-back

Whether you’re getting married at a vineyard, a countryside barn, or on the beach, choosing a venue that prompts a more casual dress code doesn’t mean that you have to skimp on style. In fact, you should still put just as much thought into your wedding day look! It might sound contradictory, but there is such a thing as an informal suit — typically, they’re made from lightweight fabrics, including merino wool, linen, or even cotton. Suits in lighter colors (indigo, pale gray, and tan are a few options) can also help you achieve a pulled-together-yet-relaxed look on the big day. We love this group of groomsmen who kept their attire coordinated but comfortable with matching Gray Sharkskin suits (sans vests) and blush pink ties. This look would fit right in at an outdoor fall wedding!

bride and groom kiss as they walk down the aisle and wedding party cheers
Sarah Brookhart Photography

Eclectic

Want to create a one-of-a-kind ensemble for your wedding day? Don’t be shy about mixing and matching different suits or tuxedos to build a unique combination. These days, menswear is all about personalization and bespoke pieces, which means it’s definitely okay to break the rules in order to achieve a wedding day look that’s totally your own. Try pairing suits, jackets, and vests together in different colors and/or fabrics until you find what works for you. This groom added a charcoal gray vest to his Mystic Blue peak lapel suit for a stylish, vintage-inspired twist, while the groomsmen donned blue vests to match their suits. The men completed their looks with burgundy ties as a nod to the bridesmaids’ dresses and the ribbons on the bride’s bouquet. 

smiling bride and groom walk down a city street holding hands
Wild Jasmine Photography

Minimalist

For the groom who wants to look good while also keeping it simple, a slim-fit suit will do the trick. A simple tailored jacket and pants in a dark color, such as a black or navy blue suit, will give your wedding day attire a modern vibe without the fuss — an ideal route if you don’t want to feel too buttoned up or restricted by a vest, cummerbund, or suspenders. A colorful tie, like this patterned lavender style, will add just the right amount of personality to your outfit while also complementing your wedding theme.