The best suits under $400 & what to wear to summer weddings

Confirmed by Bridal Celebrations of metro Detroit, June is the most popular month to get hitched. (This is primarily because the highest number of proposals are in December.)

Having recently styled a family for their son’s wedding, I understand just how much effort goes into finding the apparel of those attending the wedding (i.e. people that aren’t told what to wear). While women have a more difficult task, multiple weddings in the same circle of friends can pose repeat offender situations, men also debate over what to show up in.

So what’s a guy to wear to all those summer weddings? Unless you are attending a wedding in Kennebunkport, Maine, where a seersucker suit fits in nicely, most will look stunning in a light grey, khaki or navy suit. Only when you own the basics (navy or black) do I suggest buying a suit you can only wear a few months out of the year- a linen or cotton suit for example.

Another suggestion: have fun with colors and patterns! Opt for light colored shirts, plaids, ginghams and checks. The same holds true for your ties. However, don’t wear them together (a plaid shirt with a plaid tie), it will look busy and as if you were trying too hard to be different.

If you want to make a statement, concentrate on one element and tone down the rest. For example, if you want to wear a plaid shirt, then pair it with a solid tie. Favor a seersucker tie? Then mix it with a solid colored shirt.

For an even more summertime look, wear your pants with ‘no break.’ Go for cropped or cuffed pants if attending a beach wedding. Remember to add a pocket square and tie bar, it’s the details that get you noticed.

This month’s issue of GQ has an article entitled, The Best Suits Under $400. Grab a copy the next time you’re out. (It isn’t listed on their site.) Among the picks are suits by Calvin Klein ($296), Perry Ellis ($245) and Tallia Orange ($395).