How to dress for a summer wedding — and not overheat
We turn to the British brand with links to Prince Harry and Eton for their top tips
Words: Jonathan Wells
If you hadn’t heard, there’s a Royal Wedding coming up. Of course, from the constant coverage to mad memorabilia, it’s been hard to avoid. But, whilst we see debates around who will be Prince Harry’s best man, or watch people bet on the song to which the couple will have their first dance, no-one is asking the question we all want answering.
Namely, when we go to a wedding this summer — because, unless you’re very lucky, you’re probably not popping down to St. George’s Chapel on May 19 — what should we wear? Dressing for a wedding can be difficult at the best of times, but when the temperature hits the heights that we’re promised this summer, how can we keep the balance between sartorial sophistication and comfort?
Enter New & Lingwood. Just a stone’s throw from Windsor Castle, New & Lingwood is a brand with over 150 years of rich English heritage. And, what’s more, it has form dressing both wedding guests and royalty; its roots lie within Eton; the College attended by both Prince William and Prince Harry.
We turned to New & Lingwood’s Product and Marketing Director, Simon Maloney, for his tips on how to dress for a summer wedding. With gentlemen straying from traditional attire and experimenting with colours and patterns, it can be hard to get the tone right. But stick to these tips and you won’t go far wrong.
Experiment with different colours and textures
“Stand out from the crowd and be brave this wedding season,” says Maloney. “For something less conventional, experiment with different colours and textures to showcase your personal flair and style – always make sure that the use of different scales of patterns complement one another rather than fight. Never wear more than three patterns together!”
Choose lighter weight fabrics to keep cool
“In warmer seasons or climates, you’d be best advised choose lighter weight fabrics for comfort,” advises Maloney. “After all, you don’t want to look like you’re overheated and on the verge of collapse in the photos!
“Choose high-twist, tropical wools or linens, which are specifically made to keep you cool. Be it classic navy or cooler shades, a crisp shirt in white, pale blue, ivory or pink will set it off to perfection.”
If it’s a traditional wedding, keep things conservative
“Traditional weddings call for classic dressing and attention to detail. Guests should opt for a timeless three-piece day suit in navy or grey whilst the groom should be dressed in more formal black tails, perhaps with grey trousers and a light waistcoat – pale blue or cream works well.”
If there’s no dress code, add personality
“When the invitation doesn’t specify a dress code, always opt for a sharp-yet understated look,” says Maloney. “The cocktail dress-code gives gentleman freedom to add personality, push the boundaries and encapsulate everything they admire in fashion while keeping it tasteful.”
Evening weddings, even in summer, call for black tie
“An evening wedding calls for black tie. Opt for a classic black dinner jacket or a dark suit for a sophisticated and elegant look. Don’t forget a pocket square and tie, they’re a great way to add a personal touch or burst of colour. “
Got bigger responsibilities on the big day? Here’s our guide to nailing the best man’s speech…
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