Lounge might be one of the most confusing terms in menswear as it doesn’t help you
visualise its meaning. In essence, though, lounge suits are your stereotypical, single-breasted business suits in
navy and grey. While those corporate tones aren’t necessarily the most exciting in the canon of menswear colours,
they are formal and traditional, so it’s advised you stay within those parameters.
The good thing is that you can experiment with what you pair them with. For instance;
contrast collar shirts, crazy ties to get the party started, and a range of accessories that make getting dressed a
pleasurable experience. From braces to boutonnieres, there are many accents you incorporate so you don’t feel like
you’re dressed for the office. Stay away from your flannels for obvious reasons, and opt for clear-cut worsted
wools, and if it’s really hot where you’re going, linen. Although, wool is par for the course.
If you receive an invitation for a summer wedding that reads cocktail suits, you’re
in luck as it’s arguably the most enjoyable dress code a wedding can have for a number of reasons. Firstly, you have
more options than you can think of, plus a motive to purchase that ‘out-there’ suit that you’ve always wanted.
Secondly, the floodgates are wide open when wearing a cocktail suit, and you don’t have to wear a tie or even socks
with a casual loafer. Lastly, it bodes well for how fun the wedding will likely be.
As it’s a summer wedding, your suit should be unlined and with little to no structure
to keep you cool and comfortable in the heat and into the evening. This will instill in you a sense of freedom to
let loose within reason. In terms of fabrics, you can wear anything from a solid colour to more vibrant checks and
patterns, but the general rule of thumb is to choose a fabric that performs in hot weather, such as a high-twist
wool, linen, cotton, wool/silk/linen blend, or, the most exciting, seersucker.
When a wedding invitation requires you to wear a dinner suit, wear a dinner suit.
There’s nothing worse than being the odd one out – not just for yourself and the embarrassment of it, but also for
the bride and the groom. The good news is that you’re guaranteed good times, as all black tie parties somehow
deliver the necessary moments.
As with the two dress codes above, for the sake of your own health and wellbeing,
your dinner suit must be unlined and as deconstructed as possible. After all, they’re usually cut from either black
and midnight navy wool which will absorb all that heat. On the other hand, if you wish to make a statement you can
opt for a white dinner jacket that is strikingly elegant and sophisticated.
