Summer Wedding Season has Returned

This weekend marks the official start of summer. With the return of warm and sunny weather you can expect things such as summer concerts, clam bakes, and graduation parties. It also signals the start of the biggest wedding season–and you should absolutely take the time of year into consideration when putting an outfit together.

1. Summer means lighter colors. A tan suit will fit right in, seasonally appropriate and just a little bit different. Just be sure your accessories—shirt, tie, pocket square—help you stand out. This is a celebration, not a day at the office.

2. Dressing for a wedding is about standing out from the crowd without overshadowing the wedding party–a delicate balance. Bold but not ostentatious, a crisp windowpane jacket catches the eye without screaming “LOOK AT ME!”

3. A bow tie adds just the right touch of playful flare to a happy celebration. You’ll look right at home on the dance floor, in other words. You’ll also undoubtedly impress your peers with your advanced knot-tying skills.

4. Lighter fabrics are ideal for warm weather. A summer weddings mean it’s time to pull your linen or seersucker suit out of the closet where it’s been languishing all winter. Either one imparts a look of relaxed sophistication to its wearer. And the lighter colors are perfect for the season, too.

5. Don’t want to buy a whole new outfit? Not to worry–assuming it fits properly, that light gray suit you wear to work every week can be a fine option. It’s the details that will make it pop. A snazzy dress shirt with an accompanying tie and pocket square will help elevate your wardrobe to the occasion.

Finally, there are a few things you’ll want to avoid:

–Going too casual. This should be a no-brainer–avoid sneakers, jeans, t-shirts, and similar items.

–Upstaging the wedding party. The last thing you want is to show up in full evening wear when the groomsmen are wearing Hawaiian shirts. Check beforehand if the level of formality isn’t made clear on the invitations.

–Evening wear before the evening. You can get away with wearing a tux to a late-afternoon wedding if the reception will be stretching into the night, but the general rule of no formalwear before 5pm still stands.

–Blending in. This is subjective, sure. But it’s a wedding. You want people to notice you. Ideally it will be because of how sharp you look (and possibly for your skills on the dance floor).

Whatever approach you take, you should be able to find a look that’s true to the season and the event, but still fits your own personal style. Most importantly: have fun!